Which 4G or 5G antenna is most suitable for your IoT application?

The right antenna can make a world of difference for a stable and reliable connection – crucial for business processes that depend on good connectivity. But how do you choose the right antenna for your IoT application?

In this blog we list the most important considerations so that you can choose the best antenna with certainty.

4G and 5G: what's the difference?

Both 4G and 5G offer fast connectivity, but the choice depends on the needs of your organization.

4G technology

4G antennas are usually suitable for situations where a stable and reliable connection is required, without extremely high speeds or low latency. Think for example of applications such as monitoring, remote management and the use of smaller data packages. Here 4G can often be sufficient.

4G antennas that are widely used by our customers for their mobile communications include the Molestproof MIMO antenna, Poynting OMNI-600 and the LTE Magnetic base antenna.

You connect the 4G antennas to this 4G routers and gateways.

5G technology

5G antennas offer advantages in environments where high speed and low latency are essential. This is important for mission-critical applications. Examples include industrial automation and real-time data analysis. For companies that want to be ready for the future and benefit from the latest technological developments, 5G may be the better choice.

5G best-seller antennas in our product range include Poynting XPOL-2, Vandal-proof MIMO 5G and the Poynting MIMO-4-4.

You connect the 5G antennas to this 5G routers and gateways.

Signal strength and bandwidth: what does this mean for the antenna?

Another important difference between 4G and 5G antennas is the bandwidth. 5G antennas support a wider range of frequencies and often have a higher capacity. This means that they are suitable for intensive data traffic.

Important aspects when choosing an antenna

When choosing an antenna, there are a few important factors that determine which solution is best for your organization. There are also different types of antennas for different applications.

What kind of antenna?

Depending on the location and purpose of the antenna, there are several types you can consider:

• Directional antennas: These antennas focus the signal in one direction and are ideal for locations with poor coverage. By aiming at a specific transmission tower, you can achieve a stable connection over long distances.
• Omnidirectional antennas: For a wide range around the antenna, without having to aim the antenna, an omnidirectional antenna is the solution. This type of antenna is perfect for applications that require 360° coverage, such as in a warehouse or office environment.
• Semi-directional antenna/panel antennas: Panel antennas send the signal in a semi-direction (180°). They provide a stronger, more focused signal than omnidirectional antennas, but with a wider range than directional antennas. This makes them useful for applications in industrial or commercial environments where the signal needs to propagate primarily in one direction.

Cable or no cable?

First, determine whether the antenna will be placed directly on the router or whether a longer cable is needed. Antennas without a cable are often attached directly to the router. This is useful in situations where space is limited. However, it also limits the placement options, which can lead to signal loss.

An antenna cable offers more flexibility in placement. This allows you to mount the antenna exactly where the reception is optimal. Without being tied to the location of the router. When choosing a cable, it is recommended to use a CELF cable to use.

A CELF cable meets high quality requirements and offers minimal signal loss. This is especially crucial for long cables, because low signal loss is essential for the reliability and speed of your connection. At MCS you can find CELF cables that are custom-made especially for you.

Indoor or outdoor use?

For an outdoor installation it is essential to choose an antenna that is resistant to weather influences. Outdoor antennas, such as puck antennas, are designed for rugged environments and provide reliable performance in all weather conditions.

For indoor you can actually use all antennas, also outdoor antennas. But because outdoor antennas are often larger, a more compact solution is usually chosen. Such as a stick-on or magnetic foot antenna.

Specific applications and additional requirements

Some locations require additional protective measures. For example, antennas in public locations where a robust, vandal-resistant option, such as a vandal-proof antenna, comes in handy.

In addition, a MIMO antenna essential for applications with high data flows. Examples are video streaming and data-intensive IoT applications. MIMO antennas provide higher speed and a more stable connection by supporting multiple data streams simultaneously.

Knowing more

Choosing the right 4G or 5G antenna can make a world of difference to your business processes, especially when reliable connectivity is crucial.

Want to learn more about which antenna is best suited to your specific IoT application? Our sales team is ready to help you find the perfect antenna. Whether you are looking for a standard solution or a custom solution.