PUCK vs MIMO-3 Test Drive

The Router and Antennas:

The system was set up as follows:

A Peplink MAX HD4 LTE-A Quad 4G LTE Mobile Router with 4 modems were used.  We used SIM cards from one network provider (PLUS) in two of the modems. We then connected two different antennas (PUCK-5 vs MIMO-3-V2-15) to these modems. We inserted SIM Cards from different network providers (Orange and T-Mobile) in the other two modems and connected a PUCK-5 or MIMO-3-V2-15 to each. 

To summarise the modems were linked to the following antennas and network providers or carriers:

• Modem 1 Poynting MIMO-3-V2-15                   carrier:                        PLUS
• Modem 2 Poynting PUCK-5                               carrier:                        Orange
• Modem 3 Poynting PUCK-5                               carrier:                        T-Mobile
• Modem 4 Poynting MIMO-3-V2-15                   carrier:                        PLUS

Size: Ø99.3 mm  Height: 36 mm

Size:  253 mm x 128 mm  Height: 144 mm

Some important information and benefits of the Poynting antennas:

1. Frequency range:
   1. PUCK-5: 698 MHz – 3800 MHz. The antenna is truly omni-directional at all the main cellular frequencies used in Europe.
   2. MIMO-3-V2-15: 410 MHz – 3800 MHz. The antenna is also truly omni-directional at all the main cellular frequencies used in Europe as well as the 450 MHz which is used widely in Norway.
2. Future proof! Poynting is one of the first to introduce the new 5G frequencies in its antenna solutions.
3. True omni-directionality. The radiation patterns at all usable frequencies ensures that the antenna radiates equally in each direction, 360 degrees around its axis. Poynting also ensures that the energy is radiated there where base stations may be expected (not into the sky or into the ground).
4. The variation of the gain measured on each frequency is optimized across all bands and kept as low as possible. This is to secure optimal performance in each direction.
5. All antennas in the housing is isolated, to reduce interference and negative influences.

The Results

It was critical for the customer to have a constant, live video stream from the vehicle to the monitoring centre in Warsaw, at the best quality possible.

As one PUCK-5 and one MIMO-3-V2-15 were operating on the sim-cards of the same service provider, we could compare their performance on the same network. The other antennas were mounted to the other 2 available modems and connect to two different operators. For the most part the vehicle was driving at speeds above 120km/h as 140 km/h speeds are allowed on the highways and 110 km/h on the “dual carriage ways”.

The conclusions:

• The first conclusion is:
  • this solution (Peplink HD4 + both Poynting antennas) allowed us to carry out the transmission almost without interruption during whole route.
  • Combining active modem connections from different carriers ensured a constant connection throughout the entire route.
  • Bonding active modem connections worked throughout the entire route sending packets with links that provided the best parameters.
• The second observation is:
  • The PUCK antenna ensured connection on almost the entire route. In some remote areas the size of the antenna limits the range and short connectivity losses occurred. Even though the disconnects were truly short, the antenna is more suitable for urban and relatively good signal areas.
  • The MIMO-3, which is a much bigger antenna, did not lose connectivity during the complete trip. It still stayed connected to network in the areas where the PUCK-5 antenna experienced difficulties. Size matters!
  • Due to its MIMO-3 performed better at the lower frequencies than the PUCK-5 antenna. In remote areas the lower frequencies are preferred by operators, hence the difference in performance.

The test drive clearly demonstrates the importance of the choice of the right antenna for your applications:

• There is a compromise between smaller and bigger antennas in terms of performance, connection reliability and costs of ownership.
• The Poynting PUCK-5 antenna is extremely well designed in terms of radiation patterns and designed to perform optimally at each frequency.
• The Poynting MIMO-3-V2-15 performed extremely well during the complete trip. It stayed connected to the network, except when adjustments were made to the router.

The download and upload speeds varied during the trip and the differences in the network coverage of the different operators were visible during the trip.

Our partner and their customer were extremely impressed by the performance of the antennas as well as the additional value that the Poynting antennas added to their systems. The antennas do have a great impact on the bottom line and overall customer satisfaction.

You cannot always pick the best antenna available as there are restrictions due to size, personal preference, budget etc. It is therefore important to understand the compromise you must make when choosing an alternative antenna.

To summarise the MIMO-3-V2 will keep you connected whether you are travelling in remote areas (through the mountains or at the seashore), but also in large cities and urban areas. Whether you are taking the high-ways or the country roads a Poynting “anywhere and everywhere” MIMO-3 antenna will keep you connected.

If the connectivity is less critical or you are traveling in areas with better signal, the PUCK-5 antenna will be a really good choice and will outperform most other available solutions in terms of connection reliability and overall performance for mobile and fixed installations.

Poynting antennas come in different size and form-factors and are always optimized for performance. Poynting – Making Wireless Happen!

Keep safe! Keep Healthy.

Tjeerd Huitema, MD Poynting Europe GmbH