WisGate Soho Pro: Optimal Coverage with Built-In LoRa Antenna

Denitsa Prodanova -

Introduction

The WisGate Soho Pro (RAK7267) is designed with a built-in antenna that ensures excellent performance tailored to various installation scenarios. While some users might prioritize antenna gain, it's important to understand the advantages of our in-house designed integrated solution. Here’s how the WisGate Soho Pro can deliver reliable coverage in different environments.

Installation Scenarios for Optimal Coverage

A: Pole Installation (e.g. Solar Street Light)

  • Description: When installed on a pole (especially if it is at the top), such as a solar street light, the built-in antenna provides 360-degree horizontal coverage with a total vertical spread of 70 degrees (35 degrees up and 35 degrees down).
  • Benefit If your gateway and terminal are installed at similar heights, this setup ensures excellent coverage, achieving a range of 2-5 km.

B: Urban Environment with Obstacles

  • Description: In a cityscape with many buildings and obstructions, a low-gain antenna is more advantageous.
  • Benefit: Low-gain antennas (2.5 dBi) have a broad radiation pattern, making them ideal for dense urban environments. The signal is less likely to be blocked by obstacles such as buildings and hills, ensuring reliable connectivity in challenging terrains.

C: Wall-mounted for Directional Coverage

  • Description: If your installation is next to an obstruction, such as a wall, and you need to cover a specific angle, the gateway can be mounted on the wall and cover the area in front.
  • Benefit: This setup creates a directional antenna effect, equivalent to a 5.5 dBi directional antenna with a 130° horizontal beamwidth, focusing the signal where you need it most.

In What Scenario Low-Gain Antennas Can Be Advantageous?

Using a lower gain antenna in the WisGate Soho Pro offers several advantages:

  • Broader Coverage Area: Low-gain antennas distribute the signal more broadly, reducing the likelihood of signal blockage and ensuring consistent performance in various environments.
  • Rugged and Urban Environments: Ideal for dense urban settings or rugged terrains where obstacles are common. The broader radiation pattern ensures better overall coverage despite obstructions.

Antenna Performance: Efficiency Matters

Antenna performance should be evaluated not only by gain but also by efficiency. The WisGate Soho Pro's built-in antenna is designed to maximize efficiency, ensuring optimal performance:

  • High Efficiency: With a 2.5 dBi gain, this antenna design is optimized for the hardware and the device's purpose. The antenna achieves exceptional efficiency of more than 85%, providing robust and reliable connectivity for outdoor users.
  • Reliable Performance: This efficiency ensures that the gateway delivers consistent and dependable performance, even in challenging environments.

Summary

While higher gain antennas might be preferred in some scenarios, the WisGate Soho Pro’s built-in antenna offers significant advantages:

  • Ideal for Various Installations: Whether mounted on a pole, in urban settings, or next to a wall, the built-in antenna adapts to provide excellent coverage.
  • Broad and Efficient Coverage: The 2.5 dBi gain combined with high efficiency ensures reliable connectivity, making it a versatile choice for different environments.
  • User-Friendly Solution: If installing the gateway at a very high location is not an option or if the signal direction is unknown, the WisGate Soho Pro with its built-in antenna is an excellent solution, offering good coverage and reliable performance.

Experience the optimal performance of the Wisgate Soho Pro and ensure reliable connectivity for your LoRaWAN network.