fixed installed routers - external antennas (white paper)

MiMo Antennas for Wireless Routers –

Fixed Installations

Version 1.0 – February 20, 2015

Author: Mats Lindquist

White Paper

2 © Panorama Antennas, Inc.

AbstractThis paper provides information in regards to specific, advanced MiMo antennas designed to optimize wireless performance, data rates and signal strength, when using a wireless router in a fixed/stationary application.

Table of ContentsChapter 1: Introduction Page 31-1 Appearance Page 31-2 Features and Advantages Page 41-3 Brief Technical Highlights Page 4

Chapter 2: Router Application with Antenna Page 52-1 Why Use an External Antenna Page 52-2 WMMG or WMM8G Page 62-3 Compatible Routers Page 62-4 External Antenna Installation Page 72-5 Good vs. Bad Antennas Page 8

Summary Page 9

Appendix A: WMMG Data Sheet Pages 10-15Appendix B: WMM8G Data Sheet Pages 16-20

3© Panorama Antennas, Inc.

IntroductionMost wireless routers on the market today are advanced machines that, if used right, will be a secure, stable & economic way to access the Internet, able to handle large packets of data at high speeds. The modern wireless router is designed to function very well in a location with good, to very good cellular/LTE wireless coverage.

The majority of fixed installations will be inside a structure (e.g., office, school, hotel, etc.). As building materials used for exterior and interior walls, windows and doors will reduce the signal strength in the cellular/LTE, in-building, an external antenna might be the solution. External antennas are easy to install, and once connected to the modem they require no maintenance or calibration. This paper will explain in simple terms as well as more in depth, technical terms what antenna types to choose and how to use them.

1.1 AppearanceThe WMMG and WMMG8 series antennas are small, box-shaped, white antennas that are designed primarily to meet certain electrical and mechanical performance standards. As these types of antennas are often visible and mounted in “plain sight”, special consideration was taken in regards to cosmetic appearance (Fig. 1a).This antenna has two 5 meter/16.4’, CS29, Low Loss cables exiting the bottom of the antenna. As a standard, both cables are terminated with SMA male/plug connectors (Fig 1b).

Fig. 1a


1.2 Features and AdvantagesThe WMMG and WMMG8 series antennas are designed to be mounted on either a flat vertical surface, such as a wall, or a vertically erected pole. Each antenna will ship with mounting brackets for both the wall and pole option, as well as a horizontal tilt bracket. These antennas are designed for either indoor or outdoor installations.

Using the proprietary CS29 Low Loss cable will ensure optimal performance across all 4G/LTE & Cellular frequencies, globally (698-960 / 1710-2700MHz).

The antenna housing is completely weather-proof, offering ingress protection equivalent to IP66. This housing is made from a UV stabilized, impact resistant ASA plastic material.

1.3 Brief Technical Highlights Advanced wireless modems, operating on cellular (including 4G/LTE) systems in the USA and most other western nations, are designed to use a Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MiMo)/Diversity technology to increase data rates and efficiency.

Detailed information for both WMMG and WMM8G is available in Appendix A and B.

• Efficiency-excludingcableloss(allbands):>70%• ElementIsolation:>20dB• CableLoss(Attenuation)@900MHz:1.5dB(5meter/16.4’)• CableLoss(Attenuation)@2GHz:2.25dB(5meter/16.4’)• ResonantatGPS&GLONASS(L1)frequenciespassive),1575MHz&1602MHz.

The correlation coefficient (or envelope correlation coefficient) is a measure of how independent different antenna ports are in a multiple antenna system. MiMo systems rely on diversity, requiring the antennas to be de-correlated (i.e., each antenna works independently of the other). The correlation coefficient can be calculated using the radiation patterns of each antenna or more frequently, in most multi path environments, using the antennas’ S parameters. The correlation coefficient for a two antenna system is calculated by using the formula:


It can be seen from the formula that the lowest value will be achieved when the VSWR of each antenna (S11 and S22) is low and the isolation between the antennas (S12 and S21) is high. Perfect MiMo performance would be achieved with a correlation coefficient of zero. A low correlation coefficient will result in high diversity gain, as they are related by the formula:

It’s generally acknowledged that reasonable MiMo performance will be achieved with a correlation coefficient of less than 0.5; although a value of less than 0.2 is aimed for to achieve very good MiMo performance and noticeably increased capacity.

Router Application with Antenna 2.1 Why Use an External AntennaThe router will come equipped with antennas from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) (Fig. 2). While these antennas may be good, by design they are limited in their performance due to their size. The Cellular/4G/LTE OEM antennas are attached to the router and will therefore dictate where the router will be located for optimal antenna performance. Using an external, high performance, high gain antenna to connect to the Cellular/4G/LTE network will provide better flexibility in where to place the router as the high gain external antenna will compensate for a potential poor performing location of the router.

Fig. 2


Aswearenotanywherenear100%coverageofanoptimalCellular/4G/LTEnetwork(especiallyinside a structure or confined area), the router might perform poorly regardless of location. In most cases, if there is any cellular coverage at the router location, replacing the Cellular/4G/LTE OEM antennas with the high gain external antenna will drastically increase the performance of the router and provide a strong, stable connection.

NotethatitisonlysuggestedtousethehighgainexternalantennatoconnecttotheCellular/4G/LTEnetwork.TheWLAN/Wi-Fi/2.4/5.0GHzOEMantennasshouldbeusedtodistributetheWi-Fisignal at the router location. One of the very few reasons to add an additional external antenna fortheWLAN/Wi-Fidistributionisiftherouterisenclosedinaboxoraconfinedspace,preventingtheWLAN/Wi-Fisignaltobeproperlydistributed.

If the router is located in an area with very good (perfect or near perfect) cellular coverage, the use of an external antenna might actually decrease the performance of the router. In these rare cases, use the OEM antennas.

2.2 WMMG or WMM8GBoth the WMMG and the WMM8G series antennas are designed and precision made to increase the performance of your router. The WMM8G has higher gain than the WMMG but the WMMG is Omni-directional, while the WMM8G is slightly directional (see radiation patterns in Appendix A and B). This means that the WMMG can be mounted on any non-conductive surface and achieve desired performance improvement without knowing the location of the Cellular/4G/LTE network Tower(e.g.,Verizon,AT&T,Sprint,T-Mobile,FirstNet,etc.).TheWMM8Gcanprovideabettercoverage in very weak signal areas but this requires pointing the antenna in the direction of the Cellular/4G/LTE network Tower (i.e., knowing where the Cellular/4G/LTE network Tower is located so the proper location of the WMM8G can be acquired). Because of this requirement, it is suggested that the WMMG series antenna is used in the majority of installations.

2.3 Compatible RoutersVirtually all modern routers, regardless of manufacturer, are compatible with the WMMG & WMM8G series antennas. The router must have two ports (female antenna connectors) and be MiMo capable. Theportsaretypicallymarked“MAIN”and“AUX”or“MAIN”and“DIVERSITY”(Fig.3).

ThefollowingisalistofcommonNorthAmericanroutermanufacturers(innoparticularorder):

• Cradlepoint• CalAmp• Cisco• InMotion(SierraWireless)• SierraWireless• Harris

• TelDat• Feeney(FW)• Peplink(Pepwave)• NetComm• Icomera


2.4 External Antenna InstallationWhen choosing to use an external antenna with a router in a fixed installation environment, select the antenna that best suits your needs. This antenna will have two attached coaxial cables. These cables are terminated with connectors that should be compatible with the router. The most commonly used connector type is: (on the antenna cable) an SMA male/plug (Fig. 1b) and: (on the router) an SMA female/jack (Fig. 3).

The WMMG & WMM8G antennas come with a 5 meter/16.4’ low loss cable as standard.

Identify an unobstructed area, as high up as possible on an exterior or interior wall. The mounting area should be free from any conductive material (metal), or conductive material should be kept to a minimum (e.g., metal pole or metal wall stud), as it will influence the radiation patterns of the antenna (Fig. 4).

Using the included mounting bracket(s) that fits the install, run the cables to the location of the modem.

Attach the two male connectors of the antenna to the corresponding female connectors on the router, and your installation is complete.

If you choose the higher gain, directional WMM8G antenna, it’s important to point the front of the antenna housing towards the nearest cellular tower operated by the cellular/LTE carrier that will provide service to the router.

OntheWLAN/Wi-Fisideoftherouter,youwillusetheshortOEMantennasthatcamewiththerouter.

Fig. 3


2.5 Good vs. Bad AntennasThere are a few very good antenna manufacturers offering products similar to the Panorama WMMG & WMMG8 series antennas described in this paper. The author believes that, everything considered, the Panorama antennas are the best performing antennas available. There are far more bad, or non-performing, antennas available. MiMo/Diversity is a science that cannot be properly designed and manufactured without access to highly trained engineers, the latest antenna design software and an anechoic chamber with compatible instrumentation.

Summary: All antennas mentioned in this paper are carrier (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, FirstNet,etc.)agnostic.TheWMMG&WMM8Gantennasare“global”antennas,meaning,theywillwork on any Cellular/4G/LTE network currently in use anywhere in the world.

When referring to or listing a router manufacturer, it was made without any particular brand in mind. The choice of router is typically based on various software and hardware related parameters, unrelated to the external antennas chosen. Also, there are several manufacturers of consumer grade routers that are not addressed. Most of the consumer grade routers are depending on a separate modem (which could be one of the wireless routers mentioned in this paper).

The author tried to follow the facts and will leave it to the reader to research the different manufacturers, compare data sheets and ask for references.

Fig. 4


Bottom line is that whatever router you choose, the antenna is what connects the router to the Cellular/4G/LTE network [Tower], so there should be no compromises or shortcuts in quality and workmanship.The choice of antenna is extremely important. The antenna is what connects your expertly engineered router to the Cellular/4G/LTE network [Tower], and this triad of technology is only as strong as the weakest link of which, unfortunately, the antenna is the most common.

About the AuthorMats Lindquist is the General Manager and Director of Panorama Antennas, Inc., with 25+ years of working experience in antenna design, manufacturing and antenna applications at Allgon, Antenna Specialists and Panorama. He is a Swedish native, living and working in Mansfield, Texas.

© Panorama Antennas, Inc.

Product Data SheetWMMG-7-27

C/Note Doc Issue Date Approval

01019 2 28.10.2013 J.J.


www.panorama-antennas.com2

WiMAX / LTEWall Mount Gain MiMo Antenna

Technical Drawing

WMMG-7-27

Supports MiMo & diversity across 2G /3G / 4GTwo wideband elements with gainDurable wall mount housingSuitable for mast, wall and desk mounting

The WMMG antenna provides an innovative and future proof solution for 2G / 3G and 4G networks. Incorporating two separately fed ultra wideband elements in a single housing the WMMG is equipped to provide client side MiMo and diversity support for the networks of today and tomorrow. With 2dBi gain at 698-960MHz, 5dBi gain at 1710-2170MHz and 4dBi gain at 2.2-2.7GHz the WMMG provides extra gain performance where it is needed most.

The rugged, weatherproof housing is designed for wall mounting. Wall and mast mount brackets are provided.

5 metres of fitted low loss double shielded twin cable minimises exposed connector joints and simplifies cable management for easy installation.

The WMMG is an cost effective value added product for network operators and service providers ensuring a stable link with improved data rates for subscribers thereby improving satisfaction and retention.

12 © Panorama Antennas, Inc.www.panorama-antennas.com 3

WiMAX / LTEWall Mount Gain MiMo Antenna

Typical VSWR Elements 1 & 2 *

Element Isolation

Typical Efficiency

*VSWR Measured with 5m of CS29 cable


www.panorama-antennas.com4

WiMAX / LTEWall mount Gain MiMo Antenna

3D Gain Plot (750MHz)




3D Gain Plot (950MHz) 3D Gain Plot (1800MHz)



www.panorama-antennas.com 5

Part No.

WMMG-7-27

Electrical Data

Frequency Range (MHz)

Antenna 1 698-960 / 1710-2700

Antenna 2 698-960 / 1710-2700

Operational bands 2G / 3G / 4G

Radiation pattern Hybrid

VSWR < 2:1

Peak Gain (excluding cable loss)

698-960MHz 2dBi

1710-2170 MHz 5dBi

2.2-2.7 GHz 4dBi

Efficiency - excluding cable loss (all bands) > 50%

Correlation co-efficient ( all bands) < 0.2

Element isolation > 20dB

Max input power (W) 20 Watts

Impedance 50Ω

Mechanical Data

Dimensions (mm)Height 186

Width 155

Operating temp (°C) -30° / +70°C (-40° /180°F)

Material ASA

Colour RAL9010 (Pure White)

Ingress Protection Equivalent to IP66

Mounting Data

Fixing Wall mount / mast mount / desk mount

Mounting bracket material Stainless steel / Aluminium

Pole diameter (mm) 20-50 / (0.78 - 1.96”)

Cable Data

Type 2 x CS29 Coax

Diameter (mm) 5 (0.2”)

Length (m) 5 (16’)

Termination 2 × SMA (m) (p/n WMMG-7-27-5SP) or 2 x FME (f) (p/n WMMG-7-27-5F)

Adaptor Pigtails Supplied separately

WiMAX / LTEWall mount Gain MiMo Antenna


Panorama Antennas LtdFrogmore, London, SW18 1HF, United Kingdom

T: +44 (0)20 8877 4444F: +44 (0)20 8877 4477

E: [email protected]

Waiver: The data given above is indicative of the performance of the product/s under particular conditions and does not imply a guarantee of performance. These specifications are subject to change without notice.Copyright © Panorama Antennas Ltd. All rights reserved.


Copyright © Panorama Antennas, Inc. 2015. All rights reserved.This document is the property of Panorama Antennas, Inc.

Trademarks and Permissions , and other Panorama trademarks are the property of Panorama Antennas Ltd.All other trademarks and trade names mentioned in this document, are the property of their respective holders and used for identification purposes only, without their permission.Important Waiver Information

All information and data in this white paper is intended to provide an indication of the performance products under particular circumstances and none of it implies a guarantee of performance or fitness for any particular purpose.We strongly encourage our customers to conduct their own tests and research in order to establish the appropriate product for any particular application.

All products should only be installed by a properly qualified installer familiar with appropriate local laws and regulations. We advise our customers to consult and comply with the appropriate Panorama Antennas installation instructions.All specifications and product information in this white paper are subject to change without notice.

fixed installed routers - external antennas (white paper)

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