Fixed Installed Routers - External Antennas (White Paper)

MiMo Antennas for
Wireless Routers –
Fixed Installations
Version 1.0 – February 20, 2015
Author: Mats Lindquist
White Paper

2 © Panorama Antennas, Inc.
Abstract
This paper provides information in regards to specific, advanced MiMo antennas designed to
optimize wireless performance, data rates and signal strength, when using a wireless router in a
fixed/stationary application.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction Page 3
1-1 Appearance Page 3
1-2 Features and Advantages Page 4
1-3 Brief Technical Highlights Page 4
Chapter 2: Router Application with Antenna Page 5
2-1 Why Use an External Antenna Page 5
2-2 WMMG or WMM8G Page 6
2-3 Compatible Routers Page 6
2-4 External Antenna Installation Page 7
2-5 Good vs. Bad Antennas Page 8
Summary Page 9
Appendix A: WMMG Data Sheet Pages 10-15
Appendix B: WMM8G Data Sheet Pages 16-20

3© Panorama Antennas, Inc.
Introduction
Most wireless routers on the market today are advanced machines that, if used right, will be a
secure, stable & economic way to access the Internet, able to handle large packets of data at high
speeds. The modern wireless router is designed to function very well in a location with good, to
very good cellular/LTE wireless coverage.
The majority of fixed installations will be inside a structure (e.g., office, school, hotel, etc.). As
building materials used for exterior and interior walls, windows and doors will reduce the signal
strength in the cellular/LTE, in-building, an external antenna might be the solution. External antennas
are easy to install, and once connected to the modem they require no maintenance or calibration.
This paper will explain in simple terms as well as more in depth, technical terms what antenna types
to choose and how to use them.
1.1 Appearance
The WMMG and WMMG8 series antennas are small, box-shaped, white antennas that are designed
primarily to meet certain electrical and mechanical performance standards. As these types of
antennas are often visible and mounted in “plain sight”, special consideration was taken in regards
to cosmetic appearance (Fig. 1a).
This antenna has two 5 meter/16.4’, CS29, Low Loss cables exiting the bottom of the antenna. As
a standard, both cables are terminated with SMA male/plug connectors (Fig 1b).
Fig. 1a

1.2 Features and Advantages
The WMMG and WMMG8 series antennas are designed to be mounted on either a flat vertical
surface, such as a wall, or a vertically erected pole. Each antenna will ship with mounting
brackets for both the wall and pole option, as well as a horizontal tilt bracket. These antennas
are designed for either indoor or outdoor installations.
Using the proprietary CS29 Low Loss cable will ensure optimal performance across all 4G/LTE &
Cellular frequencies, globally (698-960 / 1710-2700MHz).
The antenna housing is completely weather-proof, offering ingress protection equivalent to IP66.
This housing is made from a UV stabilized, impact resistant ASA plastic material.
1.3 Brief Technical Highlights
Advanced wireless modems, operating on cellular (including 4G/LTE) systems in the USA and
most other western nations, are designed to use a Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MiMo)/Diversity
technology to increase data rates and efficiency.
Detailed information for both WMMG and WMM8G is available in Appendix A and B.
• Efficiency - excluding cable loss (all bands): > 70%
• Element Isolation: > 20dB
• Cable Loss (Attenuation) @ 900MHz: 1.5dB (5 meter/16.4’)
• Cable Loss (Attenuation) @ 2GHz: 2.25dB (5 meter/16.4’)
• Resonant at GPS & GLONASS (L1) frequencies passive), 1575MHz & 1602MHz.
The correlation coefficient (or envelope correlation coefficient) is a measure of how independent
different antenna ports are in a multiple antenna system. MiMo systems rely on diversity, requiring the
antennas to be de-correlated (i.e., each antenna works independently of the other). The correlation
coefficient can be calculated using the radiation patterns of each antenna or more frequently, in
most multi path environments, using the antennas’ S parameters. The correlation coefficient for a
two antenna system is calculated by using the formula:

It can be seen from the formula that the lowest value will be achieved when the VSWR of each
antenna (S11 and S22) is low and the isolation between the antennas (S12 and S21) is high.
Perfect MiMo performance would be achieved with a correlation coefficient of zero.
A low correlation coefficient will result in high diversity gain, as they are related by the formula:
It’s generally acknowledged that reasonable MiMo performance will be achieved with a correlation
coefficient of less than 0.5; although a value of less than 0.2 is aimed for to achieve very good
MiMo performance and noticeably increased capacity.
Router Application with Antenna
2.1 Why Use an External Antenna
The router will come equipped with antennas from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)
(Fig. 2). While these antennas may be good, by design they are limited in their performance due
to their size. The Cellular/4G/LTE OEM antennas are attached to the router and will therefore
dictate where the router will be located for optimal antenna performance. Using an external, high
performance, high gain antenna to connect to the Cellular/4G/LTE network will provide better
flexibility in where to place the router as the high gain external antenna will compensate for a
potential poor performing location of the router.
Fig. 2

As we are not anywhere near 100% coverage of an optimal Cellular/4G/LTE network (especially
inside a structure or confined area), the router might perform poorly regardless of location. In
most cases, if there is any cellular coverage at the router location, replacing the Cellular/4G/LTE
OEM antennas with the high gain external antenna will drastically increase the performance of the
router and provide a strong, stable connection.
Note that it is only suggested to use the high gain external antenna to connect to the Cellular/4G/
LTE network. The WLAN/Wi-Fi/2.4/5.0GHz OEM antennas should be used to distribute the Wi-Fi
signal at the router location. One of the very few reasons to add an additional external antenna
for the WLAN/Wi-Fi distribution is if the router is enclosed in a box or a confined space, preventing
the WLAN/Wi-Fi signal to be properly distributed.
If the router is located in an area with very good (perfect or near perfect) cellular coverage, the
use of an external antenna might actually decrease the performance of the router. In these rare
cases, use the OEM antennas.
2.2 WMMG or WMM8G
Both the WMMG and the WMM8G series antennas are designed and precision made to increase
the performance of your router. The WMM8G has higher gain than the WMMG but the WMMG is
Omni-directional, while the WMM8G is slightly directional (see radiation patterns in Appendix A
and B). This means that the WMMG can be mounted on any non-conductive surface and achieve
desired performance improvement without knowing the location of the Cellular/4G/LTE network
Tower (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, FirstNet, etc.). The WMM8G can provide a better
coverage in very weak signal areas but this requires pointing the antenna in the direction of
the Cellular/4G/LTE network Tower (i.e., knowing where the Cellular/4G/LTE network Tower is
located so the proper location of the WMM8G can be acquired). Because of this requirement, it is
suggested that the WMMG series antenna is used in the majority of installations.
2.3 Compatible Routers
Virtually all modern routers, regardless of manufacturer, are compatible with the WMMG & WMM8G
series antennas. The router must have two ports (female antenna connectors) and be MiMo capable.
The ports are typically marked “MAIN” and “AUX” or “MAIN” and “DIVERSITY” (Fig. 3).
The following is a list of common North American router manufacturers (in no particular order):
• Cradlepoint
• CalAmp
• Cisco
• InMotion (Sierra Wireless)
• Sierra Wireless
• Harris
• TelDat
• Feeney (FW)
• Peplink (Pepwave)
• NetComm
• Icomera

2.4 External Antenna Installation
When choosing to use an external antenna with a router in a fixed installation environment, select
the antenna that best suits your needs. This antenna will have two attached coaxial cables. These
cables are terminated with connectors that should be compatible with the router. The most
commonly used connector type is: (on the antenna cable) an SMA male/plug (Fig. 1b) and: (on the
router) an SMA female/jack (Fig. 3).
The WMMG & WMM8G antennas come with a 5 meter/16.4’ low loss cable as standard.
Identify an unobstructed area, as high up as possible on an exterior or interior wall. The mounting
area should be free from any conductive material (metal), or conductive material should be kept
to a minimum (e.g., metal pole or metal wall stud), as it will influence the radiation patterns of the
antenna (Fig. 4).
Using the included mounting bracket(s) that fits the install, run the cables to the location of the
modem.
Attach the two male connectors of the antenna to the corresponding female connectors on the
router, and your installation is complete.
If you choose the higher gain, directional WMM8G antenna, it’s important to point the front of the
antenna housing towards the nearest cellular tower operated by the cellular/LTE carrier that will
provide service to the router.
On the WLAN/Wi-Fi side of the router, you will use the short OEM antennas that came with the
router.
Fig. 3

2.5 Good vs. Bad Antennas
There are a few very good antenna manufacturers offering products similar to the Panorama
WMMG & WMMG8 series antennas described in this paper. The author believes that, everything
considered, the Panorama antennas are the best performing antennas available. There are
far more bad, or non-performing, antennas available. MiMo/Diversity is a science that cannot
be properly designed and manufactured without access to highly trained engineers, the latest
antenna design software and an anechoic chamber with compatible instrumentation.
Summary: All antennas mentioned in this paper are carrier (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile,
FirstNet, etc.) agnostic. The WMMG & WMM8G antennas are “global” antennas, meaning, they will
work on any Cellular/4G/LTE network currently in use anywhere in the world.
When referring to or listing a router manufacturer, it was made without any particular brand
in mind. The choice of router is typically based on various software and hardware related
parameters, unrelated to the external antennas chosen. Also, there are several manufacturers
of consumer grade routers that are not addressed. Most of the consumer grade routers are
depending on a separate modem (which could be one of the wireless routers mentioned in this
paper).
The author tried to follow the facts and will leave it to the reader to research the different
manufacturers, compare data sheets and ask for references.
Fig. 4

Bottom line is that whatever router you choose, the antenna is what connects the router to the
Cellular/4G/LTE network [Tower], so there should be no compromises or shortcuts in quality and
workmanship.
The choice of antenna is extremely important. The antenna is what connects your expertly
engineered router to the Cellular/4G/LTE network [Tower], and this triad of technology is only as
strong as the weakest link of which, unfortunately, the antenna is the most common.
About the Author
Mats Lindquist is the General Manager and Director of Panorama Antennas, Inc., with 25+ years
of working experience in antenna design, manufacturing and antenna applications at Allgon,
Antenna Specialists and Panorama. He is a Swedish native, living and working in Mansfield,
Texas.

© Panorama Antennas, Inc.
Product Data Sheet
WMMG-7-27
C/Note Doc Issue Date Approval
01019 2 28.10.2013 J.J.

www.panorama-antennas.com2
WiMAX / LTE
Wall Mount Gain MiMo Antenna
Technical Drawing
WMMG-7-27
Supports MiMo & diversity across 2G /3G / 4G
Two wideband elements with gain
Durable wall mount housing
Suitable for mast, wall and desk mounting
The WMMG antenna provides an innovative and future proof solution for
2G / 3G and 4G networks. Incorporating two separately fed ultra wideband
elements in a single housing the WMMG is equipped to provide client
side MiMo and diversity support for the networks of today and tomorrow.
With 2dBi gain at 698-960MHz, 5dBi gain at 1710-2170MHz and 4dBi gain
at 2.2-2.7GHz the WMMG provides extra gain performance where it is
needed most.
The rugged, weatherproof housing is designed for wall mounting. Wall and
mast mount brackets are provided.
5 metres of fitted low loss double shielded twin cable minimises exposed
connector joints and simplifies cable management for easy installation.
The WMMG is an cost effective value added product for network
operators and service providers ensuring a stable link with improved data
rates for subscribers thereby improving satisfaction and retention.

www.panorama-antennas.com 3
WiMAX / LTE
Wall Mount Gain MiMo Antenna
Typical VSWR Elements 1 & 2 *
Element Isolation
Typical Efficiency
*VSWR Measured with 5m of CS29 cable

www.panorama-antennas.com4
WiMAX / LTE
Wall mount Gain MiMo Antenna
3D Gain Plot (750MHz)
3D Gain Plot (950MHz) 3D Gain Plot (1800MHz)

www.panorama-antennas.com 5
Part No.
WMMG-7-27
Electrical Data
Frequency Range
(MHz)
Antenna 1 698-960 / 1710-2700
Antenna 2 698-960 / 1710-2700
Operational bands 2G / 3G / 4G
Radiation pattern Hybrid
VSWR < 2:1
Peak Gain
(excluding cable
loss)
698-960MHz 2dBi
1710-2170 MHz 5dBi
2.2-2.7 GHz 4dBi
Efficiency - excluding cable loss (all bands) > 50%
Correlation co-efficient ( all bands) < 0.2
Element isolation > 20dB
Max input power (W) 20 Watts
Impedance 50Ω
Mechanical Data
Dimensions (mm)
Height 186
Width 155
Operating temp (°C) -30° / +70°C (-40° /180°F)
Material ASA
Colour RAL9010 (Pure White)
Ingress Protection Equivalent to IP66
Mounting Data
Fixing Wall mount / mast mount / desk mount
Mounting bracket material Stainless steel / Aluminium
Pole diameter (mm) 20-50 / (0.78 - 1.96”)
Cable Data
Type 2 x CS29 Coax
Diameter (mm) 5 (0.2”)
Length (m) 5 (16’)
Termination 2 × SMA (m) (p/n WMMG-7-27-5SP) or 2 x FME (f) (p/n WMMG-7-27-5F)
Adaptor Pigtails Supplied separately
WiMAX / LTE
Wall mount Gain MiMo Antenna

Panorama Antennas Ltd
Frogmore, London, SW18 1HF, United Kingdom
T: +44 (0)20 8877 4444
F: +44 (0)20 8877 4477
E: sales@panorama-antennas.com
www.panorama-antennas.com
Waiver: The data given above is indicative of the performance of the product/s under particular conditions and does not imply a guarantee of performance. These
specifications are subject to change without notice.
Copyright © Panorama Antennas Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Copyright © Panorama Antennas, Inc. 2015. All rights reserved.
This document is the property of Panorama Antennas, Inc.
Trademarks and Permissions
, and other Panorama trademarks are the property of
Panorama Antennas Ltd.
All other trademarks and trade names mentioned in this document, are the property of
their respective holders and used for identification purposes only, without their permission.
Important Waiver Information
All information and data in this white paper is intended to provide an indication of the
performance products under particular circumstances and none of it implies a guarantee
of performance or fitness for any particular purpose.
We strongly encourage our customers to conduct their own tests and research in order to
establish the appropriate product for any particular application.
All products should only be installed by a properly qualified installer familiar with
appropriate local laws and regulations. We advise our customers to consult and comply
with the appropriate Panorama Antennas installation instructions.
All specifications and product information in this white paper are subject to change without
notice.

Fixed Installed Routers - External Antennas (White Paper)

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