The Peplink Max BR2 Pro has dual 5G modems. Each modem has 4 antenna connectors, for a total of 8.
We are using two Mobility 42G antennas. Each antenna has 4 connectors. The antennas are installed on opposite sides of a boat, about 10m apart. Regardless of the boat’s heading, at least one antenna will always have a clear view of the nearest cellular tower, while the other may be shadowed by the boat’s mast and other equipment.
What is the optimal way to connect the antennas to maintain diversity?
For example:
Modem 1 A & B <—> Antenna 1 A & B
Modem 1 C & D <—> Antenna 2 A & B
Modem 2 A & B <—> Antenna 1 C & D
Modem 2 C & D <—> Antenna 2 C & D
Hi Jonathan,
since one of the antennas can be shadowed by the boat’s mast, it would be better to make sure at least one modem has best possible connectivity. So connection would be very simple: Modem 1 > Antenna 1 and Modem 2 Antenna 2.
For a 5G to operate properly you need all 4x antennas, unless you switch to a 2x antenna mode. So if some chains get good signal and some bad, it is not clear how the performance of the modem will be affected. The modem expects it that all 4x antennas will get a similar level signal.
I guess the idea behind was to make sure 2x 5G modems are working regardless of the boat’s heading, however my guess that for this particular scenario, you might degrade the total performance rather then improve it.