In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected is essential. With 4G LTE broadband, we can access the internet and communicate with others at lightning-fast speeds. However, to get the most out of this technology, you need a reliable external antenna.

4G broadband is a better option if you live or work in a more rural area. Over the past few years we’ve seen a big uptake in 4G and mobile broadband options, people are more convenient for shopping, meeting and entertainment.

If you don’t switch to mobile broadband, then end up with download speeds that are lower that what you were expecting. You can’t find the destination if you travel by using mobile navigation. People can’t communicate properly.

With poor reception, it bring many inconvenience to our work and life.

So, with you as the user, what considerations do you need to make to ensure your 4G mobile broadband connection will be the strongest it can be?

Did you know that LTE is MIMO technology?

LTE is a multi-stream radio, multiple in/multiple out (MiMo) service. In LTE, MiMo technology is used in the form of multiple antennas at the base station and user equipment (UE). One use multiple antennas to get same signal from different spatial paths. The results in better signal reception, less interference, and higher throughput. Which means the more streams of data the client can take, the faster the broadband. With MiMo, LTE networks can achieve much higher data rates than traditional single antenna systems.

There are two types of MiMo technology: Single-User MiMo (SU-MiMo) and Multi-User MiMo (MU-MiMo). SU-MiMo uses multiple antennas on both the base station and UE. It improve the data rate and signal quality of a single user. MU-MiMo, one the other hand, uses multiple antennas at the base station to serve multiple users simultaneously. It increasing the network’s overall capacity. If the number of streams is T (the number of transmit radio streams) multiplied by R (the number of receive streams the connection can support) so TxR. This means that if something supports 2×2 streams, it can support twice the upload and download speed of a device with 1×1. In 4G LTE, you get anything from 1×1 to 8×8 stream capability (including all the possible mixes in between them).

So the client needs how many antennas depend on the number of transmit and receive streams. for a 1×1 service, you would only need a single antenna. For a 2×2 service you would need 2 antenna.

A connection can only support the number of streams the service provider is capable of via their masts. It is also dependent on the client device and its radio capabilities.

The majority of devices – Like phones and routers – have dual stream capabilities.

Choices of antenna

On the market , there are different price you may realised if you are looking for 4G lte antenna. The number of connections is the one of the main differences of antennas.

It is probably to know the connections is more, the price is higher. So a 2×2 (or 2×1 or 2×2) device will cost more than a 1×1 device.one can choose single (1×1) and dual connection (2×2) antennas depend on their own device and

That is better to choose a dual connection (2×2) antenna if your router or other device is dual stream and MIMO function.

How do you know if the antenna will be any good??

That comes down to polarisation. It depends on the antenna installation method. The installation method is generally divided into horizontal and vertical. The biggest advantage of using different antenna polarization methods is to reduce interference. For example, when installing multiple antennas on a tower, the best installation method is to stagger the vertically and horizontally polarized antennas. It can reduce interference for each other. 

Dual polarization antennas have two antenna elements in the same physical enclosure (radome). one of which is vertically polarized and the other is horizontally polarized. If it is installed correctly. the dual-polarized antenna can support both vertically and horizontally polarized device. One of the advantages of a dual-polarized antenna is that provide two antennas in the same device. thus saving space and money. This type of antenna used for MIMO (multiple input/multiple output) wireless access points and CPE equipment.

Do I need a directional or omni-directional antenna set up?

Omni-directional antenna, that is, in the horizontal direction of the map performance of 360 ° are uniform radiation, which is commonly known as non-directional. In general, the smaller the width of the wave flap, the greater the gain. Omni-directional antenna is generally used in the communication system with close distance, large coverage range and cheap price. The radiation range of omni-directional antenna is more like an apple.Omni-directional antenna signal released in all directions, of course, covers a wider area. Because the energy is dispersed, the signal strength obtained in each direction is definitely weaker, so the transit distance will be closer.

It is convenience and easy to install, but lower gain compare with directional antenna.

Directional antenna has a certain angle range of radiation, which is known as directional. Same as omni-directional antenna, the smaller the width of the wave flap, the greater the gain. In the communication system directional antenna is generally used in the communication distance, small coverage, large target density, high frequency utilization of the environment.

We can also think about the relationship between omni-directional antenna and directional antenna. Omni-directional antenna will transmit signals in all directions, front and rear can receive the signal. directional antenna is like a bowl-shaped reflective surface behind the antenna, the signal can only be transmitted to the front. shot to the back of the signal is blocked by the reflective surface and reflected to the front, strengthening the signal strength in front.

Frequency bands

4G lte antenna include frequency range 700,800,900,1800,2100,2300,2600MHz.

700MHz and 800MHz are used in vast rural and remote areas due to their low radio frequency and strong coverage. 900MHz and 1800MHz are mainly used in urban and peri-urban areas. 2100MHz and 2300MHz are mainly used in urban and densely populated areas. And 2500MHz and 2600MHz are mainly used for high-speed mobile communications and indoor coverage.

What does this means for antenna? It means as you are a user, it is better you choose the antenna to cover different frequency range . That support different changes.

Stream bandwidth

The relationship between the three can be likened to a water pipe. Bandwidth is like the width of a water pipe, which determines the maximum amount of water the pipe can carry. network speed is like the speed of water flow, which determines how fast the water can flow through the pipe. Flow is like the total amount of water, which depends on the speed of water flow and the time of flow. In network transmission, the larger the bandwidth, the stronger the network transmission. The faster the network speed, the better the user experience. The larger the flow rate, the greater the amount of data transmitted by the network.

In short, bandwidth, network speed and traffic volume are three basic concepts in network transmission. Bandwidth refers to the maximum amount of data that a network transmission can carry. network speed refers to the actual speed of data transmission. and traffic refers to the actual amount of data in a network transmission. They are closely related to each other, but there are some differences. Understanding these concepts is important for selecting network services, optimizing network transmission, and improving user experience.

Which antenna do I need for my 4G lte connection?

How do you choose? Let’s take a look again at the main considerations you need to think about to ensure the best possible connection.

Single or dual antenna

It depend on your router, if your router only with single antenna connector, you’d better choose the antenna with single connector.

If your router has two dual stream connection, you should choose the antenna with two connector. It means 2 single connector antenna.

But if your local single tower support 1x1service, even if you have a router and antenna set up that supports 2×2. Having the 2×2 compatible service won’t see you any difference if it’s a 1×1 signal service.  

Directional or omni-directional antenna

If you need to meet multiple sites which are distributed in different directions of the AP, you need to use omnidirectional antenna. if concentrated in one direction, it is recommended to use directional antenna. You can get a better, stronger and cleaner signal when carefully aligned with line of sight.

A directional antenna would be preferred choice if you with clear line of sight.

Correct frequency

Remember to ensure that your choice of antenna will work with the frequency range coming from your service provider and local mast. It’s only going to work if your frequency band matches what your antenna supports!

Location