Connecting Antennas; Using Multiple Antennas (Mimo) - ProSoft Technology RadioLinx RLXIB-IHN User Manual

RLXIB-IHN ♦ 802.11n
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2.1

Connecting antennas

Each radio must have an antenna connected to the Main antenna port on the
RLXIB radio; without an antenna for each radio, the network will not function.
All antennas for radios that communicate directly with each other should be
mounted so they have the same antenna polarity. Small antennas with a reverse-
polarity SMA connector can be mounted directly on the radio. Screw the antenna
onto the antenna port connector until it is snug.
Larger antennas and antennas that do not have a reverse-gender SMA
connector must be mounted separately and connected to the radio using a
coaxial antenna cable. Because the antenna cable attenuates the RF signal, use
an antenna cable length that is no longer than necessary to ensure optimum
performance.
Important: If the radio is to be used in a hazardous location, the radio must be mounted in an
enclosure approved for hazardous locations. The radio requires a separate cable connection to the
SMA connector that leads to an internal antenna.

2.1.1 Using Multiple Antennas (MIMO)

802.11n radios can use up to 3 antennas at a time. MIMO antennas contain three
antennas within a single enclosure, providing three antenna connections to the
radio. You can use these antennas for several purposes depending on the
configuration.
You can use multiple antennas to:
 send more data simultaneously (streams)
1 Stream
2 Streams
 improve the ability of the radio to receive weak signals, therefore giving better
range.
1 Antenna
17dBm
ProSoft Technology, Inc.
May 23, 2011
1 Antenna 2 Antennas
1 Antenna - Stream 1 2 Antenna - Stream 1
N/A 1 Antenna - Stream 1
1 Antenna - Stream 2
2 Antennas
20dBm
Installing the Radios
3 Antennas
3 Antenna - Stream 1
1 Antenna - Stream 1
2 Antenna - Stream 2
3 Antennas
22dBm
Page 39 of 171
User Manual