# Adding a LTE/5G High Performance Antenna to outdoor project enclosure

**URL:** <https://community.sixfab.com/t/adding-a-lte-5g-high-performance-antenna-to-outdoor-project-enclosure/2610>\
**Category:** 5G\
**Created:** [June 28, 2023, 1:33pm UTC](https://community.sixfab.com/t/adding-a-lte-5g-high-performance-antenna-to-outdoor-project-enclosure/2610 "2023-06-28T13:33:55Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![jmelli12](https://community.sixfab.com/user_avatar/community.sixfab.com/jmelli12/32/1456_2.png) [@jmelli12](https://community.sixfab.com/u/jmelli12)\
**Post date:** [June 28, 2023, 1:33pm UTC](https://community.sixfab.com/t/adding-a-lte-5g-high-performance-antenna-to-outdoor-project-enclosure/2610/1 "2023-06-28T13:33:55Z")

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I have an existing outdoor project running Pi4 with a SixFab cellular modem kit. The project is struggling with data connection using the existing antennas so I am exploring purchasing the high performance antennas to use for this project. My questions are:

Will these antennas make a large improvement?  
Do I need to drill a hole in the side of my outdoor enclosure in order to install these new antennas?

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**Author:** ![nick](https://community.sixfab.com/user_avatar/community.sixfab.com/nick/32/1344_2.png) [@nick](https://community.sixfab.com/u/nick)\
**Post date:** [June 28, 2023, 3:28pm UTC](https://community.sixfab.com/t/adding-a-lte-5g-high-performance-antenna-to-outdoor-project-enclosure/2610/2 "2023-06-28T15:28:32Z")

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> [@jmelli12](#):
>
> SixFab cellular modem kit

A high gain antenna can make a big improvement, especially of you get a directional antenna and point it at your local cell tower. It will also help if you raise the antenna as high as possible.

Don’t know what enclosure you have, but I would imagine you need to drill a hole in your enclosure. Use a u.fl to N Type Female bulkhead pigtail cable with an O-ring to keep out the water. Then use a second cable to connect between your enclosure and the antenna.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![jmelli12](https://community.sixfab.com/user_avatar/community.sixfab.com/jmelli12/32/1456_2.png) [@jmelli12](https://community.sixfab.com/u/jmelli12)\
**Post date:** [June 28, 2023, 4:03pm UTC](https://community.sixfab.com/t/adding-a-lte-5g-high-performance-antenna-to-outdoor-project-enclosure/2610/3 "2023-06-28T16:03:40Z")

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> [@nick](#):
>
> u.fl to N Type Female bulkhead pigtail cable

Thank you! These are the items I currently have in my cart.

> **[Waterproof SMA to u.FL RF Adapter Cable - 150mm - Sixfab](https://sixfab.com/product/waterproof-sma-to-u-fl-rf-adapter-cable/)**
>
> This adapter stops ingress of the moisture, water, and dust particles through SMA connector holes. There is a plastic O-ring that prevents them from entering the enclosure.  It lets you add external antennas to devices while handling the tough...

> **[Sixfab LTE/5G High-Performance Antenna SMA - Sixfab](https://sixfab.com/product/lte-5g-sma-high-performance-blade-antenna/)**
>
> Constructed with an ergonomic blade design to blend well to the outside of a device. Hinged swivel-mounted design to work with various orientations or in free space for ease of integration. Performs great for LTE-M and 5G applications. Rotatable...