• Boosting your connection with antennas and aerials

    Experiencing an unstable internet or mobile connection is frustrating, especially if it only works in certain (and often inconvenient) locations. Whether for TV reception, radio signals, or internet access, a reliable antenna or aerial could be your solution to staying connected, no matter how far off the grid you live.

    a man using the mobile

  • Optimising mobile reception with antennas

    An aerial is any structure used to transmit or receive signals, while an antenna specifically refers to the component that performs this function. On this page, we use the terms “antennas” and “aerials” interchangeably. After confirming the best provider and service for your needs, you can enhance your mobile phone coverage using both passive and active antennas (mobile repeaters). Keep reading to understand the differences.

    • 1 Passive Antennas

      A passive antenna is usually mounted on a tall pole on a suitable roof, with cables running down into the house. These cables then connect to either a mobile broadband modem or your mobile, through the use of a mobile phone cradle. This can turn a small amount of reception into one to two bars of service – enough for calls, texting, and internet access through your mobile. Examples of passive antennas include Yagi and MIMO antennas.

      MIMO antenna mounted on a three metre pole on a roof

    • 2 Active antennas

      An active antenna is a passive antenna connected to an amplifier (either internally or externally). This amplifier is made of components called transistors, which help make signals stronger.

      Active antennas are usually known as Cel-fi or smart antennas and are licensed by ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) to operate on the various telco networks. They also require power to work. You should check your antenna is compatible with the network you are accessing.

      How it works: Basically, the cables from the passive antenna attach to an active antenna inside your home or building, which then broadcasts the enhanced signal throughout your property. All your mobile devices on the broadcasted network will show full reception. You’ll be able to call, text, and use the internet as usual.

      *Using an illegal booster can carry a large fine as they can interfere with the mobile network. Currently, only Cel-Fi branded models are approved for use within Australia.

  • Where do I get antenna equipment and advice?

    The following companies can provide equipment and advice, and even installation in some cases:

      • Telco Antennas – Advice, equipment and installation
      • OnWireless – Advice, equipment and installation
      • Powertec Technologies– Equipment provider
      • NB Tec – Equipment provider – offers a licensed solution that is a modem/antenna and booster in one that can connect to Telstra, Optus or Vodafone mobile networks.

    Choosing a suitable mast/pole for your antenna

  • What is 4G MIMO and why might I need it?

    A MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) antenna uses multiple antennas to send and receive more data at once, improving wireless communication performance like 4G LTE and 5G. This technology boosts data speeds and signal quality, making it ideal for enhancing 4G mobile broadband rather than phone calls​

  • Internet

    Selecting and installing an antenna

    • 1 Selecting the correct antenna
      1. The correct antenna is one that works for the bands/ frequencies that are broadcast by your service provider at your location.
      2. We recommend reading through the BIRRR mobile network enhancement page.
      3. The chosen antenna must have appropriate directional gain.
      4. Where there are several competing towers, an omni-directional antenna might be suitable.
      5. For some locations, a good internal antenna placed in an optimum location by a window may be all that is required.
      6. Visit Telco Antennas – Antenna Selection Guide for an explanation of which antennas work best in various geographic locations.
    • 2 Antenna location

      For example, how high, best location on roof etc. This can be a tedious task, but well worth the effort. It is known as the ‘antenna dance’.

      1. If you get signal outside, your mobile phone may be used to find the spot with strongest signal.
      2. Ensure that your phone supports the same bands as your modem and the service that you are ‘chasing’.
      3. The signal level will display in a negative value in dBm.
      4. The lower the negative value the stronger the signal e.g.-81dBm is stronger (better) than -89dBm.
    • 3 A suitable mast

      Your TV antenna or your satellite dish mast may be suitable, however they may be in a poor location for mobile data. You may need to consider installing a separate pole/mast.

    • 4 Where to best point a directional antenna
      1. Your desktop signal survey will have located the towers which service you.
      2. Use Google Earth or similar to determine the direction of these towers from your location.
      3. Point your antenna accurately by using local landmarks that indicate the direction of the required tower.

      You can also use a compass to identify directions identified from Google, or there are apps that can assist such as Aus Phone Towers.

    • 5 A gas arrestor may assist in lightning protection of your equipment
      1. Install a gas arrestor and grounding (as required).
      2. Seek professional advice for optimal installation of these devices. Contact your equipment provider.
    • 6 Once the installation is complete

      Re-check the signal level and fine-tune the antenna direction by using your indoor modem, hotspot mobile phone or Cel-Fi repeater signal level screen. This will also check that your coaxial connections are solid and correct.

    • 7 Coaxial connectors cause signal loss
      1. Use N-type connectors where possible; for example, in the antenna to cable connector.
      2. See this guide for further information on Telco Antennas coaxial cable types and connectors.
      3. Ensure that all external connections are waterproofed with self-amalgamating butyl rubber tape.
    • 8 Ensure the coaxial cable run from antenna to equipment is as short as possible

      Invest in the best coaxial cable you can afford, as the quality of the cable affects your connection. Using a high-quality, low-loss coaxial cable ensures you don’t lose signal and performance, even with a great antenna.

    • 9 Location of the devices

      Locate the phone, modem or Cel-Fi device as close as possible to the antenna.

    • 10 Choose the correct pigtail to interface your coaxial cable to your modem, hotspot, phone or Cel-Fi repeater
      1. The pigtail is a short flexible piece of coaxial cable, which adapts to your device.
      2. If a MIMO installation is used, you’ll need to install two cable runs.

  • A diagram of a typical external antenna installation, which identifies the key components, follows.

    typical external antenna installation

    Image courtesy of Better Internet for Rural, Regional and Remote Australian (BIRRR).

     

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