When we find ourselves in the situation of having to identify the amplification kit that best suits us, a fundamental step concerns the choice of the most suitable outdoor antenna which will allow us to obtain the most satisfactory result possible. In cases where we have to deal with a poor outdoor signal, it comes naturally to think of opting for a directive outdoor antenna, which has a higher gain than the "classic" outdoor receiving antennas: the choice in these cases could fall between the Yagi Logarithm and the Yagi Super Logarithm antenna. When do we use one, when the other? In this blog we will try to describe these two different types of outdoor antennas and explain in which cases we prefer to use one antenna and in which cases we prefer to use the other.
1. Outdoor antenna: operation
First, let's shed some light on the role an outdoor antenna: each of the amplifier kits consists of an outdoor antenna, repeater (signal amplifier) and one or more indoor antennas, depending on the particular situation. The basic work is done by the outdoor antenna: it is responsible for picking up the mobile signal from one or more transmission towers, transmitting it via coaxial cable to the repeater, which boosts it before sending it to the indoor antennas. Most outdoor antennas are required to be directed (we speak of directional antennas) to the transmission towers of interest, so as to allow communication between the towers and the antenna itself. As mentioned, in case the outdoor signal is poor (low intensity), an outdoor antenna with large gain (higher directivity, power) is preferred. The outdoor antennas we have with higher gain are two: the Yagi Logarithm outdoor antenna and the Yagi Super Logarithm outdoor antenna.
1.1 Yagi Logarithm outdoor antenna
The Yagi Logarithm outdoor antenna is that type of directive antenna that is used in cases where the outdoor signal strength is not the best (but not the worst either!). To be clear, this type of antenna is used in cases where the outdoor signal is in the -80 dBm/-96 dBm range, which usually corresponds to a 2/3 bar reception on the smartphone. In addition to this, distances are also to be considered: if the transmitting tower is between 4 and 8 km away (approximately), considering also the above information, the choice of this type of antenna remains plausible. The Yagi Logarithm outdoor antenna is then directed toward the transmission tower, considering that it has an amplitude of 90 degrees (it therefore picks up all signals present in the 90-degree portion of how it is directed) and a gain of 9 dBi.
The wavelength (the frequencies it supports) is as follows: 790-960 // 1710-2700 MHz.
1.2 Yagi Super Logarithm outdoor antenna
The Yagi Super Logarithm outdoor antenna is used in cases where the outdoor signal is very poor. We are talking about values between -97 dBm and -105 dBm,corresponding to 1/2 bars of reception on one's smartphone. Unlike the Yagi Logarithm antenna, this type of antenna is used in cases where the distance to the broadcast tower is more than 8 km, up to maximum of about 15 km. This is also a directive antenna, with 90-degrees, but it has a higher gain, about 10 dBi. The wavelenght is 698-960 // 1710-3800.
To conclude then, when choosing an outdoor antenna, in cases of poor outdoor signal, one must first consider the type of signal one wants to amplify, then take into account the quality of said signal outside, and lastly the distance to the towers with which one wants to communicate.
We hope we have provided some clarity with this explanation, but of course we remain at your complete disposal should you have any questions or clarifications. Please do not hesitate to contact us!
