Different Ways to Mount Your Outside Antenna
Where to Mount an Outdoor Antenna
The performance of your cell phone signal booster, satellite TV, or other RF system heavily depends on your outside antenna’s placement.
For best results, it’s recommended to mount the antenna wherever the strongest cellular signal is detected. Typically, the roof proves to be the most advantageous spot, offering a better line of sight to cell towers with fewer obstructions.
However, roof access constraints can make mounting outdoor antennas a bit challenging. Let’s take a look at different outdoor antenna mounting options to get the most out of your RF system.
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1) Existing Mast or Pole Mounting
When mounting outdoor antennas, using an existing mast on the roof is the most popular method. If a mast is not available, a pole mount gets the job done. Both options are ideal for directional antennas and especially for omnidirectional antennas.
The elevation helps optimize the antenna's performance. Omnidirectional antennas can effectively receive cellular signals from all directions and directional antennas have the best line of sight to cell towers.
2) Non-Penetrating Tripod Mounting
For those situations where permanently fixing a pole on the roof of your building is undesired, outdoor antennas can be mounted on a non-penetrating tripod mount. They can also be used on the ground, ideal for those without roof access or for temporary setups. You’d simply assemble the tripod, place it on a flat surface, and secure it with cinderblocks or something similar. You can easily mount an antenna to the tripod's pole with a pole mounting bracket.
Bolton Technical Tripod Sled Mount
SignalBoosters 3 Ft Tripod Antenna Mount
3) Exterior Wall Mounting
If roof access is limited or impractical, mounting the outdoor antenna on an exterior wall is a great alternative. This method is suitable for buildings where pointing the antenna at your cell towers is achievable from the side of the building.
Exterior wall mounting is best for directional antennas, which send and receive signals from a specific direction. Mounting an omnidirectional antenna this way can cause oscillation or limit performance as the building covers a portion of the antenna.
4) Indoor/Outdoor Window Mounting
Window mounting a donor antenna is an easy drill-free alternative to wall and roof mounting. Not only does it make installation extremely easy, but it also helps maintain the building's integrity. For those with landlord and HOA outside antenna mounting restrictions, this may be your only option.
A compatible antenna, like the directional Bolton Beacon, is needed for this type of setup. This specific antenna features a suction cup mount that can be installed inside or outside a window that faces your cellular tower. You don’t need to access your roof or drill holes. Unfortunately, there isn't a window mount available for all antenna types.
Bolton Technical Beacon 5G
Bolton Technical Beacon 4G
FAQs
Can I Use Window Mounting for Omnidirectional Antennas?
If you can find a strong enough suction cup antenna mount for building omnidirectional antennas, it’s possible. However, since these antennas send and receive cellular signals from all directions, oscillation can occur if there’s not enough distance between the outside and inside antennas. In addition, the buildings' structure can limit the antenna's performance.
Which Outdoor Antenna Mounting Option is Best for a Renter-Friendly Installation?
Window mounting is perfect for renters, providing a hassle-free solution that does not require accessing the roof or drilling holes in the wall.
Can I Mount an Omnidirectional Antenna on an Exterior Wall?
While it is possible, caution is advised. Exterior wall mounting of an omni antenna may lead to oscillation issues and degraded performance due to building interference. It’s recommended to opt for existing mast or pole mounting for omnidirectional setups.
How Do I Find the Area with the Strongest Cellular Signal to Mount My Antenna?
We recommend measuring signal strength in dBm, not in reception bars, throughout your property via Field Test Mode or a signal strength measuring app. Visit our blog on How to Measure Cell Phone Signal Strength to learn how.
Contact Us
At SignalBoostersCanada.ca we recognize the importance of mounting outdoor antennas just right for optimal performance. If you have any questions or need personalized assistance in selecting the ideal mounting hardware and antenna for your building to enhance your signal reception, please do not hesitate to call (1-800-638-6336) or email (sales@Signalboosterscanada.ca) us. Our signal experts are ready to help and ensure that you get the most out of your cell phone signal booster.
