Hello CS Community,
We have in production a 'trunk' node with a RF401 (& CR1000) and a 3db omni antenna. This particular trunk node services over a dozen downstream stations. Link distances range from 1 to 10 kilometers. Some stations have marginal links at times due to thick canopy, rain, etc. Since our trunk node is at a higher elevation than all of the downstream stations, we are considering a radio upgrade to the RF401A and a higher gain 6db omni antenna with a 6 degree down tilt beam. This is the antenna model we are considering:
Has anyone used an antenna like this before? Do you foresee any problems with this? Can you suggest any other solutions?
Thanks
The RF401A can give a small range increase over the RF401.
Without seeing a map of the terrain and the site locations, I can't say if the proposed antenna would work better. Generally, higher gain antennas do so by focusing the radio signal. Other antennas within the signal pattern of the antenna will have a stronger link due to the higher gain. If there is a station outside of the more focused pattern, you would actually get a weaker signal.
Look at a map of your sight and superimpose the pattern from the antenna.