We all have seen cellular modems or WiFi routers having several antennae. You might think this is just for looks. But, this is not the case, then you must be wondering why do cellular modems have multiple antenna?
Cellular modems use several antennae to assist increase data transmission rate and stability. Cellular modems with multiple antennas can broadcast different data channels altogether, eventually leading to enhancing bandwidth. So, in general, we can see that more antennas will improve the internet browsing experience for users.
But is that all about multiple antennas in cellular modems, or are there more? Yes, there are more, and in this guide, we will go deep down into the reasons for having many antennas in modems.
Key Points:
- Multiple antennas in cellular modems ensure smoother, reliable, and faster bandwidth.
- Cellular modems have either internal and external antennas
- Antennas can be positioned in different ways for better optimization of data
- Modem antennas transform electrical impulses into EM waves and vice versa
- Cellular modems work at 2.4GHz or 5Ghz as a single band or dual-band.
How Does Antenna Work In Cellular Modem?
As you can see from the picture above (the antennas have a circular design), they are known as Omni-directional antennas. They have the ability to distribute the radio signals in all directions equally. Omni-directional antennas radiate RF waves perpendicular to the antenna’s axis. To sum up, the signal is transmitted directly from the antenna’s large side.
Before comprehending how antennas operate in cellular modems, we must first know why antenna length varies. Antennas work as both transmitter and receiver in wireless communication systems—the length of these changes is based on the platform. Cellular modems operate at frequencies of 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.
Modem antennas work by transforming electrical impulses into EM waves and again from EM waves to electrical impulses. EM waves hold data packets and convert them into electrical impulses that the device can handle.
The transmission antennas have a slightly different task, and they transform electrical impulses into EM waves in order to send information packets.
A WiFi modem turns these packet data into electromagnetic waves, which are then projected through the radio transmitter. The transceiver in the Client device translates the Electromagnetic signals back to electronic impulses for data analysis.
Why Do Cellular Modems Have Multiple Antenna?
Cellular modems have more than one antenna, and there are three main reasons for that, which we will look into below.
1. Secured Connections With All Devices
With more antennas, the cellular modem can enhance internet connectivity with all your devices. We all know by now that antenna can send and receive data. Hence if your modem has more antenna, it means it will be able to receive more info from the connected devices.
Furthermore, often one antenna can get blocked due to the connection of more devices with a single antenna. This is the time when multiple antennas can come in handy because another antennas can receive data and keep operating as usual.
All devices connected with multiple antenna cellular modems will always have a solid internet connection, even if the modem is placed in such a place where several objects block the WiFi signal.
Due to this, even though some WiFi transmissions can get hindrance. But, as there are many antennas, at least one of the antennas will still receive the signal.
2. Increased Bandwidth
More antenna in cellular modem means you will have more bandwidth, and hence your devices will automatically receive more speed. As the bandwidth of all the antennas gets combined, more speed will be automatically available.
We can more easily understand this by using an example. For instance, one antenna transmitting a 4G wireless signal can handle 200 Mbps of data.
So you can have 400 Mbps when your modem has two antennas, and their data processing abilities merge together (200+200) and 600 Mbps if the same modem has three antennas working together (200+200+200).
So, generally, more antennas on a cellular modem mean more bandwidth, and this is especially important when you have more devices connected on the same router.
For example, if your router has only one antenna whose maximum bandwidth is 200 Mbps, all your devices need to share that 200 Mbps.
However, when you have a router with three antennas, the whole scenario changes as now you have 600 Mbps of bandwidth to share between the same number of devices that previously shared only 200 Mbps of speed.
As a result, all the devices will automatically receive more speed and have a considerably quicker connections.
3. Optimizing Signal Direction
We often make the mistake of keeping all antennas in the same direction, and doing this might increase the internet signal in that particular direction. But, it doesn’t really extend your internet connection, and it won’t reach all the corners of your home or office.
If you reside in a building with numerous stories, you might want to think about directing an antenna horizontally. The radio signal will be greatest in the transverse position in this manner.
Whereas if your home or workplace is all on one level, your antennas should be oriented appropriately. In a horizontal plane, this will deliver the strongest internet signal.
With many antennae at the modem, you may position them in various orientations (as shown in the picture above) to ensure that all regions of your home receive the best signal all-around your house.
How To Choose Multiple Antenna Cellular Modems?
Down below, we will look into a few of the factors you must consider when choosing multiple antenna cellular modems.
1. Type of Antenna
With the advancement of technology, new cellular modems are also becoming more and more advanced. So, antenna designs have also seen major changes. There are basically two types of antenna available for modems: an internal antenna and one with regular protruding antennas.
Internal antenna modems look very modern, but the signal isn’t as strong as traditional modems. Additionally, there is no position adjustment on router with internal antennae. This might come in handy while looking for the finest coverage.
However, traditional antenna designs will provide you with more speed and extended signals in general.
2. WiFi Standards
The WiFi standards are created by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). There are a variety of WiFi protocols available, each with distinct ranges and speeds. It always starts with IEEE 802.11, then a series of letters, such as IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n.
They are frequently compatible with a lot of the most current editions, but if the router is going to be used for a long time, it is important to be sure it supports the most recent standard.
The most recent standard is 802.11ac, which is found on all new modems, which implies the modems can handle up to Gigabit speeds, which is far quicker than the previous maximum of 600Mbps.
So, always try to choose the latest model of modems to use for a few years.
3. WiFi Bands
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz are the two most used WiFi bands. Nowadays, most routers let you choose between the two bands. As a result, they’re known as dual-band WiFi modems. Tri-band routers transmit three signals, two on the 5-GHz frequency and one on the 2.4 GHz band.
When WiFi routers have two distincts radios, they can create two separate wireless networks, one for each band, to increase speed when there are a lot of people using them. The key distinction is that 2.4 GHz has a more extensive range, but 5 GHz provides quicker speeds and more bandwidth.
So, if you want a more extended range, you will need to get a 2.4GHz cellular modem, and if you want more speed, the 5 GHz option is for you.
4. Security Protocols
When looking for the finest cellular modem, security is a crucial factor to consider.
Since all data into your house passes via your WiFi modem, as well as every gadget linked to it, it’s critical to protect your modem. WEP and WPA, for example, are outdated security protocols. WPA2 is the current minimum standard to seek in a modem.
It is critical that your modem meets the most current security requirements to secure and protect your personal information, such as bank card numbers, social media passwords, etc.
Have A Look: Why Do Modems Need To Be Reset And How?
Conclusion
Modern cellular modems come with multiple antennas, and when you ask why do cellular modems have multiple antenna? There are many reasons for that and these antennas serve a bigger purpose. These antennas work together to give the users a more secure, faster, and optimized internet connection.
Hence, whenever you decide to get a cellular modem, make sure it comes with at least two antennas. If you can afford a modem with more antennas, go for that, as this will ensure that you always have a smooth data connection in all your devices.