I'm planning to have my own Wi-Fi router with Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 using a NanoPi device (so far, the NanoPi R5C). However, I'm interested in finding third-party antennas compatible with it that allow me to access the 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz bands.
Antennas do not decide what bands are available.
Band availability is set by your wifi adapter chipset.
Mediatek is the best option currently for openwrt.
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Can you expabd of your concept of "best"? Is is mast-mountable directional antenna? At least it is the best by being most expensive, or dipole mini antenna? Or just bunch of wavelength long copper wires?
In terms of value for money. Does it make sense to buy any Asus antenna replacement from Aliexpress, or is there a commercial brand worth considering for a router—something portable and high quality
You did not answer basic question - you need directional antenna or omnidirectional, and in which country.
So what value we are talking about?
All antennas are under 20kg, thus portable.
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Sorry, the antenna I want must be omnidirectional. I live in the Dominican Republic. The antenna should weigh less than 5kg and fit inside a backpack or a much smaller bag.
Check like 5dbm dipole 10-20USD, obviously connector matching. Example:
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/airgain/AP-DIPOLE-W-I-S2-RP-BL/13532133
And you still need consider which m.2 wifi card you're going to install.
The Realtek card FriendlyElec ship is Wifi 5 only and can only do Client mode.
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Yes, but I'm going to buy a wifi 6E or 7 MediaTek m.2
I usually find used cisco or other enterprise wifi antennas and get adapters or reterminate the coax.
You obviously have to wait for some campus to refresh all their gear =P
Think ubiquiti outdoor stuff, HP/HPE, ruckus etc.
If i need to buy new I just go aliexpress and verify the antenna performance myself.
edit:
quick look on mouser shows TE has a bunch of tri band SMA antennas with proper datasheets.
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Not this time, used antennas will not have 3rd shorter wire for 6GHz band.
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You're correct yeah. I did the edit once I re-read because it said 7/6e hahahaha.
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Strongly suggest buying whole assembly, like from asiarf (if they ship at sustainable price obviously)
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I've had a good experience talking to Poynting reps regarding outdoor antennas in condensing and freezing environments and looks like they have 6ghz stuff now after a quick look?
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