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Antenna selection to maximize cellular router signal strength  As detailed in faq 386-Cellular-Signal-Strength, the quality of the cellular reception is determined largely by your antenna and its location. This faq looks at antenna options for console server and cellular router models which include a cellular modem (i.e. ACM5000 and IM4200-X model with a -G suffix). For information on antenna options when you are providing your own external USB cellular modem refer faq 396-External-USB-Cellular-Modems. ACM5000-G standard antenna The ACM5004-G and ACM5004-G-I cellular routers ship with a 5-band, universal, swivel antenna with 90 degree rotation. As shown below the antenna attaches to the industry standard SMA female screw type connectors on the ACM5000 (or to a coaxial extension cable and then to the unit - for AT&T network connection in USA). 
This antenna (part # 569006) covers most available cellular GSM and CDMA frequency bands 800/900/1800/1900/2100 with 0-3dBi gain. Its performance is matched to the console server modem for best transmission and reception within regulatory and carrier requirements. ACM5000-G detached antennas In some circumstances it may be preferable to place the antenna away from the ACM5000 unit because of poor access, limited space or poor reception. Optimum placement of the antenna can dramatically improve cellular signal strength. To facilitate this Opengear provides an ultra low loss, high quality RG174U coaxial extension cable and antenna screw on magnetic base (part # 449041) as an optional accessory. This allows the antenna to be screwed into the magnetic base and the coaxial extension cable attaches to the ACM5000 unit up to 10 feet away. 
Therefore the antenna can be placed in an optimum position and can easily be attached to a metal surface such as a rack frame for stability. In addition if it is attached to a large flat metal surface, this can, in some cases, further improve antenna performance. These methods usually deliver good results for in-building cellular wireless. Also there are in-building locations where cellular operation is critical but signal coverage is always poor. One option is to place the ACM5004-G-I on the roof or wall of a building where it is protected from moisture and lighting and connect it via a long shielded UTP Ethernet cable to the internal network inside. Third party detached antennas In other applications the ACM5000-G device may be in a moving vehicle where the antenna may need to be attached to the roof or windshield. In this case an external third party antenna, possibly with higher gain, will need to be attached to the device instead of the ones supplied. Opengear has tested a number of antennas from some of the following vendors:
Also it is best to try them in a few locations for a short while before standardizing on particular models. And if you are using an external antenna on the roof or exterior wall of a building it needs to be safe to use in wet environments and have lightning protection. For information on measuring signal strength refer to faq 386-Cellular-Signal-Strength. IM4200 antenna options The IM4200-X-G and IM4200-X-G(V)-USA console servers are supplied an external high gain antenna and 10 foot low loss coaxial interconnecting cable. This antenna (part # 569006) covers most available cellular GSM and CDMA frequency bands 800/900/1800/1900/2100 with 0-3dBi gain - and is the same antenna as is provided with the ACM5000-G(V). Like-wise the interconnecting cable with magnetic base (part # 449041) is the same that is available as an option with the ACM5000-G(V) 
The IM4200-X-G may be in a location where the cellular signal strength is unacceptbale and a higher gain antenna is needed. As described above, Opengear has tested high gain antennas from a number of vendors. Using dual antennas For deployments in industrial, harsh or unmanned remote locations, the ACM5004-G-I cellular router supports elevated temperatures and can connect to a wide range of industrial equipment. In addition it may be used in vehicle/transport applications. In such environments cellular reception may be quite variable or very poor. To improve reception and counteract fading for UMTS, HPSA and EV-DO, the ACM5004-G-I model supports the attachment of an additional ‘receive diversity’ antenna. The two antennas (part# 569006) are physically identical but when used in unison can improve reception. The ‘receive diversity’ antenna support can be enabled in the web administration interface for the device. Note: The ACM5004-G-I model has dual SMA antenna connectors. The AUX connector can be used either for receive diversity or for GPS (refer faq400-ACM5004-G-I-GPS). Similarly the IM4200-X-G model supports the attachment of an additional receive diversity or GPS antenna. 
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