Types of antenna connectors used in Keenetic routers
How to identify the type of antenna connector that is used on the Keenetic router's body? What connector should be on the external antenna when connecting to the Keenetic router?
Some Keenetic models have removable antennas, so you can connect an external LTE/4G or Wi-Fi antenna. Two types of connectors are used on the body of the device: SMA and RP-SMA.
Note
It is not the pin, but the threads that define the type of connector.
In SMA and RP-SMA, a female connector always has an external thread, and a male connector has an internal thread. The male is always screwed on top.
A plug is when the thread is internal.
A Jack is when the thread is external.
Removable LTE/4G antennas
Keenetic models with 4G module have connectors on the case to attach external LTE/4G broadband cellular antennas (for the built-in LTE/4G/3G modem). Two removable LTE antennas are included. For operation at greater distances from base stations, installing an optional outdoor MIMO antenna instead of the supplied indoor LTE antennas is possible.
It uses a female SMA connector, and therefore, the external antenna to be connected (purchased separately) must be equipped with a male SMA 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 with 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 Wi-Fi or 4G/3G radio module to the SMA/RP-SMA connector has a wave-making resistance of 50 Ohm. It is recommended to connect an external antenna and cable assembly with the same wave-made resistance.