GSM antennas and Cellular antennas are general terms for antennas that are used to amplify signals. However, these antennas differ considerably in their specifications and applications. For example, it is possible to have a 2G antenna that is only suitable for the GSM network. On the other hand, there are 2G/3G antennas that can be used not only for GSM, but also for UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System).
Different networks
- GSM network: This network is used for calling and texting.
- UMTS network: This network is used for internet
- LTE network: This network makes 4G possible.
- 5G New Radio: This network makes 5G possible
- MIMO network: This network is used to transmit data to send data traffic over the various transmit and receive antennas.
- LoRaWAN network: This network is used for Internet Of Things (IoT) for communication between device and device or system and system.
LTE and NR antennas
With the introduction of 4G and 5G, the possibilities have expanded further. A 4G antenna is designed for LTE (Long Term Evolution) and supports a wide range of frequencies, including 700, 800, 900, 1800, 1900, 2100 and 2600 MHz. This makes them more versatile than older antennas. A 5G antenna, also known as NR (New Radio), offers even faster data transfer and lower latency, and operates on a new set of frequencies that typically range from 600 MHz to 100 GHz, depending on the implementation.
Choosing the right antenna based on the intended application and the available frequency bands is essential. Choosing an antenna that not only supports the right frequencies, but is also optimized for the specific technology (2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G), is crucial for good mobile coverage and network performance.
Installation and positioning
In addition, it is important to consider how these antennas are installed and positioned. Proper placement can significantly improve signal quality and range. Antennas can be installed both internally and externally, depending on the needs of the network and the environment.
Future developments
When selecting an antenna, it is also important to consider future developments. The demand for faster and more reliable mobile connections is constantly growing, which means that investing in suitable antenna solutions can pay off in the long term. By looking ahead and choosing the right antenna, you can ensure an optimal network experience for users in an ever-changing technological landscape.
Influenceable signal amplifiers
5 Important Factors for the Power of Your Signal Booster
- Amplification of the outdoor antenna
- Loss of cable between outdoor antenna and signal booster
- Signal amplifier gain
- Loss of cable between signal booster and internal antenna
- Internal antenna reinforcement
While the amplifier will do most of the work, the right choice of cellular antenna can give your system an extra boost, especially useful in areas with weak signal.
What does an outdoor antenna do and how do you use it?
An outdoor antenna, also called a donor antenna, captures the existing signal on the mobile frequency bands and connects it to a signal amplifier for amplification. These antennas are usually wideband and can capture a signal in the range of 698-2700 MHz.Installing an outdoor antenna is the first and often the most difficult step in setting up a signal boosting system. This is due to several factors:
- The antenna should be placed in a location with the strongest signal, usually on the roof of the building.
- Many antennas require precise tuning, especially directional antennas such as Yagi antennas, which must be pointed at a nearby transmission tower.
- The antenna must be wired correctly and this cable must be routed indoors to the signal booster.
Points 1 and 3 apply to all outdoor antennas, while point 2 depends on the type of outdoor antenna you use.
How do you avoid signal oscillation between cellular antennas?
Oscillation is a feedback loop between two antennas caused by them being installed too close to each other. This can be remedied by increasing the distance between the antennas.
How to prevent signal booster overload
Overload can occur when your amplifier receives too much signal, which can cause the amplifier to switch off. This can easily be solved by weakening the signal using attenuators or by placing the antenna in an area with a weaker signal.
Models
There are different models available such as; fixed (base) antennas, magnetic antennas, omnidirectional antennas, directional antennas, window (stick-on) antennas, dome (looks like a hockey puck)
Yagi antennas:
A Yagi antenna is a directional antenna that enhances radiation in one direction. This antenna is ideal for home and commercial installations because it provides greater range and gain.
Omnidirectional antennas: and their installation
Omnidirectional antennas pick up signals from all directions, making them easier to install. They are ideal for environments with strong to medium signal strength.Log-Periodic Dipole Array (LPDA) antennas
LPDA antennas offer the highest power and range of the three types of antennas. They are highly directional and therefore more difficult to tune, but are the best option in rural areas or areas with weak signals.Indoor antennas
Indoor antennas transmit the signal picked up by the outdoor antenna to the inside. They come in two types; panel antennas and dome antennas.
Panel antennas
Panel antennas transmit signals in a directional cone and are ideal for areas with a lot of indoor interference such as thick walls and metal surfaces.
Dome antennas
Dome antennas are mounted on the ceiling and transmit the amplified signal in a 360 degree horizontal range. They are ideal for open spaces without much indoor interference.
Vehicle antennas
Vehicle antennas are smaller, portable versions of indoor and outdoor antennas. They are of the omnidirectional type because vehicles are constantly moving.
Magnetic antennas
These antennas attach magnetically to a vehicle's frame and provide minimal gain, but are easy to install.
Over-the-Road (OTR) antennas
- OTR antennas are designed for large vehicles such as trucks and RVs and provide more power and range than magnetic antennas.
- NMO antennas: permanent installations for commercial vehicles
- NMO antennas are intended for commercial fleet vehicles and provide a fixed, high-performance solution for mobile signal amplification.
Choosing the right antennas and installing them correctly can significantly improve your signal amplification performance, whether you're at home, in the office, or on the go.
Helium miners
Helium miners provide LoRaWAN and 5G network coverage to enable IoT devices to connect.
Helium is an innovative solution that provides a distributed blockchain network, allowing IoT devices to easily connect to each other. While WiFi supports these devices, it also brings privacy concerns. Therefore, there is a growing need for a blockchain-based LoRaWAN network, which facilitates the connectivity of IoT devices in a secure manner.
Helium's decentralized design provides up to 200x more coverage than traditional Wi-Fi networks for IoT applications.
