Do you need to use both antenna connectors?

Hardware MikroTik hardware general
1

Hi, im getting ready to setup a 1.5 mile PTP connection. I have purchased a few alfa 2000mw usb adapters with 19dbi panel antenna’s for a quick cheap way to test the connectivity before installing mikrotik’s. We currently use mikrotik for internal non-wireless routing now, and they work great. Can’t wait to try them with the wifi (Since aparently thats what they were made for!).

I have done a lot of reading here, but one question I cant see a definate answer for. I noticed most mini-pci cards have two connectors for antenna’s. Why? I was thinking maybe if you are using 2 antenna’s (One for send, one for receive)? But what if I just want to use one, for a simple setup? Must i terminate the other to avoid problems with blowing out the card?

Thanks in advance guys…

–John

2

John, I’m not sure what kinds of cards you have. But it is fine that card has two connectors, use Main connecter and there would not be any problems. N cards could use two connectors simultaneously, there are no any advantages for regular card with two connectors.

3

Didnt get the cards yet, just noticed the dual connectors. Ok, so with the N cards what is the purpose of the dual connectors? I assume for using 2 antenna’s (One for transmit one for recieve)? Or is it possible to aim one antenna one direction for coverage of one area and aim the other another direction?

Thanks…

4

The N cards have MIMO technology; This gives you better signal and higher data rates.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIMO
But you´re fine with a single chain setup, even with N.

5

Got cha. Read the wiki just now. So all the posts i read to that refer to “chains” are refering to a single antenna vs dual antenna’s?

~john

6

Yes - exactly.
You may find many threads here discussing the difference of such setups;
So you´ll get an idea what to expect of each one.