Questions you need to answer for choosing the right antenna:
Technology/s:
- Frequency Bands
- Future Proof
- Features (use MIMO?)
Applications:
- Size & Shape
- Mounting Type
- Environmental
- Certification
Requirements:
- Omni/directional
- Signal Levels
- Polarisation
- High throughput (need MIMO?) ?
Last Step - Miscellaneous:
Connectors
Coax Cable
Brackets
?
Antenna Facts
When it comes to deploying a suitable antenna, the gain is one of the most critical parameters. Selecting an antenna with high gain is essential, but there is a fine line between too much gain and little gain. With too much gain, the rolling of a vessel can cause the radiation pattern to go above and below the cell tower, similar to when a mobile vehicle is in a hilly environment. If the gain is too little, the vessel or vehicle may be out of range from the tower.
Choosing the suitable antenna requires looking into many factors such as its gain, pattern, efficiency, and even housing design. Especially for outdoor and mobile applications, housing design is often a determinant factor. But it can be very confusing & technical. Antenna performance is critical for any wireless connection, hence your bottom line. The consequential costs of communications failure are much larger than the cost of the antenna. The cost of installation alone often exceeds antenna price (due to recalls & reinstalls).
