As part of this review, we examined not only how to connect a 4G modem with an external antenna to create a high-speed and reliable connection to the World Wide Web, but also gave recommendations on the choice of equipment for implementing such an access point and an algorithm for its configuration. Owner reviews regarding the operation of such a system will also be provided. This information will allow the newly minted owner of such equipment to independently configure it properly.
Appointment
It is most optimal to purchase a 4G modem with a connector for an external antenna in the case when you need to create a stable Internet connection at a considerable distance from the base station of the cellular operator. That is, the distance can be from 5 to 15 km. If the distance is shorter, then the internal antenna integrated into the modem is able to provide a stable connection at an acceptable speed. But over 5 km, the use of an external antenna is really justified.
Therefore, such systems are recommended to be used in the suburbs of large settlements in which there is high-quality 4G / LTE or 3G / UMTS coverage and there is no possibility of creating wired switching to the Global Web. Moreover, in the first of them there is no such signal and it is not planned in the foreseeable future the implementation of such cellular networks.
What might be needed?
Now we will deal with the list of components that will be needed when creating such an access point. It must include the following:
- 4G modem with external antenna. Again, the first one should be equipped with a special CRC9 connector. Moreover, in some cases, it can be one and such a solution is recommended to be used at a distance of about 5-10 km in conjunction with one antenna, and in some there may be two. In this case, the distance should be already 10-15 km. And the number of antennas - increase to two pieces.
- Special cable with a length of not more than 10 m. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the recommendations of the technical documentation for the antenna. In one case, you need a wire with a wave impedance of 50 Ohms, and in the other - 75 Ohms.
- It is recommended that you purchase a special bracket for installing the antenna. If there is already a prepared place, then you do not need to purchase this component additionally.
- Starter pack.
- A special MNDA program that will help you search for the most correct antenna position.
- A fully configured personal computer or laptop. You cannot do without these components at the setup stage. In the future, they can be replaced by a router. To fully configure the latter, it will be enough to perform a complete reboot and it will be completely reconfigured.
Component Selection
To begin with, it should be noted that it is necessary to choose the right 3G / 4G modem with an external antenna. The first one should support 2G / 3G / 4G communication standards. Also, a USIM format card with support for LTE technology should be installed in its slot. Another important point is the presence of one or two CRC9 connectors, with the help of which a modem device is connected to an external antenna. In addition, you need to pay attention to the software shell of the latter. In some cases, the software allows you to work only with the equipment of one cellular operator, and in others the equipment is universal and can function in combination with any cellular coverage.
At a distance of 5-10 km to the tower, you can use a single antenna, which is connected to a single CRC9 input. If the distance is 10-15 km, then you just can not do without an external MIMO antenna. The latter consists of two components. One of them functions in the horizontal plane, and the second in the vertical. Both in the first and in the second case, the operating frequency range should be limited to 800-2700 MHz.
In addition, it should be noted that the format of the card in the starter pack must be USIM. If you use the usual format of the latter, then support for 4G / LTE will be absent.
Antenna installation
Next, you need to choose the right place for mounting the bracket. It should be located as high as possible and be in the line of sight of the cell tower. Also, for mounting the antenna, you can use existing mounts that satisfy these conditions. It is also necessary to consider the possibility of laying a cable to this place.
After choosing the most optimal installation location, we mount the bracket, if necessary, and install the antenna in this place. Next, lay the cable. The latter should connect a 4G modem to an external antenna. We commute these two components of this system.
Commutation
Actually connecting an external antenna to a 4G modem has already been completed in full. Now you need to remove the special tray in the latter and insert a SIM card into it. Next, install it back.
In the next step, remove the protective cap and release the USB port. Then the latter is installed in a free slot on a personal computer. Now we connect an external antenna to the CRC9 sockets. Moreover, such a conventional device is connected by a single wire, but if there is support for MIMO technology , two cables are involved. Accordingly, in the first case, you need one CRC9 format connector, and in the second, two such sockets.
Setting up the software system shell
Further, in order for the external antenna for the 4G modem - "Megaphone" or any other operator - to function normally, it is necessary to make changes to the software shell of a personal computer or laptop. After turning on the computer and the end of its download, you must wait for the installation wizard to start. Then you need to install the drivers and the control program. The next important stage is a PC reboot, which is done so that all the changes made in the previous stage in the software environment take effect. The next step is to adjust the position of the antenna.
Choosing the right antenna location
In the next step, the external antenna of the 4G LTE modem should be deployed towards the nearest cell tower. To do this, you must first download the MDMA program from the Global Web and install it on a computer system. After completing the modem configuration and completing the previously described switching in full, you need to run this utility. Then, in the MDMA interface, we observe the RSSI value and gradually turn the antenna. In this case, one person should be next to the antenna, and the second should be located near the PC. For communication, it is recommended to use cell phones, for example. After the highest RSSI value has been reached, we rigidly fix their antenna to each other. Actually, after this, such an access point is fully switched and programmatically configured for further operation. You just need to close the MDMA window and start the browser. Then in the last we enter any test address and go to the corresponding information resource on the Internet.
If you plan to use a router to distribute the Internet, then just install the modem in its port. Next, we reboot the router, and the system will configure itself.
Reviews
Most users indicate in their reviews that such mobile access points often allow you to solve the problem of connecting to the Internet in the suburbs of large settlements. In one case, only one PC can be used for information, for example. But if you use routers with a 4G modem with an external antenna, you can create a small wireless network and already distribute using WiFi coverage. The only drawback is the higher costs compared to wired switching to the Internet. But if there is no worthy alternative, then the choice is precisely for such an access point.
Conclusion
As part of this material, it was described not only how to connect a 4G modem with an external antenna, but also how to properly configure it. The requirements for such equipment are also stated and recommendations are given regarding its selection.