The user of a wireless network device such as access point, wireless adapter, modem etc. who wants to buy an external antenna should know the type of the antenna connector used in the device. A multitude of solutions and slight differences in appearance mean that less experienced users can have great difficulty in choosing the antenna with a matching connector.
The type of the connector depends on the device manufacturer and may differ in the case of devices operating in different frequency bands. Great diversity can be found in devices used for broadband data transmission in mobile networks (modems).
In order to facilitate the identification of the plugs and sockets, below we present the most common connectors used today.
2.4 GHz WLAN devices
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SMA plug | SMA socket |
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SMA R/P plug | SMA R/P socket |
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TNC plug | TNC socket |
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TNC R/P plug | TNC R/P socket |
5 GHz WLAN devices
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N plug | N socket |
2.4 GHz and/or 5 GHz WLAN adapters
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ufl plug | ufl socket |
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MMCX plug | MMCX socket |
GSM, 3G modems
Most modems have been equipped with small-size antenna connectors. Having some advantages, the connectors require the use of adapters - additional connectors/leads - for connecting external antennas. The reason is that the antenna cable is usually too large to allow direct termination with the matching connector. The most flexible solution is to use an adapter, a short cable terminated on one side with the matching connector, and with FME plug on the other (most antennas are equipped with cables terminated with FME sockets).
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FME plug | FME socket |
Examples of antenna adapters for modems:
Accessories - adapters, leads
It may happen that for the connection of an antenna to the device, the user will require one of the following adapters:
Antenna adapters with longer cables
In the case of crimped connectors, it is necessary to use a suitable crimping tool: