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Original Polish version by Lukasz Kopciuch
Wireless Internet access via cellular networks is an increasingly popular service. The growing popularity of this service among subscribers is the result of mobility, higher throughput and lower prices. The absolute highlight is LTE technology that enables the achievement of data rates similar to those in landline /cable or WiFi networks.
When the LTE includes comparatively low frequency range (in the 800 MHz band), the popularity of the service will increase even more. The use of this band will allow for covering with the LTE signal non-urbanized areas.
Depending on the cellular operator and transmitter, the access to the Internet can be based on different technologies. This article is an outline of the subject, with a particular emphasis on the most forward-looking access method - LTE technology. The article focuses mainly on practical issues and proper selection of components and devices suitable for given applications.
Contents
| Technology | Maximum data rate (downlink) |
| LTE | 150 Mbps |
| HSPA+ | 42 Mbps |
| HSDPA | 21.6 Mbps |
| CDMA | 9.3 Mbps |
| UMTS (3G) | 384 kbps |
| EDGE | 250 kbps |
| GPRS | 115 kbps |
Technologies/bands used by large cellular infrastructure operators in Poland
| Plus |
|
| Orange |
|
| T-Mobile |
|
| Play (incl. Orange and Plus roaming) |
|
| Cyforwy Polsat (in coop. with Mobyland, Aero 2, CenterNet, Plus) |
|
Technologies/bands used by smaller operators
| Aero2 |
|
| CenterNet |
|
| Mobyland |
|
| Nordisk |
|
| Sferia |
|
If a mobile device (modem) is far from the base station or is "shadowed" by some obstacles, the communication can be improved by connecting an appropriate antenna. Aside from the antenna, usually it is necessary to buy the suitable adapter that fits the antenna input(s) of the modem and the original antenna connector(s).
Currently, the fastest standard of data transmission in cellular networks is LTE (Long Term Evolution). In general, LTE mobile network technology can enable download speed up to 326 Mbps and upload speed up to 86 Mbps (with a channel width of 20 MHz, 64QAM and MIMO 4x4).
LTE technology is flexible both in the terms of the frequency range and bandwidth of the transmission channel. LTE networks can operate in frequency bands from 700 MHz (non-urbanized areas - longer range) to 2.6 GHz (metropolitan areas - higher capacity). An important element of LTE is MIMO technology (Multiple Input Multiple Output) increasing transmission efficiency by employing multiple antennas on both ends of the transmission links.
As mentioned earlier, LTE can operate over a wide frequency range. In Poland, the currently used frequency bands are 1800 MHz and 2500 MHz. The next step will be 800 MHz band released thanks to so-called digital dividend.
Selecting an external antenna, the user should know whether the modem supports MIMO technology (has two antenna connectors). Such modems require appropriate MIMO antennas to maintain the highest possible data rates. When the user wants to employ a standard antenna, it must be connected to the connector labeled "tx/rx."
- LTE MIMO 2x2 antenna
TRANS-DATA LTE KPZ 6/8 MIMO A741022
- Standard LTE antennas
 |  |
TRANS-DATA LTE KPV 7/10 A741021 | TRANS-DATA LTE KYZ 7,5/8/10 A741031 |
UMTS allows users to make voice calls, video calls, to send text messages and exchange data. HSDPA and HSUPA protocols are parts of the UMTS standard with maximum data transfer rates of 21.6 Mbps (download) and 5.76 Mbps (upload).
Broadband wireless standard HSPA+ defined by the 3GPP consortium provides mobile access to the Internet at speeds up to 42 Mbps (download) and 11 Mbps (upload).
| Modem | Connector | |
| HSPA+ Huawei E367 (MIMO) Huawei E182E (MIMO) Huawei E3131 Other modems Huawei E122 Huawei E156G Huawei E160 Huawei E160E Huawei E160G Huawei E169 Huawei E173 Huawei E173U Huawei E173U-2 Huawei E176 Huawei E176G Huawei E182 Huawei E182e Huawei E230 Huawai E353 Huawei E372 Huawei E535 Huawei E535U-2 Huawei E600 Huawei E612 Huawei E618 Huawei E620 Huawei E630 Huawei E660A Huawei E1612 Huawei E1820 Huawei E1823 ZTE MF612 ZTE MF332 | E83200 |  |
| HSPA+ | E83205 |  |
Before choosing an antenna, it is necessary to know that the operating band of the service is 2100 MHz. There are broadband antennas for 900 MHz and 2100 MHz, but they usually have lower energetic gain. Another issue is the application of MIMO technology in the modem.
One of the criteria for selecting an antenna is the distance to the base station.
- Distance to the base station up to 3 km
UMTS Antenna ATK-P1/2GHz
(7 dBi, outdoor, 5 m cable, FME socket)
A7044
(7 dBi, outdoor, 5 m cable, FME socket)
A7044
- Distance to the base station over 3 km
 | |
3G Antenna ATK-16/2GHz (16dBi, outdoor, 15m cable and FME socket) __ A7036_15 | 3G Antenna ATK-16/2GHz (16dBi, outdoor, 15m cable and FME socket) A7036 |
- Distance to the base station up to 4 km
GSM Antenna: ATK 10/850-960MHz
(10-element, with 10m cable & FME socket)
A7016
(10-element, with 10m cable & FME socket)
A7016
- Distance to the base station over 4 km
GSM Antenna ATK 20/850-960MHz
(20-element, with 10 m cable & FME)
A7026
(20-element, with 10 m cable & FME)
A7026
- MIMO antenna (distance to the base station over 3 km)
LTE/GSM/3G Antenna TRANS-DATA KPZ LTE 6/8 MIMO
A741022
A741022
- Indoor antennas - distance to the base station 1-2 km
 |  |
GSM/DCS/UMTS Antenna TRANS-DATA DW5 A741005 | GPRS/GSM/DCS Antenna (FME +3m RG-58) A7048 |
- Distance to the base station up to 3 km
 | |
GSM/DSC/UMTS/HSDPA Antenna __ ATK-LOG (5 m cable, FME socket) __ A7040 | GSM/DSC/UMTS/HSDPA Antenna ATK-LOG (10m cable, FME socket) A7040_10 |
- Distance to the base station over 3 km
 | |
GSM/DCS/UMTS Antenna TRANS-DATA KPV7.5/10 A741020 | LTE Antenna TRANS-DATA LTE KPV 7/10 A741021 |
 | |
GSM/DCS/UMTS Antenna TRANS-DATA KYZ8.2/9.5 A741030 | 4G/3G/GSM Antenna TRANS-DATA LTE KYZ 7.5/8/10 A741031 |
GPRS is an older technology allowing transmission of data packets in in GSM networks. Maximum download speed is 115 kbps (in practice 30-80 kbps).
EDGE also known as Enhanced GPRS (EGPRS) provides data rates up to 400 kpbs and can be used for any packet switched application, such as an Internet connection. GPRS and EDGE technologies are often the only forms of Internet access in rural areas.
| Modem | Adapter | |
| Huawei E367 (MIMO) Huawei E182E (MIMO) Huawei E3131 Huawei E122 Huawei E156G Huawei E160 Huawei E160E Huawei E160G Huawei E169 Huawei E173 Huawei E173U Huawei E173U-2 Huawei E176 Huawei E176G Huawei E182 Huawei E182e Huawei E230 Huawai E353 Huawei E372 Huawei E535 Huawei E535U-2 Huawei E600 Huawei E612 Huawei E618 Huawei E620 Huawei E630 Huawei E660A Huawei E1612 Huawei E1820 Huawei E1823 ZTE MF612 ZTE MF332 | E83200 | |
ZTE MF669 (MIMO) Huawei E5776 | E83205 | |
GPRS and EDGE antennas (900 MHz)
GSM Antenna: ATK 10/850-960MHz
(10-element, with 10m cable & FME)
A7016
(10-element, with 10m cable & FME)
A7016
GSM Antenna ATK 20/850-960MHz
(20-element, with 10 m cable & FME)
A7026
(20-element, with 10 m cable & FME)
A7026
CDMA is a transmission method with multiple access - several transmitters can send information simultaneously over a single communication channel. This allows several users to share the same frequency band. Spread-spectrum technology and a special coding scheme eliminates undue interference between the users. CDMA networks are built where the deployment of 3G networks in the 2100 MHz band is unprofitable, but 2G (GSM) networks do not meet expectations for data rates.
An advantage of CDMA is a relatively low frequency band (450 MHz), which generally results in longer range.
- Distance to the base station up to 3 km
CDMA 450 Antenna FREEDOM CDMA-5 (with 5m cable, FME)
A6907
A6907
- Distance to the base station over 3 km
 | |
FREEDOM CDMA-10 Antenna (400-470MHz, 10m cable + FME) A6912 | FREEDOM CDMA-10 Antenna (400-470MHz, 15m cable + FME) A6912_15 |
- When should I use an external/outdoor antenna?
An external/outdoor antenna should be used when the signal strength indicator on your cell phone or modem indicates a low level (less than -85 dBm, usually less than 3 bars on a 5-bar scale). Such information is provided by almost every smartphone. Another reason for the use of an external/outdoor antenna is a situation in which the signal level is highly unstable.
- How to choose an external/outdoor antenna?
- Contact your operator to get information on:
- the kind of the cellular service available in the area (GPRS, EDGE, CDMA, 3G, HSPA+, LTE) and the operating band(s) - (450, 900, 1800, 2100 MHz);
- the location of the nearest base station.
- Check the type of suitable antenna connector (the corresponding table is shown above in the article).
- Select the suitable external/outdoor antenna on the basis of the information provided in this article.
- In order to select an appropriate external/outdoor antenna, you should:
- Are there any differences between antennas for different operators?
Antennas are devices that convert electromagnetic waves into electrical signals and vice versa. If an operator provides services in a band supported by some antenna (information on the frequency band(s) of the antenna is given in its data sheet), then the antenna will also improve the operation of the modem for services available in the same band(s) from other operators.
- What kinds of cables and connectors are used in these applications?
Antennas used to improve cellular connectivity have the characteristic impedance of 50 ohms, so each element of the radio path must have the same impedance (TV coaxial cables are not suitable due 75 ohm impedance). An example of an appropriate cable is Tri-Lan 240 E1171.
Antenna leads are usually terminated with FME connectors and should be connected to modems via suitable adapters.
- How to adjust the antenna?
The antenna must be aimed at the nearest transmitter of the operator. During the setup of the antenna the installer should look at the signal strength indicator on the computer connected to the modem.
- Can I use a long cable?
Due to signal loss, long cables should be avoided. In cases where there is a need for a longer antenna cable, the user should choose an antenna with high gain.
