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5G Router external antenna


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I've been using my 5103E without an external antenna and it has been fine although upload is slow when connected to 5G.  I've just purchased a Poynting 4x4 antenna so will be testing with that when next at the boat to see what the difference is.  I'll be assuming that the pairs of cables will go to one pair to port 1&2 and the other pair to port 3&4.

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6 minutes ago, Rob-M said:

I've been using my 5103E without an external antenna and it has been fine although upload is slow when connected to 5G.  I've just purchased a Poynting 4x4 antenna so will be testing with that when next at the boat to see what the difference is.  I'll be assuming that the pairs of cables will go to one pair to port 1&2 and the other pair to port 3&4.

The four cables from mine are plugged into the router sockets at random... 😉 

 

As well as data rates, you should look at the reported signal levels/quality in the NR5103E app and browser webpage.

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https://www.ispreview.co.uk/talk/threads/zyxel-nr5103e-ports-which-does-what.38891/post-303738

 

"So looking at the board pictures the four discrete RF switching chips (between Int and Ext antennas) are the following IC:"

 

https://www.ispreview.co.uk/talk/threads/zyxel-nr5103e-ports-which-does-what.38891/post-377763

 

"Also if you look at the internal PCB antennas each of the four have exactly the same design/board layout with multiple antennas (for multiple bands) within each."

 

All of which suggests that all four ports (internal and external) cover all bands -- and since the router is specified as 4x4 MIMO on both 4G and 5G, this means all 4 TS9 sockets are used for both.

Edited by IanD
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13 minutes ago, GUMPY said:

That's good if it's the case.

It's the only make of router that does.

 

It's what the analysis says, and one reason many people have bought one -- usually secondhand... 🙂 

 

There are other routers with 4 external antenna connectors for 4G/5G 4x4 MIMO, but usually industrial ones (or *very* expensive!) not consumer.

Edited by IanD
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I did have one for a while but never managed to get the SIM slot to work. Sent it back. I now no longer have to worry about external antenna with the caravan so have gone back to Huawei.

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4 hours ago, GUMPY said:

I did have one for a while but never managed to get the SIM slot to work. Sent it back. I now no longer have to worry about external antenna with the caravan so have gone back to Huawei.

The SIM slot is a weak point -- terrible design, difficult to use, easy to damage, and not always reliable. Apart from that it's a great router... 😉

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Following on from this, I have the v1 version with the 4 sockets. My question is, is it viable to use 2 2x2 mimo aerials to get 4x4 mimo ? My boat is rather long, and moves obviously. 2 aerials spaced apart should increase chances of a stronger signal. Or am I missing something completely!

I'm thinking 2 "puck" type mounted say 4m apart ?

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1 hour ago, whibble said:

Following on from this, I have the v1 version with the 4 sockets. My question is, is it viable to use 2 2x2 mimo aerials to get 4x4 mimo ? My boat is rather long, and moves obviously. 2 aerials spaced apart should increase chances of a stronger signal. Or am I missing something completely!

I'm thinking 2 "puck" type mounted say 4m apart ?

Yes it's possible -- but it would be better to put both near the router and keep the cables short to minimise cable losses.

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I figured to keep the cables short, the poynting puck has 2m cables so after feeding the cables through the mushroom, I should get at least 2.5m distance on the roof. The short adapter cables won't do any favours but it's better than shoving it in a bag on the well deck.

Thank you for the replies 

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Just gone to connect my Poynting external antenna to my router, and it's got the wrong connectors on it. Can I buy adaptors? If so, does anyone know what each male/female part is called, so I can make sure I get the right adapters?

Screenshot_20241107-115931.png

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9 minutes ago, matty40s said:

SMA to TS9 RG174 Cable SMA Female to TS9 Male Right Angle Cable, TS9 to SMA Adapter Cable TS9 Male to SMA Female Antenna Extension RG174 Coaxial Cable 6inch/15cm 2pcs for 2G 3G 4G LTE Antenna UMTS https://amzn.eu/d/gPhCikB

 

And use gaffer tape to fasten the adapter cables to the back of the router, so any stress from the antenna cables is borne by this not the fragile TS9 connectors.

 

Also don't just push the TS9 connectors in, they can be stiff and get damaged -- twist them backwards and forwards while you're doing this so they mate more easily.

Edited by IanD
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