Types of connectors for attaching external 5G/4G/3G antennas
How can I identify the type of antenna connector used on the router's body? What connector should be on the external antenna when connecting to the router?
Some models have removable antennas, so that you can connect an external 5G/4G/3G antenna. The device's body uses an SMA-type connector.
Note
It is not the pin, but the threads that define the type of connector. The SMA Female connector always has an external thread, while the SMA Male connector has an internal thread. The SMA Male is always screwed on top.
A plug is when the thread is internal.
A Jack is when the thread is external.
Removable 5G/4G/3G antennas
Models with a 5G/4G/3G module have connectors on the case to attach external 5G/4G/3G broadband cellular antennas.
Two removable 5G/4G/3G antennas are included with the router.
For operation at greater distances from base stations, installing an optional outdoor MIMO antenna instead of the supplied indoor 5G/4G/3G antennas is possible.
It uses an SMA Female connector, and therefore, the external antenna to be connected (purchased separately) must be equipped with an SMA Male connector:
As the plug-in connection consists of two parts, all (threaded) connectors are of two types, paired to each other: with a pin part and a socket part (a hole).
SMA connectors have an internal or external thread and, respectively, a pin or a socket (hole) in the centre.
SMA connectors come in two variants:
SMA with a male connector part |  |
SMA with a female connector part |  |
Important
The internal path from the built-in 5G/4G/3G radio module to the SMA connector has a wave-making resistance of 50 Ohms. It is recommended to connect an external antenna and cable assembly with the same wave-made resistance.
For additional information, please refer to the article Connecting outdoor directional antennas to Keenetic with built-in 4G/3G modem.