C H A P T E R
4
Antenna Selection and Installation
This chapter contains the following sections:
•
Antenna Selection and Installation, on page 43
Antenna Selection and Installation
NOTE
: Before you install the Cisco IR1101 Integrated Services Router on a table, wall, or DIN rail, install
the antennas on the Pluggable Module. It is difficult to install the antennas after the router is installed.
The following section contains information for installing antennas with the base IR1101 router with or without
the Expansion Modules, using P-LTE-xx or P-LTEA-xx cellular modules. There are three RF SMA(f)
connectors on the Pluggable Module. Two connectors, Main and Div (diversity) are used to connect to the
4G/LTE modem. The third connector is used for GPS. The Diversity port may also be referred to as an Aux
connector.
Antenna Installation Best Practices
The optimal site location for antennas for 4G routers and cellular modules plays a significant role in determining
overall cellular link performance. Routers located at the farthest coverage points might have 10 to 50 percent
of the bandwidth available compared to routers located closer to the cellular base station tower, away from
obstructions, and with an unobstructed view of the cellular tower.
Because antennas transmit and receive radio signals over the air, the signal propagation and antenna performance
may be adversely affected by the surrounding environment, including physical obstructions. Radio frequency
(RF) interference may also occur between wireless systems located close to each other, especially if the
antennas of these systems are located close to each other. Interference may also occur when the antenna is in
close proximity to cable clutter or other sources of radio interference.
Follow these guidelines to ensure the best possible performance:
• When you use any cellular antennas such as 3G UMTS, 4G/LTE, 4G/LTEA (LTE Advanced) with a
modular router and a pluggable module, try to mount the antenna a certain distance away from the router.
For example, in indoor deployments, an appropriate extension cable and antenna stand can be utilized.
For outdoor installations, choose a suitable outdoor antenna, and mount it away from obstructions that
ideally have a direct view of the cellular tower. The antenna performance, and therefore that of the router,
will not be optimal if mounted directly on a pluggable module. Primary reasons for possible degradation
of performance include:
IR1101 Industrial Integrated Services Router Hardware Installation Guide
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