Cable loss increases with frequency so is worst on the n78 band (3.5GHz) usually used for fast 5G. Depending which cable type is used you might see between 0.5dB/m and 1dB/m loss at 3.5GHz, which can wipe out the advantage of an external antenna if the cables are too long.Apologies, the last thing I wanted to do was hijack someone else's thread. It just seemed like a suitable place to ask the question given knowledgeable people were contributing.
EssexBoy, you mention cable distance being a killer when using an antenna, what sort of distances are we talking about? Part of the reason for considering an antenna, apart from the possibility of improving the signal/speeds is to move the router to a more suitable location as the current setup to give the router line of sight from the windowsill is, for want of a better word, shambolic. I already have holes in the wall elsewhere in the room for a TV aerial that I could route extra cable through, but it would then have a fair few meters to travel to where I want to place the antenna.
I am going to order these two to put outside wall on the pole for both 4G & 5G.
4 x SMA Female to TS9 Male 50cm RG316 Coaxial Cable: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09MLLB1FP
For 4G support: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08WYCRTPM
For 5G support: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08WZ2L719
Should work ok for my NR5103E 5G router.
Will post back as soon I done the job completed.
Note that according to the technical data sheet the Poynting doesn't cover the band around 1500MHz (n32?) used in the UK for supplementary downlink by some carriers.Very interested to hear about your results. I believe all four ports require full band due to UK being NSA (nonstand alone), i.e. 4G and 5G, so the Bluespot 5G mini may not work, but I'm no expert.
I am procrastinating and have short listed my ext antennas to the following:
Iskra P-60 OR Poynting XPOL-24 4x4 MIMO (expensive).
8 and 11db respective gain on the N78 band.
mm good spot, although with my EE, Vodafone and Three sim trials they didn't seem to use n32, but then that doesn't mean they won't be in the future I guess. ThanksNote that according to the technical data sheet the Poynting doesn't cover the band around 1500MHz (n32?) used in the UK for supplementary downlink by some carriers.
Does n32 exist as a standardized 5G NR RF band? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5G_NR_frequency_bandsmm good spot, although with my EE, Vodafone and Three sim trials they didn't seem to use n32, but then that doesn't mean they won't be in the future I guess. Thanks
JFYI, the Bluespot antennas and rest of the Poynting Antennas don't seem to support 1500MHz n32 band either though...
I didn't check all, but LPDA-92 and some of the XPOLs had a dip in gain at around 1500. It looks like some 4G bands at 1400 and 1800MHz also.Does n32 exist as a standardized 5G NR RF band? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5G_NR_frequency_bands
The Poynting XPOL-1-5G seems ok around 1500 MHz.
The Panorama dual sharkee antenna I'm using is fine for these bands:Does n32 exist as a standardized 5G NR RF band? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5G_NR_frequency_bands
The Poynting XPOL-1-5G seems ok around 1500 MHz.
View attachment 5875
XPOL-24 for completeness.
View attachment 5877
Very interested to hear about your results. I believe all four ports require full band due to UK being NSA (nonstand alone), i.e. 4G and 5G, so the Bluespot 5G mini may not work, but I'm no expert.
I am procrastinating and have short listed my ext antennas to the following:
Iskra P-60 OR Poynting XPOL-24 4x4 MIMO (expensive).
8 and 11db respective gain on the N78 band.
No reviews are disappointed! I am thinking of this one as well.
Maybe these look good https://www.amazon.co.uk/Directional-696-2700-3300-3800-Compatible-Connector/dp/B09CWCDMDK
(review say strong windy day can break this!)![]()
I can't look any more, OCD is running riot, poor soap dispenser.
I can't look any more, OCD is running riot, poor soap dispenser.![]()
As long as it's happy and works ok bulldog.
I take it back then for refunded
If it doesn't work then it going back.As long as it's happy and works ok bulldog.![]()
dazmatic, I see you state this in a lot of threads. I understand they are rebranded RSRF antennas, but a lot of people see to have good success with these. Not doubt there are higher gain antennas out there, but £112 seems reasonable wouldn't you say?WARNING
STRONG OPINION INCOMING
Bluespot are crap.
As in, they're a nobody brand. They're a Chinese origin antenna that's been repackaged for the UK market. Gain figures are not too be believed. 5m LMR200 cable means 1/4 to 1/2 of gain is lost in cable (perhaps slight exaggeration) and they're way, way over priced.