A Comprehensive Guide to LTE Gateway Router External Antennas

 

We understand that some of customers have inquiries regarding the external antennas on TP-Link LTE Gateway routers and may be interested in replacing them. 
In this article, we aim to address these concerns by providing an overview of the external antennas found on LTE Gateway routers. Additionally, we offer guidance on the important factors to consider when contemplating an antenna replacement.

 

Part 1: External Antennas on Different Devices

TP-Link LTE Gateway routers feature two types of external antennas: LTE antennas and Wi-Fi antennas. It's crucial to note that the external antenna configuration can vary among different hardware versions of the same model.

To determine whether the external antennas are LTE or Wi-Fi antennas, please check the specifications of your specific product on the TP-Link official website.
For example, Archer MR600 V3 has 2 detachable 4G LTE Antennas:

While Archer MR200 V3 has 2 internal 4G LTE Antennas, which means the two external antennas are for Wi-Fi only:

 

For models equipped with two undetachable external Wi-Fi antennas, it is not possible to replace these antennas. They are permanently attached to the device and cannot be removed or exchanged.

However, for models that come with two external detachable 4G LTE antennas, please refer to the following section for further information.

 

Part 2: Would like to replace the two external 4G LTE antennas?

 

The two external antennas are 4G LTE antennas, designed specifically for receiving 4G signals from the Internet Service Provider (ISP) via the SIM card. In general, it is not recommended to replace these antennas because they serve as auxiliary components, and the strength of the 4G signals primarily depends on the SIM card and ISP.

If you still would like to replace the 4G LTE antenna due to perceived signal reception issues, please pay attention to the following information:

 

1) When replacing the antennas, both antennas must be changed simultaneously, and the replacement antennas should have the same specifications.

This is because the two antennas work together. Replacing only one antenna may not yield the desired effect and could potentially worsen signal reception.

 

2) Ensure that the interface type of the replacement antenna matches the original antennas.

The interface type for the two external 4G LTE antennas is SMA plug (SMA male).

 

3) The replacement antennas should support the same frequency range as the original antennas.

It is crucial to ensure compatibility in terms of frequency support when selecting replacement antennas. For the frequency bands supported by TP-Link LTE Gateway Routers, please check its specification on TP-Link official website.

4) Then replacing the antennas, it is important to maintain the distance between the new antennas, ensuring it is not less than the distance between the original antennas.

This distance plays a role in optimizing signal reception and performance. By adhering to the original antenna spacing, you can help maintain the intended signal coverage and ensure optimal functionality of the LTE Gateway router.

 

Note: While we understand that customers may wish to install third-party antennas, we are unable to guarantee the performance of the device after such installations. The performance of third-party antennas may vary, and compatibility issues could potentially arise. Therefore, it is important to consider these factors and proceed with caution when using non-original antennas.

 

Part 3: Other Antenna-Related Q&A

Q1) Can the antenna be placed far away from the router using an extension cable?

Yes, it is possible to use an extension cable; however, keep in mind that signal attenuation can occur with longer cables. Therefore, it is not recommended to use excessively long extension cables. 

 

Q2) Can replacing the antenna enable support for a 4G frequency band that the router doesn't currently support?

The support for specific 4G frequency bands depends on the LTE module within the router's hardware. It is not solely dependent on the antenna. Therefore, if the router does not support a particular frequency band, it cannot be enabled simply by replacing the antenna. When replacing antennas, it is crucial to ensure that the supported frequency range matches the original antenna to maintain compatibility.

If you have any further questions or would like to provide additional information, please feel free to leave your comments below. We are here to assist you and appreciate your valuable input.