4G on the move - a simple guide for optimal reception!

Everybody knows that the 4G networks can bring huge advantages in terms of download speed over and above 3G and 2G networks, but users of 4G networks are just as likely to experience network coverage issues with varying levels of reception and signal strength depending on where they are. So what do we need to consider to ensure we get optimal reception when out and about or when we do not have access to fixed line infrastructure?

Typically, when using 2G and 3G networks, external antennas have been used to deliver increases in signal
strength to wireless devices in fringe areas of coverage. Active repeaters, amplifiers and boosters have licensing issues in quite a number of countries meaning that it can be illegal to use them without network operator consent notwithstanding the cost of the repeater, antennas, accessories etc. Using a passive (and this doesn't necessarily exclude high gain) antenna connected to the router, modem, donge or access point can provide tangible improvements in signal strength, but, depending on the type of antenna deployed, can come at a cost, so let's review the options.

There are a wide number of choices for mobile antennas depending on how or where you locate the antenna - antennas can be window-mounted via adhesive or suction cup, terminal-mounted i.e. fitting the antenna directly onto the router, modem or dongle, alternatively they can be magnetic-mounted on for example a vehicle roof. Two other slightly more permanent ways of mounting mobile antennas can be rail-mounting i.e. on a rail of a boat or screw/stud mounting where the antenna is mounted by way of an integrated stud through a hole in a flat surface (vehicle roof, product enclosure, narrowboat deck etc.).

The performance of such antennas can vary greatly. In most cases size does matter and as a rule of thumb the larger the antenna, the better performance (higher gain) that is on offer. Some antenna solutions such as magnetic antennas can be quite small, but pack quite a punch in terms of performance because they use the metal surface they mount on in order to radiate optimally (do a web search for the LTE-HIGAIN-MAG mag antenna as an example of a high gain, but smallish 4G magnetic antenna). But generally speaking, if you are deploying a very small antenna it is highly likely you will be compromising performance. Obviously though, when you are out and about the last thing you want to do is be lugging round a huge base station antenna on your back, but on the other hand you don't want to use something that is going to make little difference to your signal strength!

When using 4G services, many devices are now MIMO i.e. they have two antenna ports to maximise performance, therefore it might be prudent to consider using a 4G MIMO antennas. It must be noted, however, that most 4G MIMO antennas are not that small or portable so this may prove to be a disadvantage of this technology. The WA700_2700 window-mounted MIMO antenna from Pulse is one exception to the rule and can be suction cup mounted to a vehicle window.

Moving the signal is also an important concept. In a lot of cases it doesn't make sense to locate the 3G/4G antenna right next to the router/modem/dongle. Depending on your location, it might make sense to locate the antenna outside your vehicle, caravan, boat, narrowboat, yacht, cruiser etc and run low loss cable to the device - this means that the antenna picks up the optimal signal and whilst you may suffer a couple of dB signal loss across the cable, the net effect at the device is that the signal is stronger than if the antenna were located at the device. An example in a narrowboat is that a high gain magnetic antenna is located above deck on a metal surface (roof) where the signal is stronger and the router/modem/dongle is located below deck near the user. The much stronger signal above deck is then moved below (minus a couple of dB loss across the cable) to device meaning a net improvement in received signal strength, stability of signal and more often than not improved download speeds.

Another consideration is to locate the antenna and router/modem/dongle in an area of good signal and then use WiFi  (or even Ethernet cable) to distribute the internet access to other areas. Thereby the 4G reception is optimal and users elsewhere in the vehicle/on the boat/in the caravan use WiFI to connect.

It is also wise to check (if possible) what frequency your 4G is operating at - across Europe 4G services are being offered at a variety of frequencies including 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2600 MHz - so it is vital to make sure that the antenna you select does indeed support the 4G frequency you are using. For example, some 4G antennas do not operate at 800 MHz which means that in some locations you will not pick up 4G reception at all.

For further advice on your mobile 4G antenna selection, please feel free to visit our websites for a full portfolio of antenna products and RF accessories.

Mounting your Aruba or Cisco Access Point outside? Here's a neat, secure, weatherproof solution.

Outdoor wireless deployments can be challenging. Once the network design is done, integrators need to consider how install the Access Point securely, but also protect it in all types of weather. PCTEL has a range of NEMA-rated, weatherpoof, outdoor acccess point enclosures tailored to Aruba and Cisco APs.

PCTEL Weatherproof Access Point Enclosure

 A fully weatherproof polycarbonate enclosure, this is a robust solution for outdoor environments including hot, wet and/or dusty installations. There are a range of models depending on the type of access point being installed and each enclosure has a suitable mounting footprint for a specific AP.

For more information, availability, demo units and pricing, please contact us.

SMP MIMO 4G/Multiband Panel antenna from Sirio

Sirio has announced the pending arrival of a  4G/Multiband MIMO version of its popular SMP-918-9 GSM/3G high-gain directional panel antenna. With a gain of ~ 5 dBi on the 790-960 MHz band and ~ 8 dBi on the 1710-2700 MHz band, the SMP-MIMO offers a compact antenna solution where a directional aerial is required.

It is anticipated that this antenna will be available for production orders by the end of Q3 2014.

For more information, please contact us.

What is Passive Intermodulation (PIM) and are there low PIM antennas for 4G in-building wireless networks?

In 4G/LTE, 3G and GSM networks, RF perfomance can be significantly affected by PIM (Passive Intermodulation) issues. In simple terms, PIM is a RF interference problem where 2 or high power signals mix across a passive component such as an antenna, connector, RF cable or duplexer. The presence of PIM in the transmission path may result in lower data throughputs, in calls being disconnected or dropped or limit the overall capacity/performance of the network.

Especially in new wireless in-building environments, we are seeing the advent of specific low PIM antennas which combat the problems of PIM and help to ensure that network performance is optimised.

The first low PIM 4G/Multiband antenna available through SAS in the UK is the Laird CMD69273P - a low PIM ceiling mount antenna covered worldwide 4G/cellular frequencies from 700-2700 MHz. Housed in a discrete radome, the CMD69273P is an effective performer for multi-band in-building deployments. Small quantities can be purchased via our webshop.

CMD69273P

For a directional 4G/Multiband MIMO antenna with low PIM capability, the Laird PAS69278P has been announced. It is a wide-band dual-port panel antenna with slant 45 polarization that covers the domestic LTE700/Cellular/PCS/AWS/MDS and global GSM900/GSM1800/UMTS/LTE2600 bands.

PAS69278P MIMO Low Pim Directional antenna

This directional antenna offers a minimum of 8 dBi gain on both antenna elements and is terminated in N-Female connectors.

PCTEL announces a number of in-building low PIM solutions pending.

PCTEL has also announced a number of new Low PIM antennas pending release so please contact us with your low PIM antenna requirements.

Introducing a new 4G/LTE Wideband Terminal Antenna

EAD has introduced a new 4G/LTE wideband terminal antenna. Covering frequencies fom 698-960 and 1710-2700 MHz, the WTR7270 covers all 4G, LTE, 3G, GSM and cellular bands in one antenna. From the same family as the popular PTR2100 antenna, the WTR7270 is terminated in a SMA-Male connector.

WTR7270 4G Wideband Antenna

The specification can be downloaded at www.ead-ltd.com.

For more information, please contact us.

Weighing up antenna options for 915 MHz? Here are some considerations..

If you are designing or developing wireless applications using the 915 MHz ISM band, choosing the correct antenna for your application can be critical is ensuring your RF perforamnce is optimal. I thought it might be interesting for people working on 915 MHz (or the 900 MHz band more generally) projects, if I listed out a number of diverse external antenna products to aid the developer's understanding of available solutions on the market.

1/4 Wave Whip Antenna

A terminal-mount short 1/4 wave moulded whip antenna (requires a groundplane to mount on) with RP-SMA or SMA connectors typically (TNC, BNC are also possible). Suitable for fixed and portable terminals.

915 MHz Whip Antenna RP-SMA

 1/4 Wave Whip Antenna with Flying Lead

Similar to the antenna above, this 915 MHz 1/4 Wave whip antenna has stud at the bottom for permanent mounting and a RG174 flying lead to connect the antenna to terminal. This antenna can be used for both fixed and portable applications.

915 Mhz Whip with Flying Lead

Stub Antenna

A 1/4 wave helical stubby antenna with a sheath length of approximately 55mm. This is again suitable for fixed and portable applications. The connector at the bottom can be SMA or RP-SMA and either straight or right angle. This antenna should be mounted onto a groundplane.

915 MHz Stubby Antenna

Swivel Dipole Antenna

A 1/2 wave dipole antenna for 915 MHz with either SMA or RP-SMA. The antenna can lock in vertical or horiztonal positions or at 45 degrees if required.  This antenna is groundplane indepenent so can be mounted onto non-metal (i.e. ABC, PC etc.) terminals.

915 MHz Swivel Dipole

Waterproof Compact Omni Antenna

For outdoor applications, a compact waterproof 915 MHz omni antenna might be the solution. Where a robust, weatherpoof dipole-like antenna is required, this antenna is discrete yet durable and flexible to accomodate a range of applications.

915 MHz Waterproof Compact Omni Antennas

Available with a variety of connectors including SMA, RP-SMA, N-Type, TNC,  RP-TNC with straight and some right angle versions, these antennas a Flame retardent, UV-resistant sheath and there are versions at 915 MHz for mounting onto metal or non-metal surfaces. A through hole (stud mount) version is also available based on a N-Female Panel mount connector (with O-Ring for a watertight seal plus washer and nut for locking in place onto the enclosure.

Outdoor Wall-Mount Omni Antenna

For small, wall-mounted antennas, then the wall-mounted version of the above compact omni might be well worth taking a look at. This antenna is supplied with the flame retardent and UV-resistant sheath terminated in N-Female connector and mounted on a stainless steel bracket. Jumper cables can be specified to order depending on the grade of cable required for the length of cable run required - the jumper cable requires a N-Male Plug to connect to the antenna.

915 MHz Compact Wall-Mount Omni
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Directional Panel Antenna

A 10 dBi directional 915 MHz panel antenna for wall-mount and pole mount applications. Terminated in either a low loss cable or simply a N-Female connector, this antenna measures approximately 200x200x40mm and is housed in a weatherproof LURAN enclosure.

915 MHz Directional High Gain Panel Antenna
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These are standard off-the-shelf 915 MHz products. This listing is not exhaustive, but is designed to give you some food for thought. For further information and for other 915 MHz antenna requirements, please contact us at sales@ead-ltd.com.

4G/LTE MIMO Ceiling Mount Antenna with LOW PIM for Indoor Wireless and DAS

A new 4G/LTE ceiling mount MIMO omni antenna designed for indoor wireless deployments has been released. The low PIM (passive intermodulation) CMD69273P is ideal for multiband indoor and DAS applications requiring a single antenna to cover 4G, 3G and 2G cellular bands.

CMD69273P Low PIM ceiling mount antenna

This new antenna is aesthetically neutral, is low profile and covers all European cellular frequency bands from 790-2700 MHz as well as having 2 antenna radiating elements to optimize RF performance.

For more information and availability (this product can now be purchased online at the Connex webshop), please call +44 1280 824055 or e-mail us at sales@ead-ltd.com