For years, the wireless networking industry has debated the merits of internal router antennas vs. external router antennas. Received wisdom is that external antennas are superior, based on the idea that they can be easily adjusted to improve signal reception. Their appearance contributes to this notion: The simple visual presence of multiple external antennas is automatically and instinctively assumed to be indicative of better performance.

The reality of which type of antenna is better is considerably more nuanced. Imprecise adjustment of external antennas can degrade performance, particularly without a clear understanding of signal propagation, the behavior of radio waves, and overall network conditions. Many external antennas are omnidirectional antennas, which, while useful for finding a general signal, means they cannot be moved around to find a precise one. Many external antennas are added on, rather than being fully integrated into router design, which can create inefficiencies and vulnerabilities.

Just as wireless 4G/LTE and 5G have begun to equal or even surpass many wired connections in bandwidth, speed, and latency, internal antennas too are equaling or exceeding their more obvious counterparts. In many cases, enterprises will be better off relying on routers with internal antennas due to advances in the underlying technologies.

Why pick internal antennas over external antennas?

Internal antennas can provide several advantages in both indoor and outdoor deployments. For many use cases the advanced technologies they use can compete with the performance offered by external antennas.

Already optimized out of the box

Modern internal antennas are meticulously designed and calibrated within the router's specific form factor. This optimizes signal reception and transmission across cellular bands and Wi-Fi frequencies, including 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz for dual-band operation. Every millimeter of the printed circuit board (PCB) and antenna placement is considered to maximize efficiency and antenna gain.

Better performance with MIMO

Sophisticated Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MIMO) internal antenna arrays can be precisely tuned and strategically placed within the device to work in concert, maximizing throughput and efficiency for a Wi-Fi network. This integrated approach, which often involves multiple dipole-like elements, consistently outperforms haphazardly positioned external antennas that may not be optimally spaced or oriented for effective MIMO operation. This internal antenna design can be specifically engineered for technologies like Wi-Fi 6, ensuring cutting-edge wireless communication wherever the router is deployed.

Unlock lightning-fast 5G internet almost anywhere

No human error issues

Properly configured internal antennas also eliminate the need and the risk of human error during future adjustments. Because the antennas are already in their optimal configuration, they deliver consistent, high-quality performance right out of the box. The internal placement means less interference from external factors or accidental repositioning, leading to more stable and reliable signal integrity over time, providing a consistent internet connection.

Stronger durability

The simple fact that the antennas are contained in the device itself also offers several advantages for both indoor and outdoor deployments.

One of the most significant is their inherent durability. By being housed within the router's robust casing, they are shielded from physical damage, dust, moisture, and accidental knocks or drops. This significantly extends the lifespan of the antenna system and, by extension, the router itself, ensuring consistent signal strength over time. This protection is crucial for industrial, enterprise, and mobile use cases where routers are exposed to harsh conditions, vibrations, or frequent handling. External antennas in such scenarios are highly vulnerable to breakage, which can severely impact network resiliency.

Easier to deploy

The integrated design also makes routers considerably faster and easier to deploy. Users can easily transport and rapidly deploy devices without the worry of antenna damage during transit or the hassle of re-attaching and positioning external antennas at each new location. This makes the router ideal for pairing with mobile phones, laptops, and other devices that need a portable access point. Plus, they can be placed almost anywhere, making them highly adaptable to diverse deployment scenarios and ensuring optimal Wi-Fi coverage wherever needed.

Cleaner aesthetic

Sleek and modern, they also blend seamless into home networks, offices, and industrial settings, without cluttering the space with bulky antennas. The compact design increases their flexibility further, making them ideal in setups where space is at a premium, from crowded desks to vehicle dashboards.

Inseego's internal antennas deliver high-performance connectivity

Inseego’s wireless routers rely on expertly engineered and thoroughly optimized high-gain internal antennas, ensuring users can easily achieve best-in-class wireless broadband anywhere, anytime they need it.

All Inseego devices are designed and tested in-house, leveraging advanced technologies like MIMO to deliver higher gain performance. These plug-and-play solutions offer high speeds, low latency, with reliable primary and failover connectivity. Support for advanced Wi-Fi 6 and 7, and up to 128 devices from a single router, ensure your enterprise can access the most advanced, secure solutions available to support the most demanding connectivity environments.

Inseego’s top-to-bottom, design-to-delivery approach ensures our cellular routers are not only powerful and efficient but also durable, aesthetically pleasing, and incredibly easy to use, providing a seamless Wi-Fi network experience.

Explore Inseego’s range of cellular routers today and discover the power of internal antenna performance in connectivity.