11 Connectivity and Antenna Guidance

When an external antenna may help

An external mobile antenna may improve connectivity when the router cannot be positioned where coverage is strongest, when the installation is inside a shielding structure, or when a suitable outdoor mounting point provides a clearer signal path.

Repositioning or raising the router can sometimes improve service without an external antenna. Test the intended location before selecting additional hardware.

Information to confirm first

• Available mobile carriers and signal quality at the installation location

• Supported frequency bands and regional network requirements

• Router antenna connector type and whether MIMO is supported

• Mounting height, obstructions and safe access

• Required cable route and expected cable loss

• Local rules for active signal repeaters or boosters

Antenna types

Reference visuals

Portable 4G antenna

Portable 4G antenna

4G MIMO antenna (Xpol)

4G MIMO antenna (Xpol)

MIMO Log pair

MIMO Log pair

MIMO and polarisation

Modern mobile routers commonly use MIMO with two antenna connections. Use an approved MIMO antenna or approved antenna pair, preserve the required polarisation and connect both leads to the correct router ports.

Both directional antennas in a pair should face the same serving mast. Installation spacing and orientation must follow the approved antenna instructions.

Cables and connectors

• Use 50-ohm cellular antenna cable and matching connectors.

• Do not substitute television or satellite coaxial cable, which is commonly 75 ohm.

• Confirm whether the router requires SMA, FME or another approved connector.

• Keep the coaxial cable run as short as practical because longer runs increase signal loss.

• Use weatherproofing, strain relief and mounting hardware suitable for the location.

Repeaters and signal boosters

Use only equipment that is approved for the deployment country and the selected mobile network. Non-compliant active repeaters can cause interference and may be prohibited.

Never connect an active repeater output directly to a router antenna port unless the equipment manufacturer and Evercam have explicitly approved that design.

Selection and installation checklist

1. Test the carrier and router at the proposed installation position.

2. Confirm bands, connectors and MIMO requirements.

3. Select the approved antenna type for the signal environment.

4. Plan the shortest practical cable route and a safe, stable mounting position.

5. Install and weatherproof the antenna using the approved instructions.

6. Re-test connectivity and record the final antenna and cable arrangement.

Installing an external aerial antenna in a Giraffe kit

Safety: This procedure should be completed by an authorised installer. Isolate power before opening the enclosure, confirm a safe drilling location and avoid internal cables and components.

Step 1 — Prepare the cable entry

Create a 10 mm opening at the indicated location. Take care not to damage cables or components inside the enclosure. Seal and weatherproof the entry after routing the cable.

Giraffe kit external aerial cable-entry location

Step 2 — Disconnect the existing antenna

Disconnect the existing antenna from the router port labelled Mobile Main.

Router Mobile Main antenna port

Step 3 — Connect the external antenna

Route the external antenna cable through the new cable entry and connect it to the router port labelled Mobile Main.

External antenna connected to Mobile Main

Step 4 — Mount and test

Mount the antenna in a high, secure and safe position. Secure the cable, weatherproof the entry, restore power and test mobile connectivity before completing the installation.

Related guidance

See Installation and Site Requirements for general site preparation and User Manual Draft - 07 Troubleshooting Your Camera for power, router, LAN and Support checks.

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