4G LTE antenna is revolutionary since they support faster speeds than 3G and other previous wireless mobile telecommunications technologies.
Additionally, they are robust, with most having excellent ingress protection (IP) ratings meaning you can mount them on the outside.
Another advantage is that they are power efficient and cheaper to install than 5G networks.
However, a problem most people encounter with 4G LTE antennas is slow wireless connections.
If you have such a problem, you are in the right place. Today’s article has all you need to know to get the best results from your antenna. Let’s begin.
Table of Contents
- 4G LTE Antennas
- 4G LTE Antennas: Directional vs Omni Antennas
- How To Install 4G LTE Antennas
- How To Improve 4G LTE Signals
- FAQs
- Conclusion
4G LTE Antennas
4G LTE antennas are multi-stream radio antennas that rely on MIMO (multiple in/multiple out) services and Long-Term Evolution standards.
Generally, they are fast antennas since the multi-stream inputs and outputs increase the broadband’s speed.
Additionally, the streaming capability of LTE technology ranges from 1×1 to 8×8.
It has upload and download speeds ranging from 1 (slowest) to 8 (fastest).
In other words, an 8×8 4G LTE antenna is eight times faster than a 1×1 one.
4G LTE Antennas: Directional vs Omni Antennas
(An omnidirectional antenna)
Omnidirectional and directional antennas have beneficial features that make choosing one to be a difficult job.
Luckily, we have the right information in this section to help you make an informed choice.
Directional Antennas
Directional antennas direct their reception or gain in a given direction while reducing the gain in other directions.
Essentially, it is like a flashlight that shines light in the direction you are pointing it towards.
Generally, they benefit from LTE devices in areas with poor signal reception.
Instead of opting for any signal coming to your router, the directional antennas pick a single signal and amplify it through directivity gain.
Moreover, the antenna minimizes interference from other sources by reducing their gains.
Such a setup improves the carrier-to-interference ratio (C/I), as a higher value is important in RF systems.
However, directional antennas perform well when the target base station is not faulty or at capacity.
When the station starts underperforming, you must re-align the antenna to a less congested station.
Such a process is always time-consuming since identifying a less congested base station isn’t easy.
Consequently, the shortcoming makes it more advantageous to install an omni antenna as it is more stable.
Omni Antennas
(Using a phone supporting 4G LTE )
On the other hand, omnidirectional antennas provide uniform gain or reception in all directions.
In other words, it’s like a security light bulb that illuminates all the space around it.
Additionally, Omni antennas are beneficial compared to directional antennas regarding reliability.
The fact that they can receive signals from all directions allows them to maintain a good connection.
How they do so is that they shift their signal reception to another cellular base station when the other one is at capacity.
Another advantage is that they are easier to install as you don’t need adjustment or realignment when encountering network problems.
However, the fact that they are omnidirectional makes omni-antennas very susceptible to interference from all directions.
Therefore, you will have poor signal reception when using your LTE-enabled router or mobile device.
Moreover, they have lower overall gain meaning their peak throughput is lower than directional antennas.
How To Install 4G LTE Antennas
(A satellite dish and antenna on top of a building)
Properly installing a 4G LTE antenna goes a long way to ensuring it performs well in signal reception and transmission.
Therefore, here are the steps to follow when installing 4G LTE antennas.
First, locate the exact position of the local cellular network masts before doing any installation processes.
Doing so is important to mount your antenna facing the right direction. It’s more the case if the antenna you are installing is directional.
Second, mount your 4G LTE antenna outside and on higher ground, clear from obstruction.
For instance, if you live in an area with many tall buildings, consider mounting your antenna on top of a building.
If the height is insufficient, add a mast to raise the antenna even higher.
If, for some reason, you can’t mount your antenna outside, it’s advisable to mount it close to a window on the topmost floor of your home.
Third, orient your antenna towards a cellular network mast to receive the best signal.
Generally, directional antennas perform best when they align directly towards a cellular mast.
A small swing away from the direction of a cellular mast leads to an immense drop in the antenna’s connectivity.
Fourth, use a high-quality coaxial cable to connect your antenna and modem for seamless data transfer.
Generally, your antenna’s manufacturer prescribes a cable that works best with the router.
Additionally, they may state the ideal length for data transfer without experiencing a signal quality drop.
How To Improve 4G LTE Signals
(Telecommunications network above a city)
You may have noticed that your 4G LTE antenna suffers from poor performance, affecting battery life and communication. If so, here are ways you can adopt to improve your 4G LTE signals.
First, select a 4G LTE antenna with a sufficient frequency range to ensure you always have a strong connection.
Second, pay close attention to the mounting options available for your antenna.
Some antennas have fixed mounting options meaning they are not versatile even when the signal is poor.
Third, consider the antenna gain to ensure you get a better signal from the transmitting antenna.
For instance, if you live in an area with poor signal coverage, you should use directional 4G LTE antennas.
They have a high gain which benefits you even when there’s network congestion or you live farther away from the cellular tower.
When all other options fail, you may install LTE antenna boosters that improve your antenna’s signal reception.
FAQs
How can you aim your 4G LTE antenna?
Orienting your 4G LTE antenna is crucial for the best internet experience.
Generally, pointing it toward the closest cellular tower is the best option.
If you notice that you still have a weak signal, aim it toward a cell station you can see with your eyes.
In other words, aim it toward a cellular tower free from obstructions.
If you aren’t sure where the stations are, try pointing them in a given direction while testing the service. Afterward, redirect it away with small increments until you get a stronger signal.
How do you increase your 4G LTE range?
It can be frustrating when your 4G LTE range is limited, meaning you must adopt techniques to improve it.
Generally, 4G LTE networks can be slow due to other reasons not related to range.
For instance, cell tower distance, building material, and natural features block radio frequency waves leading to slower speeds.
However, some antennas are weak, meaning you must boost the signal using a MIMO booster to increase its range.
Furthermore, go with an external antenna to aid you in accessing bands you couldn’t before while inside your room.
Does a bigger antenna mean a better signal?
A bigger antenna doesn’t necessarily lead to a better signal.
However, in some cases, a bigger antenna increases the signal strength, meaning you will get a better signal to stream and download online content.
The downside is that the bigger size makes it more susceptible to signal interference, degrading your network’s quality.
As such, always go for a high-quality antenna, as a well-engineered small antenna will outperform a bigger one of low standards.
Conclusion
You must properly install your 4G LTE antenna to ensure you get the best network experience.
Generally, you start by buying a high-quality product that limits interference from ruining the quality of your signal.
Furthermore, you must ensure you align it well in the direction of a cellular station. It’s more so the case if you are installing a directional antenna.
Finally, ensure you know whether your antenna is directional or omni before purchase, as each has advantages and shortcomings.
