Resources

The Impact of Foliage and Seasonal Changes on RF and Wireless Networks | MP Antenna

mp marketing — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Wireless networks are increasingly relied upon for critical communications, IoT applications, and broadband access. However, their performance can be significantly influenced by environmental factors – especially foliage and seasonal changes. Trees, leaves, and vegetation interact with radio frequency (RF) signals in complex ways that lead to attenuation, scattering, and multipath interference. These effects vary by frequency band, foliage density, and seasonal conditions. Understanding these dynamics is essential for network design, optimization, and maintenance.

Introduction

Wireless networks depend on the propagation of RF signals between antennas and receivers. While free-space environments support predictable propagation, real-world deployments often contend with obstacles. Foliage—trees, shrubs, and seasonal vegetation—is one of the most significant environmental factors, particularly in suburban, rural, and outdoor campus settings.

RF Signal Interaction with Foliage

When RF signals encounter foliage, three primary effects occur:

Absorption: Water within leaves and branches absorbs RF energy, particularly at higher frequencies (e.g., 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and beyond into mmWave).
Scattering: Irregular surfaces like leaves and pine needles scatter signals, reducing coherence and degrading signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
Reflection & Diffraction: Branches and trunks can reflect or bend signals, creating multipath interference that may degrade throughput.

These effects compound as foliage density increases, producing noticeable reductions in coverage and throughput.

Seasonal Variations

The impact of foliage on wireless networks is not static; it changes with the seasons:

Spring & Summer: Full leaf growth increases attenuation due to higher water content in leaves and greater canopy density. Networks may experience significant reduction in range, requiring more power or additional access points.
Fall: As leaves dry and drop, absorption decreases. However, partially obstructed paths with sparse leaves can create unpredictable scattering effects.
Winter: In deciduous environments, bare trees reduce absorption, often improving signal range. However, snow and ice accumulation can introduce additional reflection and scattering.

Frequency Dependence

Low frequencies (sub-1 GHz): Better penetration through foliage, though still subject to attenuation in dense forests.
Mid frequencies (1–6 GHz, Wi-Fi and LTE bands): Noticeable performance degradation in leafy conditions, especially at 2.4 and 5 GHz.
High frequencies (mmWave, 24–100 GHz): Severely impacted by foliage; even light vegetation can block or absorb signals almost entirely.

Network Planning Considerations

Site Surveys: Seasonal surveys should be conducted to understand worst-case foliage impacts.
Antenna Placement: Elevating antennas above tree lines or using directional antennas can mitigate losses.
Adaptive Technologies: MIMO, beamforming, and mesh networking can reduce the impact of seasonal changes.
Frequency Selection: Networks operating in foliage-dense environments may benefit from lower-frequency bands.

Case Example

Field measurements consistently show that signal loss in dense foliage at 2.4 GHz can exceed 10–15 dB, while at mmWave frequencies, even small clusters of leaves can cause complete signal blockage. Seasonal changes can therefore result in performance swings of 20–30% or more in outdoor wireless networks.

Conclusion

Foliage and seasonal changes represent a dynamic challenge for RF and wireless networks. The presence of vegetation introduces absorption, scattering, and multipath effects that vary dramatically throughout the year. By accounting for these variations during design, and leveraging adaptive network technologies, operators can ensure consistent performance across all seasons.

Understanding Antenna Gain and Its Impact on Wireless Performance | MP Antenna

mp marketing — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Introduction

Wireless systems depend heavily on antennas to send and receive signals effectively. One of the most important characteristics of an antenna is its gain. . Antenna gain indicates how well an antenna directs radio frequency energy in a particular direction compared to an ideal reference antenna. This white paper explains what antenna gain is, how it is measured, and its impact on wireless performance, with supporting graphs for clarity.

What is Antenna Gain?

Antenna gain is a measure of how effectively an antenna focuses energy in a specific direction. Instead of radiating energy equally in all directions, most antennas concentrate energy where it is most useful. Gain is usually measured in decibels (dB) relative to:

dBi (isotropic radiator): Compares gain to a theoretical antenna that radiates equally in all directions.
dBd (dipole antenna): Compares gain to a standard dipole antenna.

Key Concept:

Higher Gain = More Focused Beam (like a flashlight beam).
Lower Gain = Wider Coverage (like a light bulb).

How Antenna Gain is Measured

Gain is expressed in dB (decibels), which is a logarithmic scale. A higher dB value means more energy is concentrated in a particular direction.

2 dBi: Broad coverage, short range.
6 dBi: Balanced coverage and range.
12 dBi+: Long range, but narrow coverage area.

Impact on Wireless Performance

Range

Higher gain antennas can transmit signals farther because they concentrate energy more effectively in a given direction.

Coverage Area

Lower gain antennas cover a wider area but with less range. This is useful indoors or when devices are spread out.

Interference Management

Directional high-gain antennas can reduce interference from unwanted directions, improving signal quality.

Trade-offs

High-gain antennas improve long-distance links but limit coverage.
Low-gain antennas improve coverage but reduce maximum range.

Practical Examples

Wi-Fi Router with 2 dBi Antenna: Covers a whole room with moderate range.
Outdoor Wi-Fi with 12 dBi Antenna: Provides a strong link across a field but only in a narrow beam.
Cell Towers: Use different gain antennas depending on whether coverage is for local streets or long highways.

Conclusion

Antenna gain is a critical factor in wireless performance. It determines how effectively power is transmitted and received, shaping both range and coverage. By choosing the right gain level, network designers can optimize wireless systems for specific applications—balancing distance, coverage, and interference control. Understanding antenna gain ensures stronger, more reliable wireless communication.

. Contact MP Antenna for more questions!

Understanding ISM Frequency Bands for Wireless Networks | MP Antenna

mp marketing — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Introduction

Wireless networks rely on different frequency bands to send and receive signals. Each frequency band has unique strengths and weaknesses that make it better suited for certain situations. In this white paper, we will explore the four main Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) frequency bands commonly used in wireless network deployments: 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz. By the end, you will understand how these bands compare in terms of range, speed, interference, and device compatibility.

900 MHz Band

Overview: The 900 MHz band is one of the earliest ISM bands used for wireless communication. It operates at a relatively low frequency.

Pros:

Long Range: Signals travel farther than higher-frequency bands.
Good Penetration: Can pass through walls, trees, and obstacles more easily.
Ideal for Rural Areas: Works well where long-distance coverage is needed.

Cons:

Lower Speeds: Limited bandwidth means slower data transfer rates.
Limited Device Support: Not commonly used in modern consumer Wi-Fi devices.

2.4 GHz Band

Overview: This is the most widely used frequency band for Wi-Fi and many household devices.

Pros:

Wide Compatibility: Nearly all Wi-Fi-enabled devices can use 2.4 GHz.
Better Range: Provides good coverage across homes and offices.
Wall Penetration: Works reasonably well through solid objects.

Cons:

Crowded Spectrum: Used by microwaves, Bluetooth, and many Wi-Fi devices, leading to interference.
Lower Speeds Compared to Higher Bands: Cannot support the fastest data rates.

5 GHz Band

Overview: A higher-frequency band that has become the standard for faster Wi-Fi connections.

Pros:

High Speeds: Supports faster data rates for streaming, gaming, and large downloads.
Less Interference: Fewer household devices use this band compared to 2.4 GHz.
Multiple Channels: Provides more options to reduce congestion.

Cons:

Shorter Range: Signals weaken faster with distance.
Poor Wall Penetration: Less effective at going through solid objects.
Not Always Supported by Older Devices: Some legacy equipment cannot use 5 GHz.

6 GHz Band

Overview: The newest Wi-Fi band, enabled by Wi-Fi 6E, offering wide channels and high speeds.

Pros:

Ultra-Fast Speeds: Designed for next-generation applications like VR and high-resolution streaming.
Very Low Interference: Since it is new, there is little congestion.
Large Bandwidth: Offers more spectrum for devices, reducing signal overlap.

Cons:

Limited Device Support: Only the newest devices support Wi-Fi 6E and 6 GHz.
Short Range: Works best in the same room as the access point.
Poor Wall Penetration: Similar to 5 GHz, but even more limited.

Summary Table

Band	Range	Speed	Wall Penetration	Device Support	Interference
900 MHz	Long	Low	Strong	Limited	Low
2.4 GHz	Medium	Medium	Good	Very High	High
5 GHz	Short	High	Weak	High	Medium
6 GHz	Very Short	Very High	Weakest	Limited (new)	Very Low

Visual Comparison Chart

Range 900 MHz ──────────────

2.4 GHz ────────

5 GHz ────

6 GHz ──

Speed 900 MHz ░░

2.4 GHz ░░░░

5 GHz ░░░░░░░

6 GHz ░░░░░░░░░

Conclusion

Each ISM frequency band serves a unique purpose in wireless networking. 900 MHz is excellent for long-range but slower connections. 2.4 GHz provides broad compatibility but struggles with interference. 5 GHz offers a balance of speed and performance for most modern devices, while 6 GHz unlocks the future of ultra-fast, low-latency connections—though only with the newest technology.

When designing or deploying a wireless network, the right frequency band depends on the trade-off between range, speed, and compatibility. Understanding these differences ensures better performance and reliability in both home and enterprise networks.

Understanding VSWR | MP Antenna

mp marketing — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Understanding VSWR and Its Impact on Antenna Efficiency

Introduction

In wireless communications, ensuring that an antenna efficiently transfers power from a transmitter is crucial. One important measurement used to evaluate this efficiency is Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR). This white paper explains what VSWR is, why it matters, and how it affects antenna performance. Illustrations are provided to help visualize these concepts.

What is VSWR?

VSWR stands for Voltabe Standing Wave Ration. VSWR is a measurement that describes how well an antenna is matched to the transmission line (usually a coaxial cable) and transmitter. It indicates how much of the signal power is actually radiated by the antenna versus how much of the wave is reflected back toward the transmitter. The reflected wave interferes with the forward traveling wave.

Perfect Match (VSWR = 1:1): All the power from the transmitter is being delivered to the antenna.
Imperfect Match (VSWR > 1:1): Some of the power is reflected back, interfering with the forward traveling wave and reducing efficiency.

How VSWR is Measured

VSWR is expressed as a ratio, such as 1.2:1 or 3:1. The first number represents the maximum voltage of a standing wave on the transmission line, while the second number (always 1) represents the minimum voltage.

1.0:1 VSWR: Perfect match (ideal, but rarely achieved).
1.5:1 VSWR or lower: Excellent efficiency.
2.0:1 VSWR: Acceptable for many systems.
Higher than 3.0:1 VSWR: Significant power loss and potential damage to the transmitter.

Why VSWR Matters

Efficiency of Power Transfer

When VSWR is high, a large portion of the signal reflects back toward the transmitter. This means less power is available for the antenna to radiate. This results in weaker signals and reduced range.

Heat and Equipment Stress

Reflected power can cause heating in the transmission line and possible damage to sensitive transmitter components if the mismatch is too high. System reliability becomes reduced with poor VSWR.

Signal Quality

Poor VSWR can create standing waves that distort signals, potentially reducing data rates and increasing error rates in digital communications.

Practical Example

Imagine shouting into a canyon. If the canyon perfectly absorbs your voice, nothing echoes back—like a 1:1 VSWR. But if the canyon walls reflect your voice, you hear an echo—like a higher VSWR. The more echo (reflection), the less of your voice carries forward.

Summary Table

VSWR Ratio	Efficiency	Performance Impact
1.0:1	~100%	Perfect transfer
1.5:1	~96%	Excellent
2.0:1	~89%	Acceptable
3.0:1	~75%	Reduced range and possible issues
>3.0:1	<75%	Poor efficiency, possible damage

Conclusion

VSWR is a critical measurement for understanding antenna efficiency. Lower VSWR values indicate better power transfer, higher efficiency, and improved wireless performance. Engineers designing or deploying wireless systems should always aim for the lowest practical VSWR—ideally below 2:1—to maximize signal strength, reliability, and equipment safety.

By monitoring and optimizing VSWR, network designers can ensure their antennas operate at peak performance, delivering stronger and more reliable wireless connections.

For more information on antenna efficiency, follow the MP Antenna Blog or request our “Choosing the Best Antenna for your Project” consultation.

5 Benefits of Multi-Polarized Antennas | MP Antenna

Sarah Greiner — Tue, 13 May 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Often, wireless communication depends upon single-polarized antennas that are easily within someone’s line of sight. In an ideal situation, there would be nothing between the two points that could block or interfere with the signal—this means no trees, mountains or buildings.

Of course, the real world rarely presents ideal situations.

Rugged terrain and man-made objects can scatter radio waves and other unknown variables can interfere with the integrity of the signal. Even pollution can have detrimental effects.

Multi-polarized Antennas Enable Stronger, More Stable Connections

When you harness the benefits of multi-polarized antennas you can worry less about how your environment affects your signal.

Most simple antennas are created to work with vertical polarization. If the waves vary from this polarization due to interference or outside elements, the signal can be easily lost.

Multi-polarized antennas can work with various types of polarization, extending beyond the vertical and horizontal. This three-dimensional element can improve wireless communications in an extensive variety of applications.

At MP Antenna, we’re the experts in quality and reliability through our patented antennas that have consistently outperformed other, single-polarized antennas. As a result, users get the consistent, quality connectivity that is vital to so many operations. We invite you to contact us to discover how we can put this technology to use for you.

In this article, we’ll highlight five benefits of multi-polarized antennas and how they can help your latest project.

5 Benefits of Multi-Polarized Antennas

1. Improved Signal Reliability

We briefly discussed this earlier. When it comes to the reliability of your operations, your signal should not be compromised. Multi-polarized antennas can dramatically reduce the chance of a dropout by covering more ground and connecting with not only the vertical and horizontal planes, but with other spatial planes.

For example, if one polarization loses signal strength due to a change in terrain, the other polarization can still regain the signal, providing an uninterrupted chain of communication.

2. Enhanced Data Speeds

Better signal stability leads to a more consistent and reliable data transfer. This is crucial in applications that demand high-speed connections, such as:

Real-time communications
Streaming Video
Critical Data Links

3. Better Coverage in Complex Environments

Often, linear antennas are only tested in ideal conditions, and aren’t rigorously exposed to the “real world” challenges the signal faces in various applications. This is why they often lose connectivity.

Multi-polarized antennas can adapt to reflections and obstacles that will normally weaken a signal. This means that they are reliable in environments such as:

Large urban areas
Crowded areas such as concerts, stadiums and airports
Large office buildings
Factories
Warehouses

4. Increased Efficiency for MIMO Systems

MIMO refers to “multiple input, multiple output.” This technology utilizes multiple antennas at both the transmitter and the receiver points. This addresses a problem known as fading, where the signal fragments can become distorted or, in some cases, even lost.

Multi-polarized antennas are a critical component of MIMO systems, helping not only

to reduce signal errors but maintain signal integrity, making it ideal for transmitting videos and other large-scale content.

5. Maintains Connections Even When In Motion

Public transportation has to work seamlessly to be safe and efficient. Drones must have a reliable signal so they can make accurate observations. These are two examples where multi-polarized antennas make a huge difference.

When using single-sight antennas, the signal can be lost if the users are on the move. Because multi-polarized antennas are effective across several planes, the signal does not drop just because the user is moving.

What Is Wave Polarization?

This refers to the direction electromagnetic waves oscillate between antennas. Three-dimensional space is composed of multiple planes. Signals travel along these planes. For example, if an antenna is vertically polarized, signals will travel across the vertical plane.

Antennas that are multi-polarized can capture signals traveling across several different planes without being limited to only the vertical or horizontal.

How Does a Multi-Polarized Antenna Work?

As we mentioned in the illustration earlier, antennas with singular polarization depend upon a clear line of sight. One antenna at one location will transmit a signal to another antenna at another location.

These antennas will send signals along the horizontal plane. It’s very easy for outside forces such as motion and obstacles to interfere with this signal, causing communication dropouts.

By comparison, a multi-polarized antenna utilizes many different antennas that can send and receive signals not only from the horizontal plane, but also from the vertical plane and any other planes found in three-dimensional space.

In What Applications Are Multi-Polarized Antennas Most Commonly Used?

Multi-polarized antennas are used where signals must maintain their connectivity in challenging environments.

These include:

Agriculture
Automation
Industrial automation
Public Safety
Military
Mining
Transit

Discover Why MP Antenna Is the Leader in Multi-Polarization Technology

We offer an extensive variety of the most advanced antennas on the market. We can help ensure that our clients will have the highest-quality wireless experience at any frequency. In addition to our advanced technology, we are also committed to providing stellar customer service that always considers your needs and applications.

Take a closer look at our patented, groundbreaking technological innovations and how our multi-polarized antennas can work for you. Contact us today.

Key Takeaways:

Single-polarized antennas depend upon an unobstructed line of sight to receive and send clear signals. By contrast, multi-polarized antennas can send and receive signals on any plane, regardless of any interference or obstructions.
Multi-polarized antennas are ideal in unpredictable environments or in areas where the user may be moving.
Multi-polarized antennas have a wide scope of applications, some of which include:
- Mining
- Transportation
- Robotic automation
Multi-polarized antennas are also a good choice if you want a reliable signal in a complicated environment.

====

Sources:

Tech Target, “What Is MIMO?” https://www.techtarget.com/searchmobilecomputing/definition/MIMO

How Our Custom Antenna Mounts Are Designed for Your Needs

Sarah Greiner — Tue, 13 May 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Your antenna is only as dependable as its mounting system. If your custom antenna mount can’t withstand challenging environments, then the antenna is useless. There is simply too much at stake for your antenna. Everything from public transportation systems to military drones depends upon a reliable antenna that can maintain a strong connection. The antenna mount is a complementary part of this process, and the two should work seamlessly together. When they don’t, signals get lost. In the best case, it can lead to unstable communication. In the worst case, it can compromise safety.

MP Antenna Specializes in Custom Antenna Mounts that Can Survive Challenging Environments

Our leading engineers have a keen understanding of how vital this element is to your overall success. That’s why our custom antenna mounts are designed to withstand these challenges. We invite you to experience the expertise of our patented technology for yourself. Simply reach out to get an RFQ. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how our custom antenna mounts can survive difficult environments.

Materials Designed and Ready for the Challenge

We take time to understand your application so we can select the material for our mounts that best suits your needs. This may involve carefully examining and considering:

Stainless steel
Aluminum alloys
Reinforced composites

For example, we’ll ensure your mount is corrosion resistant, particularly if it will be used in a marine environment or a coastal area. If, on the other hand, you’ll be dealing with freezing temperatures and an Arctic climate, we can make those adjustments. We’ll also prepare your mount for harsh heat or desert environments.

Engineered to Manage the Load and Stress

Vehicles and towers are subject to vibrations and can stress your custom antenna mount. This is one of many examples where your antenna mount will be tested. Will it withstand the load and stress? That’s why we design our mounts taking into consideration:

Wind load
Shock
Vibration
Weight of load

If you have any concerns about how one of our MP Antenna mounts will meet these challenges, please contact us. We would welcome the opportunity to tell you more about how working with us places you at a distinct advantage.

Designed to Handle Environmental Uncertainty

Despite even the most accurate forecasts, nature often presents unplanned issues. That’s why our materials, combined with the insight from our leading engineers, can protect the mount against:

Ice build-up
Saltwater
Extensive UV exposure
Snow loads
High winds
Seismic activity

A Secure Fit Enhances Durability

We know that success hinges on managing details, and with MP Antenna, no detail is overlooked. This includes providing a secure and customized fit for your antenna mount.

Field-Tested = Predictable Reliability

Many antennas and their mounts are field-tested. However, for many companies, this often involves testing them in ideal conditions, without interference from rugged terrain or man-made objects. At MP Antenna, we don’t believe that’s an accurate assessment of the durability of your custom antenna mount. When we field-test a product, we put it through its paces in environments it’s most likely to encounter in the real world.

What Factors Are Considered When Designing a Custom Antenna Mount?

The key to designing an effective custom antenna mount is to ensure that the antenna will meet the needs of your specific application. The first step we will take is getting to know how our patented technology can provide the most benefit to your operation. The following are some factors that may be considered:

Frequency range
Mounting location
Load distribution
Ensuring an optimal location
Directionality gain
Vibration
Environment

Did you know that even your bracket material can affect antenna performance? This also holds true to the type of surface it’s attached to. For example, metal can affect radio frequencies. Furthermore, some surfaces may cause stronger vibrations that affect signal quality.

How Are the Mounts Attached to Different Surfaces?

We will work closely with you to determine which type of mount will work best for your purposes. Some of the types of mounts we use include:

Ceiling Mounts
Direct Mounts
Mast Mounts
NMO Mobile Mounts
Surface Mounts

We also make a wide variety of custom accessories to support our antennas, including jumpers, custom enclosures and ground planes.

Can MP Antenna Mounts Withstand Harsh Environments?

Absolutely! We went into detail earlier in this article, but we design our antennas with challenging environments in mind. This includes rugged terrain and inclement weather. Custom mounts can be designed specifically to fit perfectly, offering stability and further protection.

Does MP Antenna Help With Mount Installation?

While we do not physically install them, we can make recommendations. If the antenna does not have a built-in ground plane, we can recommend the minimum diameter ground plane needed for optimum performance. If a custom bracket or mounting solution is needed, MP can work with the customer to produce it. If an existing bracket is being used, MP can advise on whether it is sufficient. If a bracket’s material is something other than metal, like carbon fiber, we can advise on performance issues.

Can I Receive a Prototype Mount Before It’s Manufactured?

We can provide prototypes of mounts. We aim to produce any prototypes in 30 days or less, but we can provide dimensional and CAD drawings quickly.

MP Antenna: We Customize Your Antenna Mounts to Perform in “Real World” Environments

The environment is not always friendly. In fact, most of the time, it can present difficulties that can be a nightmare for many antennas and their mounts. But MP Antenna is different. Our leading engineers customize every mount to ensure it’s what you need, when you need it. A big part of that customization is ensuring that they will withstand real-world issues such as corrosion, snow, high winds and extreme temperatures. Let us put our patented technology to work for you. Ready to get an RFQ? Just complete this form.

Key Takeaways:

It’s vital to have an antenna mount that can withstand challenging environments.
To have an antenna mount that is secure and stable, the following items must be considered:
- Material selection
- Load and stress resistance
- Environmental resilience
- Customized fit
- Real-world testing
We carry a variety of custom mounts that can be attached to many surfaces.
- Ceiling Mounts
- Direct Mounts
- Mast Mounts
- NMO Mobile Mounts
- Surface Mounts
It’s important to work with a company you trust, like MP Antenna, because failure could lead to safety risks.

Coaxial Cables for Antennas: Best Practices | MP Antenna

Sarah Greiner — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Antennas can use different types of coaxial cables, but there are some best practices to follow. For example, keep the coax run as short as possible to ensure the strongest transmission signal. Also, remember that the smaller the diameter, the less efficient the cable. Yet there are applications where cables with thicker copper cores come with unwanted tradeoffs.

There are many connector types for axial coaxial cables, but connector selection is largely a matter of preference. Still, using the wrong type of connector (or cable) can make a signal stronger or weaker than what’s required. This article from MP Antenna describes some best practices for antenna coaxial cables. They apply to all types of products, including the multi-polarized antennas that MP provides.

Understand Your Link Budget

A link budget is a way of accounting for all of the gains and losses in a communications system so that you can predict how reliably a signal is received. In part, the power you transmit is a function of cable type, connector type, and antenna gain. An additional factor is free space path loss, which depends on the nature of the environment. Crimping, clamping, or soldering can also affect your link budget.

Choose the Right Coaxial Cable

The table below contains signal loss information for some common types of coaxial cable. Consider this information for your link budget, but keep tradeoffs in mind. For example, RG-58 coax cable is inexpensive but doesn’t work especially well. LMR-600 cable has a thicker copper core for less loss, but it’s difficult to work with because of its narrow bend radius. Consequently, it’s used mainly in straight-run applications.

For applications like microwave links with tall towers, remember that there’s considerable signal loss because of the length of the cable. To send a signal up a 300-ft. transmission tower, a 100-watt amplifier is typically used. With unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), however, even a 7-ft. cable could be too long because of the amount of loss.

Choose the Right Connector

The loss from a connector is very small, but a poor connection limits performance. The way that a connector is attached is also a factor. For example, a connector that’s directly attached to the antenna on a radio may work fine. However, adding a jumper in between could introduce a problem. Size is also a factor. SMA connectors take up less space, but bigger, bulkier Type N connectors are harder to shake loose.

Ask MP About Coaxial Cables for Antennas

MP Antenna of Elyria, Ohio (USA) can help you choose the right coaxial cables for the multi-polarized antennas that you buy from us. Our antenna accessories are easy to order, ready to customize, and built to meet your specific requirements. To learn more, contact us.

4 Types of Custom Antenna Accessories We Offer | MP Antenna

Sarah Greiner — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT

Did you know that MP makes antenna accessories like coaxial cables, brackets and mounts, jumpers, and ground planes? They’re specifically designed to support our products and combine the convenience of one-stop shopping with quality customization. Ask MP to make custom accessories for your multi-polarized antennas, and we’ll design what you need and send you prototypes for review.

The following sections describe the antenna accessories that we make and the value they provide.

Coaxial Cables

Large industrial distributors can customize your connectors, but they only sell coaxial cables in standard lengths. If you need non-standard lengths instead, MP Antenna can buy a spool of cable and cut it to size for you. You’ll get the convenience of receiving what you really need, and from the same vendor you already trust for your antenna products. Of course, MP can customize your cable connectors as well.

Jumpers

Some of our customers don’t know we make jumpers, but we can supply them for our equipment. Even if our jumpers cost a bit more, you can be sure you’re getting accessories that are designed to work with our multi-polarized antennas, which feature MP’s patented technology. The jumpers you buy somewhere else might not work unless you can test them first.

Brackets and Mounts

When a mining technology company wanted high-definition antennas from MP, our customer needed to account for how a major OEM mounted these devices. That’s when MP provided bracket mounts for a complete solution. We can also supply screw-on NMO mounts for applications like the two-way radios in emergency vehicles such as police cars.

Ground Planes

Every antenna needs a ground plane, but some antennas don’t have one that’s built-in. It’s also worth considering that antenna frequency determines ground plane size. Higher frequencies require smaller ground planes, and lower frequencies require larger ones. MP Antenna can make custom ground planes for you, including adhesive-backed foils that are concave in shape for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

MP’s Antenna Accessories Add Value

Antenna accessories from MP simplify sourcing and deliver Made in America quality every time. If you need high volumes, we’re flexible enough to send some of your order right away and the remaining quantities later on. Because what we make is customized, we don’t keep large inventories on hand. However, if we’ve made something like what you need before, we can quickly make it again.

Contact MP for Antenna Accessories

Benefits of Buying a Custom Radio Enclosure for OEM Boards

Sarah Greiner — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT

MP Antenna is more than an antenna manufacturer. We also make custom radio enclosures for OEM radio boards. Whether we work with the radio manufacturer or the end user, we deliver more than just a machined metal box. The custom aluminum cases that we provide are sized for your application and can incorporate features like power switches, reset buttons, and Ethernet ports. We’re always ready to suggest what we think you need, but we’ll leave it up to you to decide.

Radio Manufacturers and End Users

As the premiere manufacturer of multi-polarized antennas, MP Antenna enjoys strong relationships with radio manufacturers. We never want to interfere with the relationships that makers of OEM radio boards have with their customers. What we always offer, however, is a way for radio manufacturers to focus on their core capabilities while increasing customer satisfaction. When we work with OEM radio board users instead, we also add value by helping them improve radio communications.

Weather-Resistant and Ruggedized

In some industries, that means providing custom radio enclosures that are weather-resistant. Along with in-house CNC machining, MP Antenna can perform wind and water testing at our Elyria, Ohio (USA) facility. We can also build custom enclosures to IP standards, provide ruggedized cases, and supply enclosures in different form factors than an OEM radio board manufacturer may offer. Much of what we do depends on the RF connectors and data interfaces involved. But what you’ll always get is a tailor-made solution.

Made in America

MP Antenna is proud to provide Made in America products and works with a local and dependable supply chain for services that we don’t perform in-house. For example, if you need a custom radio enclosure that’s powder-coated or anodized, we can deliver it. That’s the difference in partnering with an antenna manufacturer that adds value. You could buy an off-the-shelf enclosure instead, but it might be larger than you need and lack the features that you really want.

Two examples showcase MP Antenna’s ability to create custom radio enclosures for OEM radio boards.

Radio Manufacturer 1

This radio manufacturer sold an OEM radio board without a case or enclosure. That’s fine for deployments inside an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), but it’s not as attractive for outdoor applications. When the radio manufacturer asked MP Antenna to design and manufacture a custom radio enclosure, we did more than provide a shiny metal box. We incorporated power switches, reset buttons, and Ethernet ports. We also included a link status light so that users can tell if a radio is powered up, but the link isn’t active.

These features helped the radio manufacturer to make its radios even more marketable. A heavy equipment attachment manufacturer liked these features so much that the company bought 500 radios. As the pictures below show, our machined aluminum cases are both rugged and robust. On the left, note the connections for our antennas and for power and Ethernet connections. On the right, a view of the case from above shows the quality of our metalworking.

Radio Manufacturer 2

This radio manufacturer makes radios for industrial wireless mesh networks and supplies a leading provider of rail and transit solutions. Because some of this radio manufacturers radios have many antenna mounts, weatherproofing individual mounts can be time-consuming. MP Antenna provided weatherproof enclosures that sped antenna installation. This complete solution included MP Antenna’s multi-polarized antennas for non-line-of-sight (NLOS) communications in obstructed environments.

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Are you looking for an antenna manufacturer that adds greater value? In addition to custom radio enclosures, MP Antenna makes antenna brackets. Whether you manufacture OEM radio boards or deploy them in challenging environments, we invite you to learn more about our capabilities.

Radio Configurations and Antenna Selection | MP Antenna

Sarah Greiner — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT

There are many radio configurations, and no two types are the same. Their formats depend on the frequencies that you use, the country or countries where you communicate, and the vendor that made the radio. When a radio doesn’t work properly, users tend to increase the transmit power regardless of the radio’s configuration. Sometimes, they increase antenna gain instead. Yet these approaches won’t improve performance. They can also cause additional problems for commercial operators.

Radio Power and Antenna Gain

Let’s say your Wi-Fi network supports 6 GHz but you’re operating at 5 GHZ. You want more speed (megabits per second), so you raise the transmit power from 20 dBm to 35 dBm. Even if you’re within 10 ft. of the radio, the change you’ve made won’t work for some modulations. With commercial operations, there’s also FCC governance to consider. If you exceed your maximum transmit power in a large network deployment, your neighbors won’t be able to use their equipment.

Using a high-gain antenna might seem like the solution, but you won’t enjoy broad coverage. That’s a problem for mobile deployments like mining operations and public safety. Of course, the transmission matters, too. Let’s say you’re using 900 MHz indoors for autonomous forklifts and looking for live-stream video links. Neither the antenna nor the radio will work, no matter what a radio manufacturer might say. 900 MHz might be able to penetrate walls, but it can’t handle the amount of data in a video link.

Spectrum Expectations and EIRP

Consider the spectrum that you’re using and your expectations for it. For example, let’s say you’re trying to create a link between an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a 2.5 GHz ground station outside of Chicago. At 2.5 GHz, the radio traffic there is so saturated that you won’t be able to set up a five-mile link. What you can do, however, is try 5 GHz instead. Don’t just increase the power. Along with performance issues, you may find that your radio’s actual transmit power exceeds your legal transmit power.

Effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) is used to estimate the radiated output power of an isotropic antenna, a theoretical half-wave dipole antenna that radiates perfectly in all directions. It takes into account transmitter output power, cable loss, and antenna gain. Importantly, EIRP is associated with your radio configuration and is frequency-specific, radio-specific, and antenna-specific. If you don’t adhere to EIRP, you can affect other networks or make people sick, as with some Havana syndrome cases.

Ask MP Antenna for Assistance

MP Antenna of Elyria, Ohio (USA) designs and manufactures multi-polarized antennas that transmit and receive signals on more than just the vertical and horizontal plane. In fact, these devices can leverage the infinite number of planes in three-dimensional space. This makes them ideal for non-line-of-sight conditions (NLOS), but MP can provide you with more than just great antennas. Talk to our engineers about what you’re trying to achieve, and we’ll do more than just tell which antenna you need.

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