converting from U.FL to SMA or Wire?

Greetings,

I’ve got 8 total Pro, and XSC modems, and they were all ordered with the U.FL antenna connector. I’m considering using an SMA soldered directly to the pads, or perhaps a wire antenna on some of these.

I notice that only the U.FL version has a small SMD component that connects the center SMA pad to the ground pads. The component has no markings, other than a band on one end, suggesting that it’s polarized. I’m quite curious to know what that component is?

If I were to use a wire, or SMA connector on the board, do I need to remove the U.FL connector, and this mystery component, or can they be left in place? Obviously I realize any mods void the warranty.

Thanks,
Rusty