Now that you've completed your "Site Survey" and determined that you need an antenna for your 3G/4G device or phone, the next step is to select the appropriate antenna.
3Gstore sells quite a few antennas, and it is important that you choose the one that is right for YOU and your needs. There is no one "best" antenna - your antenna choice should be made on your application. To help make the selection process easier, 3Gstore has put together this guide, which explains the differences between the antennas, their pros and cons, and who they are typically best for:
Price: $44.95 $34.95, includes 3' cable (adapter cable sold separately for $13) Works for: 700mhz-2.5gbz frequencies - 1xRTT (Sprint/Verizon 2G), EVDO/EVDO Rev-A (Sprint/Verizon 3G), LTE (Verizon/AT&T 4G), EDGE (AT&T/T-Mobile 2G), HSPA (AT&T 3G), HSPA+ (AT&T "4G"), WiMAX (Sprint 4G), T-Mobile 3G and 4G. Height: 6" tall Ground Plane: The Booster Antenna has a built in ground plane. Weatherproof?: No, this antenna is designed for inside use only. Cable Length and Type: The Booster Antenna has 3' of RG174 cable permanently attached to it. 5ft extensions are available. Mounting requirements: The Booster Antenna requires NO permanent mounting. It comes with a stand as well as suction cups to attach it to a window. Portability: The Booster Antenna is extremely portable due to its compact size. It can easily fit in your briefcase, laptop bag or purse. It is designed to be able to be used in your vehicle, on your desk, attached to a window - anywhere else you have room for it. Pros: Affordable, compact, portable, adaptable to many situations, includes suction cups for window/glass mounting. Cons: Not weather resistant, cable may be too short for some applications. This antenna is best for: Travelers and folks who do not have the option of mounting an external antenna; RVers who prefer not to drill holes for externally mounted antenna. It's also perfect for business trips and vacations to complement reception in a hotel room or to improve signal when driving down the highway. The Booster Antenna is designed to be portable and it truly excels at that. Just pack the Booster Antenna in your backpack or laptop bag and you can boost signal to your device anywhere!
Price: $35.95 $22.95, includes 10' cable (adapter cable sold separately for $13) Works for: 700-800 / 824-894 / 880-960 / 1850-1990 / 2110-2170mhz frequencies - 1xRTT (Sprint/Verizon 2G), EVDO/EVDO Rev-A (Sprint/Verizon 3G), LTE (Verizon 4G), EDGE (AT&T/T-Mobile 2G), HSPA (AT&T 3G), HSPA+ (AT&T "4G"), T-Mobile 3G and 4G only where 1900mhz or 2100mhz are being used (T-Mobile also uses the 1700mhz band in some areas; this antenna will NOT help in those cases). Does NOT work for Sprint 4G WiMAX. Height: 12" tall Ground Plane: This antenna MUST be connected to a metal surface for proper grounding. If a metal surface with at least 8" diameter is not available, you can use the Wilson Suction Cup Mount Mount. The Mag Mount antenna will NOT be effective if not properly grounded. Weatherproof?: Yes, this antenna can be used outdoors and is made for use on a vehicle's metal/magnetic rooftop.
Cable Length and Type: The Magnetic Mount antenna comes with 10' of RG174 cable attached; 5ft extensions are available. Mounting requirements: This antenna must be attached to a metal surface but does not require permanent mounting (i.e., no drilling, screwing, hardware, etc is required). The Wilson Suction Cup Mount Mount is available for using the Mag Mount antenna indoors or where a metal ground plane is not available. Portability: The Magnetic Mount antenna is portable but does require a metal ground plane to function. You must attach the mag mount antenna to either an 8+ inch metal ground plane or the Wilson Suction Cup Mount Mount, reducing its portability slightly. Pros: Great for cars and trucks, easy installation, cable is thin which allows for routing under a door/window seal. Cons: The need for a ground plane can be a problem in non-vehicular applications, the low grade of cable limits your choice of extension cable lengths if you need more (due to the signal loss). This antenna is best for: This antenna works in many different situations, but really shines for use with a car or truck. Car travelers, RVers and truckers will love the Mag Mount, as well as security and law enforcement personnel.
Price: $59.95 $39.95, includes 12' cable (adapter cable sold separately for $13; 3-way mount sold separately for $10) Works for: 700-800 / 824-894 / 880-960 / 1850-1990mhz frequencies - 1xRTT (Sprint/Verizon 2G), EVDO/EVDO Rev-A (Sprint/Verizon 3G), LTE (Verizon/AT&T 4G), EDGE (AT&T/T-Mobile 2G), HSPA (AT&T 3G), HSPA+ (AT&T "4G"). T-Mobile 3G and 4G only where 1900mhz is being used (T-Mobile also uses the 1700mhz and 2100mhz bands in some areas; this antenna will NOT help in those cases). Does NOT work for Sprint 4G WiMAX. Height: 32" tall Ground Plane: The Omni Trucker uses included radials as a built-in ground plane. Weatherproof?: Yes, this antenna is designed for exterior use.
Price: $69.95 $49.95, includes 13.5' cable (adapter cable sold separately for $13; 3-way mount sold separately for $10) Works for: 700-800 / 824-894 / 880-960 / 1850-1990mhz frequencies - 1xRTT (Sprint/Verizon 2G), EVDO/EVDO Rev-A (Sprint/Verizon 3G), LTE (Verizon/AT&T 4G), EDGE (AT&T/T-Mobile 2G), HSPA (AT&T 3G), HSPA+ (AT&T "4G"). T-Mobile 3G and 4G only where 1900mhz is being used (T-Mobile also uses the 1700mhz and 2100mhz bands in some areas; this antenna will NOT help in those cases). Does NOT work for Sprint 4G WiMAX. Height: 21" tall Ground Plane: The Omni RV Antenna uses included radials as a built-in ground plane. Weatherproof?: Yes, this antenna is designed for exterior use.
Cable Length and Type: 13.5' of RG-58 cable hardwired to the antenna; extension cables available. Mounting requirements: The antenna can be installed in a standard 3/8" x 24 threaded "CB" mount OR you can use the optional 3 Way Mount to mount the antenna to:
Price: $69.95 $49.95, includes 13.5' cable and mounting hardware (adapter cable sold separately for $13) Works for: 700-800 / 824-894 / 880-960 / 1850-1990mhz frequencies - 1xRTT (Sprint/Verizon 2G), EVDO/EVDO Rev-A (Sprint/Verizon 3G), LTE (Verizon/AT&T 4G), EDGE (AT&T/T-Mobile 2G), HSPA (AT&T 3G), HSPA+ (AT&T "4G"). T-Mobile 3G and 4G only where 1900mhz is being used (T-Mobile also uses the 1700mhz and 2100mhz bands in some areas; this antenna will NOT help in those cases). Does NOT work for Sprint 4G WiMAX. Height: 18" tall Ground Plane: The Shorty Antenna uses included radials as a built-in ground plane. Weatherproof?: Yes, this antenna is designed for exterior use.
Cable Length and Type: 13.5' of RG-58 cable hardwired to the antenna; extension cables available. Mounting requirements: The Shorty RV antenna requires that you drill a hole in the top of your RV/bus/coach to install it. All mounting hardware is included. Pros: Easy to get the coax cable into the RV (through the same hole that the antenna is mounted), spring base prevents damage if the antenna strikes a low bridge or tree limb, easy installation (just drill one hole), can be mounted anywhere on the RV roof, 13.5' cable is typically adequate for most users. Cons: Requires drilling a hole through your RV, not portable, no option to adjust the height (such as putting it on an antenna pole for added height). This antenna is best for: DIY RV-ers who don't mind drilling a hole in their roof.
Price: $57.99, includes mounting bracket (adapter cable sold separately for $13; cable pricing varies based on length chosen)
Works for: 698-960mhz / 1700-2700mhz frequencies - 1xRTT (Sprint/Verizon 2G), EVDO/EVDO Rev-A (Sprint/Verizon 3G), LTE (Verizon/AT&T 4G), EDGE (AT&T/T-Mobile 2G), HSPA (AT&T 3G), HSPA+ (AT&T "4G"), WiMAX (Sprint 4G), T-Mobile 3G and 4G.
Height: 9.5" tall
Ground Plane: The Full-Band Omni Antenna has a built-in ground plane.
Weatherproof?: Yes, this antenna is designed for exterior use.
Cable Length and Type: NO cable is included with this antenna. Various lengths are available.
Mounting requirements: The Full-Band Omni Antenna includes a mounting bracket and hardware for mounting to a wall or other flat surface.
Portability: This antenna is not portable - it is designed to be mounted in a fixed location.
Pros: Covers virtually every cellular frequency, easy to install, affordable, shorter than other outside antennas.
Cons: No spring base (important for mobile users), not portable.
This antenna is best for: 4G users who do not have line of sight to the cell tower or don't want to worry about aiming an antenna; 3G users who want to be prepared for when 4G is available.
Price: $79.95 $64.95, includes mounting brackets (adapter cable sold separately for $13; cable pricing varies based on length chosen)
Works for: 700-800 / 824-894 / 880-960 / 1710-1880 / 1850-1990mhz frequencies - 1xRTT (Sprint/Verizon 2G), EVDO/EVDO Rev-A (Sprint/Verizon 3G), LTE (Verizon/AT&T 4G), EDGE (AT&T/T-Mobile 2G), HSPA (AT&T 3G), HSPA+ (AT&T "4G"). T-Mobile 3G and 4G only where 1700mhz and 1900mhz is being used (T-Mobile also uses the 2100mhz band in some areas; this antenna will NOT help in those cases). Does NOT work for Sprint 4G WiMAX.
Height: 18" tall
Ground Plane: The Building Omni uses included radials as a built-in ground plane.
Mounting requirements: All mounting hardware is included to mount to any pole up to 1-3/4" in diameter or to flat surface.
Portability: This antenna is designed to be affixed to a structure and as such is not a very portable option.
Pros: More cable options than Omni Trucker; if antenna needs to be replaced, you don't have to replace cable in walls; omni directional (no need to know where the tower is); easy installation (all mounting hardware included).
This antenna is best for: Stationary home/office/building users who need a different cable length than the 12.5' that comes with the Omni Trucker. Since the Building Omni antenna only has 14-inches of RG58 cable pre-attached to it, you can use a longer cable and end up with more effective gain than you'd see if you added an extension cable to the Omni Trucker. This antenna can also be used in an RV/Truck/Car, but remember that the lack of a spring base increases the potential of damage if it hits anything on the road!
Price: $99.95 $69.95 for outdoor model, $99.95 $79.95 for indoor model; includes mounting hardware (adapter cable sold separately for $13; cable pricing varies based on length chosen)
Works for: 700-800 / 824-894 / 880-890 / 1710-1880 / 1850-1990 / 2110-2500mhz frequencies - 1xRTT (Sprint/Verizon 2G), EVDO/EVDO Rev-A (Sprint/Verizon 3G), LTE (Verizon/AT&T 4G), EDGE (AT&T/T-Mobile 2G), HSPA (AT&T 3G), HSPA+ (AT&T "4G"), WiMAX (Sprint 4G), T-Mobile 3G and 4G.
Height: 8.27" tall
Ground Plane: The Panel Antenna has a built-in ground plane.
Weatherproof?: There are TWO versions of the panel antenna. The 304452 antenna is NOT fully weatherproofed for outdoor use is intended to be mounted INDOORS in a window, facing outward. The 304453 antenna IS weatherproof and can be used outdoors.
Mounting requirements: The 304453 outdoor panel antenna includes mounting hardware for a pole or it can be mounted to a flat surface; the 304452 indoor panel antenna includes a suction cup mount so that it can be mounted in a window facing outwards.
Pros: Covers virtually all cellular frequencies; easy to install; attractive/inconspicuous (doesn't "look like" an antenna); two versions available (one that is weatherproof and one that is made for indoor use); lack of a hard-wired cable give users a variety of options for installation.
Cons: Directional - the panel antenna needs to be pointed towards the tower to be effective (direct line of sight is not required, however); not suited for mobile use since it is directional; not portable.
This antenna is best for: Anyone needing to boost 3G or 4G signal in a fixed location without line of sight to the cell tower is a perfect candidate for this antenna. Additionally, this antenna is a good choice in an ultra low loss system due to its N connector.
Price: $99.95 $69.95, includes mounting bracket (adapter cable sold separately for $13; cable pricing varies based on length chosen)
Ground Plane: The Tri-Band Yagi built in ground plane.
Mounting requirements: A stainless steel mounting bracket is attached to the Yagi antenna.
Portability: This antenna is made to be installed at a fixed location with direct line of sight to the cell tower and is NOT portable.
Pros: Covers virtually every cellular frequency, lack of a hard-wired cable and a type N connector make it a good choice for ultra low loss antenna systems, excellent gain with direct line of sight to tower.
Cons: REQUIRES direct line of sight to the cell tower; not appropriate for mobile use; more difficult to install since it must be pointed at the tower.
This antenna is best for: Stationary home/office/building users with direct line of sight to the cell tower ONLY.
Price: $139.95 $89.95 (mount sold separately for $19.95; adapter cable sold separately for $13; cable pricing varies based on length chosen)
Works for: 700-800 / 824-894 / 880-960 / 1710-1880 / 1850-1990 / 2110-2170mhz frequencies - 1xRTT (Sprint/Verizon 2G), EVDO/EVDO Rev-A (Sprint/Verizon 3G), LTE (Verizon/AT&T 4G), EDGE (AT&T/T-Mobile 2G), HSPA (AT&T 3G), HSPA+ (AT&T "4G"). T-Mobile 3G and 4G only where 1700mhz and 1900mhz are being used (T-Mobile also uses the 2100mhz band in some areas; this antenna has very little gain on that frequency). Does NOT work for Sprint 4G WiMAX.
Height: 21" tall
Ground Plane: The Marine Antenna has a built-in ground plane.
Weatherproof?: Yes, this antenna is designed for salt water use and handles the rigorous weather that comes with being on a boat.
Mounting requirements: The Marine Antenna does NOT include a mount. An optional mount is sold separately for $19.95, or it will fit with any standard 1" x 14 threaded mount.
Portability: This antenna is not portable - it is designed to be mounted to a boat in a fixed location, but can also be implemented in a system for a house or other building.
Pros: Attractive/inconspicuous; variety of cable options; if antenna needs to be replaced, you don't have to replace cable in walls; omni directional (no need to know where the tower is)
Cons: Pricier than other antennas.
This antenna is best for: Anyone with a boat stands to benefit greatly from this antenna.
Still have questions? Let the experts at 3Gstore help! Send an email to sales@3gstore.com or call us at 866-3GSTORE (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm CST) and we will be happy to assist.
