How to select an outdoor antenna for a 4G/5G Router

Before you start the search for an outdoor antenna for your router, consider the following questions:

• Do you need a cellular antenna, WiFi, GPS, or something that combines these connections?
• How/ where do you need to mount and how far is it in relation to your cellular router?
  • This will help determine the amount of cable needed.
  • Does the antenna include cable? Is it enough or will you need more?
• Will your application be traveling or stationary?
  • Most travel applications and locations in more suburban/ urban areas should use an omnidirectional antenna
  • Use a Directional antenna if there is little to no obstructions between your location and the cell tower, and:
    • You are in a weak signal location  
    • There is only one tower in your area
• What cellular frequencies does your router support?
  • Ensure you select an antenna that covers the same, or more frequencies than your router. These are listed in the specifications of your router and the antennas.
• What type of connectors does your router use, and how many ports are there?
  • This will allow you to confirm the connector type(s) needed on the antenna cable. 
• Does the antenna need to meet certain size requirements?

Gain

Gain is another factor to consider when selecting your antenna. Gain can be thought about like focusing the signal. The higher the gain, the more focused the antenna is on the signal in a particular direction. For an omnidirectional antenna, imagine a ball that flattens, extending outward. For a directional antenna, imagine a cone is made longer but the base of the cone is made smaller. A lower gain antenna might not have as much range as a high gain antenna, but it does allow for a wider degree of sight to the tower. This can be important to note for mobile applications, especially marine as boats will rock on the water at varying degrees. 

Frequencies (from Peplink)*

• Low band: 600-960MHz
• Mid band: 1700-2700MHz
• High band: 3400-4200MHz (5G)
• ISM band: 5100-6000MHz (5G)

*The frequency band naming is not official and was made for easier explanation and comparison.

Example Antenna Solutions

Note the specs at the links below. Some include cable, which range in length from 6-15ft, others do not include any cable. 

*MiMO Antenna Solutions

When you have a device that requires multiple antenna connections, look mainly at products from MobileMark, Panorama, Pepwave, and Poynting.

*SiSO Antenna Solutions

When you only need a single antenna connection, look mainly at products from MobileMark, Panorama, Poynting, and SureCall.

Location of Install

If needed, further narrow down results by the type of location you will be installing the antenna.

*Fixed MiMO

This list includes mobile antennas, which can be used with included or additional mounting hardware for fixed installation.

*Mobile MiMO

If you need assistance selecting an appropriate antenna, don’t hesitate to reach out to the 5Gstore team by phone or chat!