The MRcard MSI.5G in the MRX.neo features four cellular antenna connectors, 5G ANT1, 5G ANT2, 5G ANT3 and 5G ANT4.
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As the connectors to be used depend on the cellular band, you cannot use just any antenna connectors.
Compliance with the RED directive!
As per EN 2014/53/EU, the operator of a radio equipment must comply with the harmonisation legislation. This includes in particular the selection and utilisation of suitable antenna systems. It must be ensured in particular that devices with radio technology are not operated without a suitable antenna system for an extended period.
Do not use combined antennas!
A separate antenna must be used for each wireless engine installed (mobile or WiFi). Combined antennas (mobile and WiFi) must not be used. These separate antennas must be at least 20 cm apart.
Use suitable cellular antennas!
Use only suitable cellular antennas that support all LTE and 5G frequency bands used at the deployment site. Follow the antenna manufacturer’s installation instructions and comply with the regulatory requirements of the country of deployment. Use INSYS icom antennas for the best possible performance.
Recommended antenna configuration!
INSYS icom recommends using four antennas on the 5G ANT1 to 5G ANT4 connectors for standard 5G and LTE operation. Only with four antennas are all the intended reception and transmission paths available.
At least two antennas are required for satisfactory operation. The cellular bands in use must be known so that the appropriate combination of ports can be selected. Use four antennas in the event of unknown bands, automatic band switching or international roaming.
INSYS icom strongly advises against operating with just one cellular antenna. No diversity or MIMO functions are available. Reception quality, data rate and connection stability may be significantly reduced. Use this configuration only for a strictly defined LTE-only application or as a special technical operating mode.
Standard installation with four antennas – 4×4 MIMO
For standard 5G and LTE operation, connect a suitable 4x4 MIMO cellular antenna to the 5G ANT1 to 5G ANT4 connectors.
The installation using four antenna connectors is the standard installation recommended by INSYS icom. Only with four antennas are all the intended receive and transmit paths available.
Four antennas do not automatically result in four parallel data streams during upload. Depending on the cellular band and network, the uplink operates using one or two transmit paths.
Additional antennas do not necessarily increase the displayed signal strength. However, they can improve signal quality, connection stability and usable data throughput.
When using the quad antenna supplied by INSYS icom, connect the labelled antenna cables as follows:
Antenna connection at the router | Antenna cable |
|---|---|
5G ANT1 | 3 |
5G ANT2 | 4 |
5G ANT3 | 1 |
5G ANT4 | 2 |
Reduced installation with two antennas – 2×2 MIMO
An installation with two antennas is intended only for applications where the frequency bands used are known. Use the designated connection combination.
5G ANT1 and 5G ANT3
5G and LTE-FDD bands as well as most of the bands below 3 GHz
5G n38, n40 and n41
LTE B34, B38, B39, B40 and B41
5G ANT1 and 5G ANT4
5G and LTE-FDD bands as well as most of the bands below 3 GHz
5G n48, n77, n78 and n79
LTE B42, B43 and B48
Based on deployment country
The country information is provided for guidance only. The cellular network operator’s actual frequency band is the determining factor. If this is not known, use four antennas.
Europe: For 5G, frequencies in the range of approximately 3.3 to 3.8 GHz are particularly relevant. If this 5G band is used, you should use 5G ANT1 and 5G ANT4.
USA and Kanada: Both 2.5 GHz bands and frequencies between approximately 3.45 and 3.98 GHz are used. For n41, use 5G ANT1 and 5G ANT3.
Limitations when using only two antennas!
With two antennas, a maximum of two reception paths are available. On 4×4-capable bands, this limits the maximum possible download speed. Please select the antenna connectors to be used based on the location and your requirements. Using any two antenna connectors does not guarantee proper 2×2 operation.
Please note for applications with 5G NSA!
With 5G NSA, LTE and 5G frequencies are used simultaneously. The two wireless technologies may require different antenna paths. You should therefore check the installation with the relevant network operator and at the actual location of use.
Operation with one antenna – SISO
Operation with just one cellular antenna is technically possible for selected applications. INSYS icom expressly does not recommend this configuration for regular 5G operation.
For a clearly defined LTE-only application, a single antenna can be used on the band-dependent primary connector:
LTE application | Antenna connection at the router |
|---|---|
Most LTE-FDD bands as well B34, B38, B39, B40 and B41 | 5G ANT1 |
LTE B42, B43 and B48 | 5G ANT4 |
Operation with a single antenna is not intended for applications that automatically switch between 5G and LTE. The primary transmit and receive connector may differ between the 5G and LTE bands.
The following primary connectors apply for a special technical 5G mode:
5G band group | Antenna connection at the router |
|---|---|
5G-FDD-Bänder und n40 | 5G ANT1 |
n38 und n41 | 5G ANT3 |
n48, n77, n78 und n79 | 5G ANT4 |
For a 5G single-antenna configuration of this kind, neither the data rate, nor the reception quality, nor the connection stability can be guaranteed.
Based on deployment country
The country information is provided for guidance only. The cellular network operator’s actual frequency band is the determining factor.
Europe: For operation in the common 5G band between approximately 3.3 and 3.8 GHz, use 5G ANT4. For LTE-only and FDD applications, generally use 5G ANT1. For LTE-only and FDD applications, generally use 5G ANT1.
USA: For 5G in the 2.5 GHz band, use 5G ANT3. For CBRS and C-band between approximately 3.55 and 3.98 GHz, use 5G ANT4.
Canada: For 5G in the 3.5 and 3.8 GHz bands, use 5G ANT4. For LTE-only and FDD applications, generally use 5G ANT1.