The iX10 has two antenna ports - WWAN1 and WWAN2 - but the User Guide provides no information on how to use them with outdoor antennas.
Is there an advantage to having two outdoor antennas (such as space diversity)? If so, how far apart should they be from each other?
Does it make a difference if both antennas are omnidirectional?
Are both WWAN1 and WWAN2 ports the same? If not, what is the difference?
Whether your antennas are indoor or outdoor, it is recommended that you use two antennas per each module on your DAL device. The use of two antennas provides the best signal quality and the download data throughput. Or, you should use a MIMO type antenna which uses both SMA connectors, you would need only the one antenna per module.
As far as placement, in general, you should place your antennas where you get best signal. This will take testing. Items such as network bands, signal strength, and your cellular providers cellular tower location, will play a part in determining this.
Note that obstructions will also play a role. Internal clutter, such as motors, lights, or metal, may cause poor SINR (signal-to-interface-plus-noise ratio).
Verify you have good quality antennas that match the frequency and bands on your module and carrier.
If you have a long cable from your IX10 to your antenna (for instance you put the antenna on the roof), you should have good quality cables and not exceed 100’.
In regards to omni-directional, as I’m sure you know, omni-directional offer the ability to send/receive signals from any direction. Directional antennas may improve RF sensitivity, but they will require an expert knowledge to find a specific cellular tower and maintain the ongoing fine-tuning that may be required to keep the antenna positioned properly. Due to the challenges of directional antennas, Digi typically focuses on MIMO omni-directional models.
As per the following link from the IX10 User Guide: IX10 User Guide
Antenna connector WWAN1 is the main and WWAN2 is the auxiliary cellular antenna connector.
Thank you for responding to my inquiry. Some pictures of the iX10 show two simple short antennas connected to the two antenna ports. In fact, there is an accessory with two small antennas that look like paddles.
When installed on the iX10, these “paddle” antennas obviously interact with each other, and that made me ask the questions about spacing. In other words, it seems to indicated that the antennas must be some specific distance apart to work properly.
However, your answer indicates that this is not the case, and that there are no restrictions on spacing of two outdoor antennas.
Yes, I know there is a tradeoff between cable length and antenna height or distance from the iX10. In my installation, the cell tower directions are known, so a directional antenna may be used to advantage.
I just think the User Guide should address these kinds of questions so that users can make informed decisions about outdoor antenna placement.