Selecting and positioning Aerials for best performance

Why is positioning important?

Careful placement of aerials, also known as antennas, is of paramount importance for ensuring cellular connections perform well. This is due to several reasons:

• Signal Strength: The primary function of an antenna is to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals. By positioning antennas thoughtfully, maximum signal strength can be achieved. This translates into better call quality, faster data speeds, and overall improved performance for cellular users.
• Signal Quality: The placement of antennas directly influences signal quality. For instance, when antennas are installed indoors or in areas with significant obstructions, they may lead to weaker signals and potential signal reflections, ultimately causing signal degradation.
• Avoiding Shadow Zones: Antennas must be strategically positioned to minimize the existence of "shadow zones" where the cellular signal becomes weak or non-existent. These areas are typically formed by obstacles such as tall buildings or natural features. Careful antenna placement plays a pivotal role in mitigating these issues and ensuring more consistent reception.

What to consider when positioning Aerials

Consider the following when locating aerials:
Location

• External windows or near external walls are best, the less walls the signal passes through the better. Each wall degrades the signal by up to 97%. 
• Keep out of basements where possible, these are concrete and will degrade the signal, often requiring an external aerial to be fitted.
• Do not stick patch aerials on metal surfaces ie FAP

Height

• Height is everything when connecting to the cellular network. Install the aerial as high as you can to avoid interruptions.

Placement & Direction

• For Fixed & Patch aerials - Install both aerials vertical and parallel, at a distance of 150-350mm apart.

Interruptions

• People or vehicles can interrupt the cellular signal, keep the aerials high and away from high traffic areas.
• Areas with high RF can also cause interruptions, try to keep away from switchboards/data rooms etc. if possible.

Materials

• Glass is ideal for allowing the RF signal to pass through. Installing the patch aerials on a window is the best internal location.
• Steel blocks RF signal, try to keep the aerials away from steel beams, sprinkler pipes etc.

Types of Aerials we supply and how to fit them

Dome Aerial

1. Remove “knock-out” from top of FAP. If FAP has no knock-outs, drill 20mm hole.
2. Insert Dome Aerial in to hole.
3. Feed aerial leads through washer and nut.
4. From underneath, place on washer then screw nut on to aerial thread.
5. Connect both aerial cables to the CTU.

Fixed Aerials

1. Drill two 8mm holes in top of FAP, approx. 150-300mm apart.
2. Insert plastic bulk heads in to each hole, thread will be inside FAP. Place on washers then screw nuts on to bulk head threads.
3. Connect SMA extension leads from CTU to bulk heads.
4. Screw fixed aerials to top of bulk heads on FAP.

Patch Aerials

1. Remove “knock-out” from top of FAP. If FAP has no knock-outs, drill 10mm hole.
2. Insert clear nylon gromet to hole.
3. Feed patch aerial cables through hole and attach to CTU.