How To Compare High Gain 5G Antennas

If you are looking for high gain antenna options for 5G cellular, you might be overwhelmed by the variety of products available on the market. In this blog post, I will review some of the most popular and reliable antennas for 5G and compare their features, performance, and prices. I will also discuss the pros and cons of each antenna and give you some tips on how to choose the best one for your needs.

What is a High Gain Antenna?

A high gain antenna is an antenna that has a higher directivity than a standard antenna. Directivity is a measure of how well an antenna focuses its radiation in a certain direction. A high gain antenna can improve the signal strength and quality of your 5G connection by reducing interference and noise from other sources. A high gain antenna can also extend the range and coverage of your 5G network by allowing you to communicate with more distant base stations.

However, a high gain antenna also has some drawbacks. A high gain antenna usually has a narrower beam width than a standard antenna, which means that it covers a smaller area. A high gain antenna also requires more precise alignment and positioning to achieve optimal performance. A high gain antenna may also be more expensive and bulky than a standard antenna.

High Gain Antennas for Mass Transportation

One of the emerging applications of 5G technology is in the field of mass transportation. Trains, buses, and other public transportation vehicles are increasingly being equipped with 5G connectivity to provide passengers with high-speed internet access during their journey. This requires antennas that are not only high gain but also robust enough to withstand the harsh outdoor environment.

High Gain Antenna Options for 5G Cellular

There are many types of high gain antennas for 5G cellular, such as parabolic, horn, yagi, panel, and dish antennas. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the frequency band, polarization, size, shape, and design of the antenna. 

How to Compare and Contrast the Antennas?

When comparing and contrasting the antennas, you should consider the following factors:

Frequency band: The frequency band refers to the range of frequencies that an antenna can receive or transmit. Different 5G carriers and devices use different frequency bands, so you should choose an antenna that matches your carrier’s band. For example, if your carrier uses the C-band (3.4 GHz to 4.2 GHz), you should choose an antenna that supports this band.

Polarization: The polarization refers to the orientation of the electric field of the radio wave. There are two types of polarization: linear and circular. Linear polarization can be either horizontal or vertical, while circular polarization can be either right-hand or left-hand. Different 5G carriers and devices use different polarizations, so you should choose an antenna that matches your carrier’s polarization. For example, if your carrier uses right-hand circular polarization, you should choose an antenna that supports this polarization.

Gain: The gain refers to the ratio of the power radiated by an antenna in a certain direction to the power radiated by an isotropic antenna (a theoretical antenna that radiates equally in all directions). The higher the gain, the stronger the signal in that direction. However, higher gain also means narrower beamwidth, which means less coverage area.

Beamwidth: The beamwidth refers to the angle between the two directions in which the power radiated by an antenna drops by half from its maximum value. The narrower the beamwidth, the more focused the signal in that direction. However, narrower beamwidth also means less coverage area.

Size: The size refers to the physical dimensions of the antenna. The larger the size, the higher the gain and directivity of the antenna. However, larger size also means more weight,space, and cost.

Design: The design refers to the shape and structure of the antenna. Different designs have different effects on the performance and aesthetics of the antenna.

Choosing the Best Antenna for Your Needs

Here are some tips:

Ask your manufacturer for recommendations: As an example, we provide some options for our customers who are looking for high gain antennas for our multi-sim broadband bonding devices. More often than not, manufacturers have real-life experience with various antennas and configurations and therefore are a good source for recommendations.

Determine your budget: High gain antennas vary in price depending on their features and quality. You should set a reasonable budget for your antenna purchase and compare different options within your budget range.

Determine your location: High gain antennas work best in areas where there is a clear line of sight between the antenna and the base station. You should check your location’s signal strength and direction using an app or a website such as CellMapper or OpenSignal. You should also check for any potential obstacles or interference sources such as buildings, trees, or other devices.

Determine your installation: High gain antennas require proper installation to achieve optimal performance. You should consider whether you want to install your antenna indoors or outdoors, on a wall or ceiling, or on a pole or mast. You should also consider whether you need professional help or can do it yourself.

Determine your preference: High gain antennas have different looks and styles that may affect your preference. You should choose an antenna that suits your taste and matches your environment.

Once you have chosen your antenna, there are a few best practices and pointers that you may want to consider when using the high-gain antenna:

Antenna Placement: Position the antennas in locations that optimize signal reception. Ensure there are minimal obstructions such as buildings, trees, or other objects that can block the line of sight between the antennas and the cellular base station. Higher placement (e.g., rooftop or elevated poles) generally leads to better performance.

Cable Selection: Select high-quality coaxial cables with low signal loss to connect the antennas to the modem/router. The cable length should be kept as short as possible to minimize attenuation and signal degradation.

Cable Routing: Properly route the cables to minimize interference and maintain signal integrity. Avoid running cables near sources of electromagnetic interference (e.g., power cables or heavy machinery) that can introduce noise.

Connector Compatibility: Ensure that the Connectors on the antenna cables match the connectors on the modem/router. Common connector types for 5G Antennas include SMA, N-Type, or TNC connectors. Use adapters if necessary but be aware that they can introduce additional signal loss.

Signal Alignment: Fine-tune the antenna alignment to achieve the best signal strength and quality. Consider using signal measurement tools like signal strength meters or smartphone apps that provide signal information to help optimize antenna positioning.

Grounding: Properly ground the antennas and associated equipment to protect against electrical surges or lightning strikes. Follow local electrical codes and guidelines for grounding practices.

Modem/Router Configuration: Configure the cellular modem/router to ensure it is compatible with the high gain antennas. Consult the device’s documentation for specific instructions on how to optimize settings for external antenna usage, such as selecting the appropriate antenna ports or enabling antenna diversity features.

Testing and Monitoring: Regularly monitor and test the system’s performance after installation. Use tools like speed tests or network monitoring software to evaluate signal strength, data throughput, and overall network quality.

High-gain antennas can be a nice performance boost, especially when used together with multi-sim 4G/5G routers that are capable of bonding 2 or more 4G/5G modems and therefore presents a noteworthy approach for your connectivity on the go.