Everything that cannot be programmed
in assembler - you have to solder.
Folk wisdom.
Background
There is a wireless network card D-Link DWL-AG530 and everything is fine with it, except for one thing: I got a modification with a non-removable antenna. For comparison, below in Figures 1 and 2 are images of modifications with a fixed and removable antenna, respectively. The cards are identical, and differ only in the way the antenna is connected. In the first case, the antenna cable is soldered directly to the board, in the second, a connector is soldered on the board to which the antenna cable is connected. This is what prompted the idea that the card could be slightly improved by soldering the connector onto the board and installing the mating part on the cable. It was possible to go by connecting the pigtail to uFL- a connector already on the board. But these are additional connections that are not in the best possible way affect the quality of the signal and the task would become too simple.
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The board already has holes for installing an L-shaped RF connector. All that remained was to decide on its type. To get a solution compatible with others WiFi- it was decided to install antennas RP-SMA connector At the end of the article there is more detailed description this connector and the reasons for its use.
Lyrical digression.
Having gone to the nearest radio parts store, I unexpectedly discovered that RP-SMA- connectors are not so easy to buy. But after rummaging around the net a little, I still found the XXX store, where I was able to buy the necessary connectors manufactured by YYY.
1. Analysis
Before installing the new connector, the card had to be disassembled a little. First you need to remove the fastening bar. A map without a strip and with a marked location for attaching the antenna cable is shown in Figure 3.
Fig 3.Now it was necessary to unsolder the antenna cable. Oddly enough, it was soldered to perfection (and you say D-Link...).
Fig 4. Sealed antenna cable (1 - place for RF connector, 2 - "jumper")2. Magic jumper
As you can see from Figure 4, the board already has holes for installing the connector, but before that you need to resolder one part. In Figure 4 it is indicated by number 2. An enlarged view is shown in Figure 5. This is most likely a capacitor that acts as a separating capacitor, but it performs another important function - it selects which antenna output will be used by the card.
It must be re-soldered so that it connects the card output (the track coming out from under the screen) with the track leading to the RF connector. The result of the operation is shown in Figure 6.
Fig 6.3. Installing the connector on the card
Now you need to solder the connector itself, first removing the solder from the holes.
Figure 8.The result is something like the one shown in Figures 9 and 10.
Figure 10.To check the quality of installation, I used a 7 dBi detachable whip antenna. The signal quality has noticeably improved compared to what was measured earlier on a standard antenna, which indicates normal installation, as well as the fact that a 7 dBi antenna works better than a standard one, which gives only 3-4 dBi. The most tricky procedure remained - installing the mating part on the antenna cable.
Figure 11.4. Installing the connector on the cable
Installing a connector is a fairly simple task; I wanted to describe it to the minimum, but I unexpectedly discovered that there is very little information on this topic on the Internet. All I could find in an hour in a search engine was this video.
Figure 12. Cable connector (1 - connector, 2 - central contact, 3 - shielding sleeve, 4 - antenna cable, 5 - heat-shrinkable tube)To install, you will need the connector itself, consisting of three parts (all sold together in one set): 1 - the connector itself, 2 - the central (signal) contact, 3 - a shielding coupling. The figure shows a so-called crimp connector. It is not necessary to use heat shrink, but, firstly, it is more reliable, and, secondly, it is more beautiful (taking into account the fact that only a green tube was found with a suitable diameter). I did not replace the cable itself, I left it as is.
Figure 14.Despite the fact that the connector is designed for crimping, I soldered the central contact. First, we remove 3-5 mm of the external screen insulation and the central core insulation from the cable. Next, you need to tin the central core of the cable for more convenient soldering. After this, we cut off the central core, leaving 2 mm. After that, we put the central contact of the connector on it and solder it. If you look closely at this contact (see Figure 13), then a cut is made on one side of it and it converges like a cone - we solder it on this side.
Figure 15.Next, we remove about 10 mm of the top insulation and put the connector on the cable so that the shielding braid remains outside. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the central contact of the connector is at the same level as the insulator (does not protrude or is not recessed too deeply).
Figure 17.Figure 18.Since I didn’t have a crimper on hand, I had to crimp it with pliers.
Figure 20.5. After assembly, file
Since the strip was not designed for installing a connector, it had to be slightly modified with a file.
Figure 22.Results
The result is presented in Figures 23 and 24. If we talk about the signal level, it has improved by 1-2 dB, which may mean a real improvement in the signal path or a simple measurement error. But in any case, the expected deterioration of 0.5-1 dB due to the installation of the connector did not occur.
Figure 23.Figure 24.For reference
SMA (SubMiniature version A) Microwave connector for connecting a cable with a characteristic impedance of 50 Ohms. According to various sources, it is designed to operate with frequencies up to 12-18 GHz. It is characterized by increased strength and reliability.
RP-SMA (Reverse Polarity SMA) variety SMA- connector, characterized in that the central (signal) protruding contact is located not on the cable, but on the equipment connector. "Reverse Polarity" refers solely to the location this contact and has nothing to do with any polarity (eg signal). This "reverse polarity" contact arrangement has created confusion regarding the correct use of the terms "male"/"female".
Figure 25.The widespread use of this incorrect connector is caused by the application of the norm introduced by the FCC (the American regulator in the field of radio and everything connected with it). The regulatory documents of which do not require the direct use of an RP-SMA connector, but prohibit the use of standard connectors. This standard was introduced to ensure that ordinary users would not be able to connect to their home equipment something not intended by the manufacturer. For example, connect a 10 W amplifier to a WiFi card and fry something for yourself (a 10 W amplifier gives up to 100 W at peak, and this is a lot). So you have to dodge when upgrading equipment so that it remains compatible with incompatible antennas (that’s the pun).
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posted: 2011-11-20, |
Router is network device, intended for distributing the Internet to several computers or laptops connected to it by cable or via wireless connection WiFi
Before using the router, you need to install it correctly
With setup prices network equipment you can find it in the "" section
You can get additional instructions and solutions to problems associated with poor working Internet in the section
This port, depending on the router model, is used to connect:
Data storage medium (flash drive or network storage NAS)
3G/4G modem for Internet distribution
Printer
Details about ports and setting up routers for the largest providers in Moscow and the Moscow region are described in our materials
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Please note that the router can only have one of two types of ports for the ISP cable - WAN(Ethernet cable with connector) or DSL(telephone cable with connector). A router with a DSL connector is suitable for use only with a provider that provides Internet via. Routers with a connector are suitable for providers who offer Internet services over a dedicated line (Ethernet)
Don't confuse it with a telephone cable
The RJ-45 connector is 2 millimeters wider in width than the RJ-12
One of the main criteria when choosing a router is the type of cable that carries the Internet to your apartment or office. It is this cable that needs to be connected to the WAN/Internet (or DSL) port of the router. There are two most common types of connection: wired internet: two-wire telephone cable and over a dedicated line (twisted pair cable category 5e or 6)
On a computer or laptop with an operating system Windows system press Win+R, in the "Open" field enter the command " ping 8.8.8.8 -t" without quotes (this is the Google DNS server address), then click OK. If you have an Internet connection, you will see lines with in the console window. Readings are measured and displayed every second
If there is no Internet connection yet, you can ping the router itself with the command " ping 192.168.1.1 -t". Your router's address can be downloaded to the other two octets: 192.168. 0.1 ... 192.168.10.1 ... 192.168.100.1 ... 192.168.1.254
You can find out the router address in the settings network card- this is discussed in
As you move away from the Wi-Fi signal source or when the interference pattern between the laptop and router changes, the ping will change
When you are far from the router console command PING will produce error lines “Interval exceeded...”, “Transmission failed”, “General Failure” and others
The choice of connectors plays an equally important role in the success of our enterprise when making an antenna with our own hands. If, when connecting an antenna to a coaxial cable, we may not use a connector, then connect to WiFi equipment or 3G,4G modem We won't be able to do this without using a connector.
Exists huge amount varieties of such connectors. Some of this diversity is technically and economically justified, but it is largely determined by politics largest producers such products. Remember - “thin charging for Nokia”, in the world of connectors this is also very common. A specific connector for a specific cable.
All types of connectors can be classified according to the type of connection: threaded, bayonet, push-in. Examples of the latter are the usual “TV plug”, “RCA bell”. According to the installation method, the connectors are cable, instrument, instrument-cable and installed on printed circuit board. According to the method of connection with a coaxial cable - soldering or crimping. Well, the most important thing is that any connector consists of two parts. They are conventionally called: ( mother, nest, female, jack) And ( dad, plug, male, plug). "Dad" must wrap his head around "Mom" and have a pin, that's why it's a plug. However, “tolerance” has penetrated here too. And there may be a “male” without a pin. Such connectors are marked with a prefix R.P., For example . On the equipment, there is usually already a “mother” and we are faced with the task of selecting a “father” that corresponds to it, or with such a “father”. Well, one more important point. Connectors of the same type can be 50 ohm or 75 ohm. They can be distinguished by the thickness of the central pin. The 50-ohm connector is thicker (in the picture there is a BNC connector, bottom - 50 ohms, top - 75 ohms).
Let's look at the most common connectors:
- N - connector. Threaded. Very often used in professional microwave equipment. It has a huge number of modifications for specific cables. Can operate up to 7.5 GHz (some models up to 18 GHz). Mostly only at 50. Cheap instrument N-connectors.
- BNC connector. Bayonet. Mainly used in television equipment and measuring instruments. Can operate up to 4 GHz. Available in 50 and 75 ohm versions.
- TNC connector. Same as BNC, but not with a bayonet connection, but with a threaded connection. Basically, only 50-ohm modifications up to a frequency of 11 GHz are used. Its reverse version is most often used RP-TNC whose pin is at the “mother”, in order not to get confused, you and I must remember the basic rule - "Dad" must wrap his head around "Mom":
- SMA connector. Small-sized microwave connector with threaded connection. For 50 ohm cables only. Designed to operate up to 18 GHz (some models - up to 26.5 GHz) and have increased reliability.
- 3G modems have even smaller connectors. The most common connector CRC9 mortise type connection.
Except CRC9 V 3G, 4G Modems can also use other connectors. An incomplete list of such connectors for specific modems is summarized in the table:
| Modem model | Availability of connectors for external antennas | Number of antenna connectors | Type of connector(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huawei E153 | Yes | 1 | MS156 |
| Huawei E156 | Yes | 1 | CRC9 |
| Huawei E156G | Yes | 1 | CRC9 |
| Huawei E160 | Yes | CRC9 | |
| Huawei E160G | Yes | 1 | CRC9 |
| Huawei E171 | Yes, on the board under the case | 1 | MS156 |
| Huawei E173 | Yes, on the board under the case | 1 | MS156 |
| Huawei E352 | Yes | 1 | CRC9 |
| Huawei E353 | Yes | CRC9 | |
| Huawei E355 | Yes | CRC9 | |
| Huawei E367 | Yes | 1 | CRC9 |
| Huawei E392 | Yes, on the body | 2 | TS9 |
| Huawei E397 | Yes, on the body | 2 | TS9 |
| Huawei E398 (Vodafone K5005) | Yes | 2 | TS9 |
| Huawei E583c | Yes | CRC9 | |
| Huawei B593 | Yes | 2 | SMA female |
| Huawei E630 | Yes | 1 | CRC9 |
| Huawei EM820W | Yes | 2 | U.fl |
| Huawei B880-75 | Yes | 2 | SMA female |
| Huawei B970b 3G (wifi router) | Yes | 1 | SMA female |
| Huawei E1550 | Yes, on the board under the case | 1 | MS156 |
| Huawei E1820 | Yes | 1 | CRC9 |
| Huawei E3131 | Yes | 1 | CRC9 |
| Huawei E3272 | Yes | 2 | CRC9 |
| Huawei E3276 (Megafon M150-1; MTS 822F/822FT) | Yes | 2 | CRC9 |
| Huawei E5756 | Yes | TS9 | |
| Huawei E5170s-22 | Yes | 2 | TS9 |
| Huawei E5172 | Yes | 1 | SMA female |
| Huawei E5180s-22 | Yes | 2 | TS9 |
| Huawei E5372 | Yes | 2 | TS9 |
| Huawei K3806 | Yes | 1 | CRC9 |
| Huawei M100-1 | |||
| ZTE MF100 | Yes | 1 | MS156 |
| ZTE MF-170 | Yes | 1 | TS9 |
| ZTE MF180 | Yes | 1 | MS156 |
| ZTE MF626 | Yes | 1 | MS-156 |
| ZTE MF627 | Yes, on the board under the case | 1 | MS156 |
| ZTE MF652 | Yes, on the body | 1 | TS9 |
| ZTE MF-825 | Yes, on the body | 2 | TS9 |
| LU150 | Yes, on the board under the case | 2 | MS156 |
| LU156 | Yes, on the board under the case | 2 | MS156 |
| WiFi YOTA LTE | Yes, on the board under the case | 2 | MS168(?) |
| YOTA Internet Center | Yes | U.fl (IPEX) | |
| WLTUBA-107 | Yes, on the board under the case | 2 | MS168 |
| LTE GemTek 990-730-0016R Yota | Yes | 2 | U.Fl |
Connectors are relatively expensive components of our homemade design. Of course, there is a desire to save on costs and use cheaper 
connectors from the radio market. You shouldn't do this. I never tire of reminding you that we are dealing with microwave radio waves, and they do not tolerate such treatment. On high frequencies There is a surface effect (skin effect), the essence of which is that current flows in a thin surface layer of the conductor. Accordingly, it should have low resistance. Silver has the least resistance. It is often used in alloys from which connectors are made. But silver oxidizes quite quickly, especially in the atmosphere of modern megacities, and becomes covered with a black film that has poor conductivity. 
This is critical for microwave connectors, especially small ones. The signal attenuation in them can increase sharply, up to the loss of communication. Therefore, such connectors are made gold-plated (entirely or only the central pin). Gold does not oxidize and forms a more reliable contact. As a result, the connector is expensive, but otherwise, without the use of gold, its quality tends to zero. Therefore, the use of surrogate connectors is unacceptable. Widespread UHF connectors such as PL-259 (SO-239) are also not suitable. Such connectors have non-standardized characteristic impedance and a frequency band limited to 300 MHz.
In conclusion, let me remind you once again that the use of surrogate connectors can lead to loss of connection. This is the best case scenario. At worst, this can lead to equipment failure as a result of an increase in SWR, for example this often happens with D-LINK products. Using all kinds of duct tape twists instead of connectors is complete noobism!
Connecting to access points and integrated routers external antennas provide high frequency WIFI connectors. Traditionally, such RF connectors are RTP-TNC, RP-SMA, N-type. Any RF connector for a WIFI antenna has 2 elements in its design - traditionally they are called a plug and a socket. In simple colloquial speech, specialists often use dad and mom, or male female in English terminology.
TNC
50 Ohm coaxial RF connector operating up to 11 GHz. The RF connector replaced the BNC, which was noisy due to vibrations. TNC is an advanced threaded type that is used in most RF components to attach external antennas.RP-TNC
SMA
Miniature 50 Ohm RF connector designed as a minimal RF connector for connecting coaxial cable. The connector provides up to 500 connection/disconnection cycles and is not intended for outdoor use.