User's Manual
Arctic GPRS Router
Firmware Version 5.0.7
41
Document Version 1.6
6 GPRS
The Arctic with GPRS includes a FME connector (male type) for an external
antenna. It is possible to use any kind of external 50
Ω
dual-band antenna
intended for GSM frequency bands (quad-band).
In this Chapter, the specialities related to GPRS operation are described.
6.1
Placing Arctic
When choosing the installation site of Arctic models with the GPRS option,
please remember that it uses radio waves for data transmission. The
surrounding environment affects the behavior of the radio signals. Therefore,
if you are using an Arctic with the antenna mounted directly to the antenna
connector (without an extension cable), try to avoid placing the unit in a
location where the radio signal might be shadowed by nearby obstacles.
Note also that large metallic surfaces (racks) or walls with metallic structures
(cabling, concrete iron) may highly degrade the antenna performance. In case
of metal racks or surfaces, it is recommended to use an external antenna with
an appropriate cable. This allows placing of the Arctic more freely.
6.2
GPRS Antenna
The Arctic with GPRS includes a FME connector (male type) for an external
antenna. It is possible to use any kind of external 50
Ω
dual-band antenna
intended for GSM900 (880–960 MHz) and GSM1800 (also known PCN)
(1710–1880 MHz) frequency bands. Connect the antenna directly to the
connector provided for the antenna on the back panel of the Arctic unit.
Typically, commercially available antennas are provided with a flexible 50
Ω
cable having a length of 2–3 meters and having a female type FME-connector.
The Arctic GPRS Router is tested with antennas from Hirschmann
Rheinmetall Elektronik GmbH. Examples of tested external antennas include
the sticker-type and magnetic mount antennas shown in Figure 30 and 31
respectively:
Figure 30. External Antennas
MCA 18 90 STRIPE, sticker type patch antenna (above), and MCA 18 90
MH , magnetic mount antenna (right). Both antennas have a FME (female)
connector and L=250 cm RG174 cable.
