Wireless Networking Connectors
When setting up or upgrading your wireless network, it's crucial to choose the right connectors for optimal performance. Below is a comprehensive guide to the most common connectors used in wireless networking, detailing their features, differences, and which side of the system they are typically found on.
| Connector Type | Male | Female | Location | Connector Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RP-SMA | RP-SMA Male | RP-SMA Female | Antenna Side | 6mm (Male), 6.3mm (Female) |
| SMA | SMA Male | SMA Female | Antenna Side | 6mm (Male), 6.3mm (Female) |
| RP-TNC | RP-TNC Male | RP-TNC Female | Antenna Side | 10mm (Male), 11mm (Female) |
| TNC | TNC Male | TNC Female | Antenna Side | 10mm (Male), 11mm (Female) |
| N-Type | N-Type Male | N-Type Female | Hardware Side | 16.5mm (Male), 16mm (Female) |
| RP-N-Type | RP-N-Type Male | RP-N-Type Female | Antenna Side | 16.5mm (Male), 16mm (Female) |
| BNC | BNC Male | BNC Female | Antenna Side | 10mm (Male), 10mm (Female) |
| RP-BNC | RP-BNC Male | RP-BNC Female | Antenna Side | 10mm (Male), 10mm (Female) |
| MMCX | MMCX Male | MMCX Female | Antenna Side | 2.5mm (Male), 2.5mm (Female) |
| MC | MC Male | MC Female | Antenna Side | 2.5mm (Male), 2.5mm (Female) |
| MCX | MCX Male | MCX Female | Antenna Side | 3.5mm (Male), 3.5mm (Female) |
| IPEX | IPEX Male | IPEX Female | Hardware Side | 1.5mm (Male), 1.5mm (Female) |
Browse Connectors
RP SMA Male Crimp Connector - CLF200
RP SMA Female Crimp Connector - CLF200
SMA Male Crimp Connector - CLF200
SMA Female Crimp Connector - CLF200
SMA Female Crimp Connector - RG316/RG174
SMA Male Crimp Connector - RG316/RG174
SMA Female Crimp Connector - RG58
SMA Male Crimp Connector - RG58
RP SMA Female Crimp Connector - RG316/RG174
RP SMA Male Crimp Connector - RG58
RP SMA Male Crimp Connector - RG316/RG174
RP Reverse Polarity SMA Female Crimp Connector - RG58
SMB Jack Crimp Connector - RG316/RG174
BNC Female Crimp Connector - RG316/RG174
BNC Male Crimp Connector - RG316/RG174
TNC Male Crimp connector - HDF400 cable
RP TNC Female Crimp Connector (Non Bulkhead) - RG58/CLF200
RP (REVERSE POLARITY) SMA Female Crimp Connector - HDF400
RP SMA Male Crimp Connector - HDF400
MCX Female Crimp Connector - RG316/RG174
MCX Male Crimp Connector - RG316/RG174
RP TNC Female Crimp Connector - HDF400
RP TNC Male Crimp Connector - HDF400
RP TNC Male Crimp Connector - RG58/CLF200
RP SMC Male Crimp Connector - RG316/RG174
MC Male Crimp Connector - RG316/RG174
N-Type Male Crimp Connector - RG316/RG174
N-Type Male Crimp Connector - RG58
SMA Male Crimp Connector - HDF400
SMA Female Crimp Connector - HDF400
BNC Female Crimp Connector - CLF200
BNC Male Crimp Connector - CLF200
SMB Plug Crimp Connector - RG316/RG174
PL259 Female Crimp connector for CLF200 cable
PL259 Male Crimp connector for CLF200 cable
Right Angle SMA Male Crimp Connector - RG316/RG174
Right Angle RP-SMA Male Crimp Connector - RG316/RG174
Right Angle RP-SMA Male Crimp Connector - CLF200
N-Type Female Crimp Connector - HDF400
N-Type Male Crimp Connector - HDF400
MMCX Female Crimp Connector - RG316/RG174
RP TNC Female Crimp Connector for RG58 Cable
N-Type Male Crimp connector for CLF200 cable
QMA Female Crimp Connector - RG178
MMCX Male Crimp Connector - RG316/RG174
TNC Female Crimp connector - RG58/CLF200
RP TNC Male Crimp Connector - RG316/RG174
TNC Male Crimp connector - RG58/CLF200
PL259 Female Crimp connector for HDF400
Right Angle SMA Male Crimp Connector - CLF200
Antenna Types and Their Usages
When selecting an antenna for your needs, it's important to understand the different types available and the specific scenarios they are best suited for. Below is a breakdown of the most common antenna types:
Antenna Types and Their Usages
When selecting an antenna for your needs, it's important to understand the different types available and the specific scenarios they are best suited for. Below is a breakdown of the most common antenna types:
1. Omni-Directional Antennas
What they are: Omni-directional antennas radiate radio power equally in all directions, providing a 360-degree coverage area.
Best for: These antennas are ideal for situations where you need to cover a broad area with a Wi-Fi signal. For example, they are great for campsite owners who wish to offer Wi-Fi access to a large outdoor area.
- Even signal distribution in all directions
- Suitable for large open spaces
- Easy to install for general coverage
2. Directional Antennas
What they are: Directional antennas focus radio waves in a specific direction, offering greater performance and reduced interference.
Best for: If you're looking to extend Wi-Fi coverage to a specific location, such as an outbuilding or a summer house, directional antennas are the right choice. They can focus your signal precisely where it’s needed.
- Higher signal strength in one direction
- Less interference from unwanted sources
- Perfect for point-to-point connections
3. 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz Antennas
2.4 GHz Antennas:
- Range: Offers a longer range, suitable for extending Wi-Fi to distant buildings.
- Speed: Slower data transmission speeds.
- Best for: Areas where long-range coverage is needed, but high speed isn't critical.
5 GHz Antennas:
- Range: Provides less coverage compared to 2.4 GHz.
- Speed: Faster data transmission speeds, ideal for maintaining high-speed internet.
- Best for: Environments where high speed is essential but the coverage area doesn’t need to be as large.
Which to choose: If you're looking to cover a long distance, 2.4 GHz is better, but if internet speed is a priority, 5 GHz is the ideal choice.
4. GSM/3G/4G Antennas
What they are: GSM, 3G, and 4G antennas are designed to send and receive mobile network signals, providing internet connectivity through mobile data networks.
Best for: These antennas are perfect for areas where Wi-Fi is unavailable but mobile data can be accessed, such as in caravans, mobile homes, or remote locations.
- Enables mobile internet in remote or rural areas
- Suitable for mobile homes and caravans
- Provides an alternative when traditional Wi-Fi is not available
Choosing the Right Antenna for Your Needs
When selecting an antenna, consider factors like the area you need to cover, the required internet speeds, and the availability of mobile network signals. Here's a quick guide to help you choose the best antenna:
- For general Wi-Fi coverage in large areas, go for an Omni-Directional Antenna.
- For extending Wi-Fi to specific locations with high performance, a Directional Antenna is ideal.
- For longer range with slower speeds, a 2.4 GHz Antenna works best.
- For fast speeds within a shorter range, opt for a 5 GHz Antenna.
- For mobile internet access in areas with no Wi-Fi, a GSM/3G/4G Antenna is your best option.
WiFi Antennas - Which WiFi Antenna do you need?
A WiFi antenna is crucial for any wireless network, responsible for transmitting and receiving signal waves across various frequencies. The antenna's power gain, measured in decibels (dB), determines the strength of the signal. Choosing the right antenna can be challenging, but understanding the different types can help you make an informed decision. Whether you're boosting WiFi in an office, extending coverage to a shed, providing WiFi on a campsite, or connecting to public networks, the right antenna is key to improving signal performance.
Omnidirectional
Omni Directional Antennas are designed to offer broad, 360 degrees of coverage.
Ideal for campsites where multiple users will be connecting from different directions, as well as Office & Warehouses and users looking to create a personal WiFi hotspot
Directional Narrow Beam
Narrow Beam Directional Antennas are generally used for long range point-to-point networks.
They are best used for extending WiFi signal from a home network to an outbuilding etc and require a clear line of sight.
Directional Wide Beam
Wide Beam Directional Antenna are similar to narrow beam antennas
They are shorter range than Narrow Beam Antenna, and are ideal to providing a WiFi signal across something like a building yard. They also require a clear line of sight.
Sector
Sector Antenna have a 120 degree pick up and are commonly used to provide professional WiFi Hotspots.
They are typically installed in sets of 3 to give 360 degree coverage. Ideal for shops and open space areas.