Choosing a Server Antenna for your Boat
19 Feb, 2024
Want to know which cellular server antenna to use on your boat?
The server antenna is the antenna that disburses the boosted mobile signal on your boat and communicates with your mobile devices. This article aims to provide you with some clarity on which server antenna to choose for your Cel-Fi repeater.
Product Page: Nextivity CEL-FI ROAM Caravan, RV & Marine Kits
The most important factor is getting your donor antenna outdoors up as high as possible to receive the best signal and ensure you isolate the donor and server antennas as much as possible from each other. The input signal and isolation can be checked using the free Cel-Fi WAVE App.
Server Antenna (cabin/indoor)
Provides a boosted mobile signal to your phone and cellular devices
Powertec Indoor Wall Mount Panel with 6m cable
Powertec 4G-5G Indoor Wall Mount Panel Antenna, 698 to 4000 MHz, N Female
- Wall mounted
- Directional – pushes the signal in one direction
- Ideally needs to be mounted at one end of the van, could also be used to push the signal outdoors as well
- Get up to 15m of coverage at a 65-degree angle from the antenna in ideal circumstances (with great signal input and high isolation between the donor and server antenna)
Powertec Ceiling Dome Antenna with 6m cable
Blackhawk 4G-5G Ceiling Dome Antenna, 698 to 4000 MHz, N Female
- Ceiling mounted
- Omni directional – puts our even coverage in all directions
- Ideally placed in a central area of the van
- Get up to 8m of coverage around the antenna in ideal circumstances (good signal input and great isolation between the donor and server antenna)
Another option is to use the antenna below that comes included with the ROAM R41 units and is commonly used in vehicles, so also ideal for small boats.
Cel-Fi Adhesive Panel Antenna
- Can be mounted anywhere and stuck to a wall using its adhesive backing
- Nice and small so can be hidden without the need to drill holes.
- Omni directional – puts out even coverage in all directions
- Ideally placed in a central area of a room
- Get up to 6m of coverage around the antenna in ideal circumstances (good signal input and great isolation between the donor and server antenna)