5G NR Sub-6 GHz places its own demands on the antenna: the link budget, the interference environment and the physical install all differ from a generic 5g antennas deployment. This page works through those requirements and maps them onto specific models.
What the application demands
Sub-6 GHz 5G runs wide channels and relies on MIMO, so port count and inter-port isolation matter as much as gain. The antenna also has to hold its pattern across the full n77/n78 range rather than just at band center.
Turning that into a specification
- Take the operating band from the radio datasheet, including any guard at the band edges.
- Decide the coverage shape first, omnidirectional or sector, and only then take the highest gain that still fits it.
- Measure the feedline run and subtract its loss before comparing antenna gain figures.
- Confirm the connector on the radio and order the matching interface rather than adapting in the field.
- Match the port count to the radio: a 4x4 radio fed from a 2-port antenna gives up half its capacity.
Models used for 5G NR Sub-6 GHz
| Model | Band (MHz) | Gain | Polarization | Length | Connector |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AW-PA3338-V18B65 | 3300–3800 | 18 dBi | Vertical | 760 mm | N-Female |
| AW-PA3338-V15B65 | 3300–3800 | 15 dBi | Vertical | 410 mm | N-Female |
| AW-FGL3538-8 | 3300–3800 | 8 dBi | Vertical | 480 mm | SMA-Male |
| AW-LP0838-12 | 800–3800 | 12 dBi | Vertical | 760 mm | N-Female |
| AW-SCF3538-8 | 3300–3800 | 8 dBi | Vertical | 380 mm | SMA-Male |
| AW-CBK3538-5 | 3300–3800 | 5 dBi | Vertical | 160 mm | N-Male |
| AW-RD3538-5 | 3300–3800 | 5 dBi | Vertical | 190 mm | SMA-Male |
| AW-CMB-5-5GGPSWIFI | 617–5850 | 4x4 / 28 / 2x5 dBi | Vertical + RHCP | 150 mm | SMA-Male ×7 |
| AW-DT3538-4 | 3300–3800 | 4 dBi | Vertical | 190 mm | SMA-Male |
| AW-GN3538-4 | 3300–3800 | 4 dBi | Vertical | 150 mm | SMA-Male |
| AW-DT0858-2x4 | 800–5850 | 2x4 dBi | Vertical / MIMO | 240 mm | SMA-Male |
| AW-LP0858-2x11 | 800–5800 | 2x11 dBi | Dual ±45° slant | 700 mm | N-Female |
Grounding and surge protection
Tower-mounted 5G arrays require coordinated lightning protection: surge arrestors on each feed, bonded ground bars, and compliance with the site grounding plan.