The dBi figure stands out when you compare an 868 MHz LoRaWAN antenna. A larger number can sound like a better connection. Whether it helps your installation also depends on the radiation pattern, sensor positions and losses between the radio and antenna. Compare those together before buying on gain alone.
This guide helps you choose an 868 MHz antenna using requirements you can verify. The same checks can inform a LoRa device running another application, such as Meshtastic. Shared radio technology does not mean those devices automatically participate in the same network.
AI-generated editorial planning scene. No specific antenna, connector installation or measured radio test is pictured.
Match the 868 MHz antenna to the device’s frequency range
Start with the exact equipment variant and its intended frequency plan. Compare that with the frequency range in the antenna datasheet. “LoRa” in a product name is not a substitute for this check, and a matching connector does not make an antenna intended for another band appropriate.
The catalogue includes a RAK 5 dBi fiberglass antenna for 863–870 MHz and a LoRa PCB antenna for 863–870 MHz with MHF4. Their descriptions already identify different mechanical requirements. Check the complete variant before choosing either for your equipment.
The RAKARG18 manufacturer documentation specifies 863–870 MHz and an N-Type Male connector for that particular fiberglass model. Those details do not establish compatibility for every RAK antenna or gateway. Match the model and revision to the item being offered.
A catalogue listing does not establish current stock. Check availability, package contents and required accessories in the current offer. Resolve an unclear variant description before buying rather than inferring a missing specification from a similar-looking photograph.
SMA vs RP-SMA: compare the complete antenna connection
Record the complete connector specification at both sides of the link. Include the connector family, plug or jack, and center-contact arrangement. A matching thread is only part of the check.
The Taoglas RP-SMA application note explains that RP-SMA reverses the center pin or receptacle arrangement relative to SMA. The name does not describe reversed signal polarity. Compare the full connector names and drawings, not just the outside shape.
Treat N-Type, SMA and miniature board connectors as distinct interfaces. Do not assume MHF4 and other small connectors are interchangeable because they look similar. Use the connection specified by the equipment manufacturer and follow its assembly instructions.
If a cable or adapter is needed, identify both ends explicitly. “Antenna adapter” is not an unambiguous purchase description. A short connection list from the radio port to the antenna helps reveal an incompatible part before installation.
Select the LoRaWAN antenna using its pattern, not dBi alone
Compare antennas against the application and manufacturer information. Gain is not a guaranteed distance in kilometres. It also does not, by itself, establish coverage at the locations and elevations your devices need.
Review the radiation pattern and specified orientation alongside the frequency range. The RAKARG12 datasheet, for example, provides frequency-specific characteristics and radiation diagrams. Those describe that model; they cannot be transferred to another antenna based on a similar enclosure shape.
Describe the device locations. Are they at similar elevations, across several floors or behind different obstacles? That information helps assess an antenna and mounting location. A rule such as “8 dBi is always better than 3 dBi” skips the application requirements.
Follow the equipment and installation requirements. A different antenna is not general permission to alter other radio parameters. Begin the comparison with a suitable, documented configuration so the results have a clear reference point.
Plan the 868 MHz antenna, cable and mounting position together
Plan the cable route before purchasing. Record the cable type, length, connectors and the manufacturer’s attenuation specification at the relevant frequency. Do not apply one generic loss-per-metre figure to every cable and frequency.
Consider the mounting position and connection together. Check whether the radio equipment can be placed differently before ordering a long antenna extension. Decide against the actual environmental and equipment requirements; “higher” or “shorter” alone is not a complete installation design.
For outdoor mounting, assess the enclosure, fixing method, cable entry and weather exposure together. An antenna body’s protection rating does not automatically describe every connection in the finished assembly. Have mounting and protective measures carried out according to the equipment instructions and site requirements.
Prepare a small bill of materials covering the radio, antenna, cable, necessary mounting parts and complete connector names. Distinguish verified included parts from accessories that must be ordered separately. A shared manufacturer name is not evidence that the package contains everything the installation needs.
Test the selected LoRaWAN antenna at the intended location
Compare the installation with a documented baseline. Use the same representative end devices and record antenna position, orientation, cable and settings. Change one variable at a time where practical so an observed difference can be attributed to the change.
Check whether expected reports arrive over a suitable observation period. Individual signal readings are useful evidence, but one successful packet does not establish reliable coverage for every device. Include the actual reporting requirement when deciding whether the result is sufficient.
Record missing reports and changes in the surroundings too. If sensors move or the cable route changes later, repeat the relevant checks. An earlier result first establishes what happened with the earlier arrangement.
Choose the LoRaWAN antenna using these connected requirements: the right frequency range, an unambiguous connector match, an appropriate mounting arrangement and verified reception. That turns an isolated dBi figure into a reasoned purchase for the project.
LoRaWAN antenna: check one complete monitoring project
You can try Kilo free with up to five devices, one dashboard and one rule. Check the current plan against your intended setup; hardware, installation and connectivity are separate costs. Start with one measurement and verify that its data arrives as expected before expanding.
You can buy suitable project devices and accessories at Kilo Electronics. Check the exact variant and supported connection to your application before ordering.