Why is Frequency Matching the "Lifeline" of Antenna Performance?

The working principle of an antenna is electromagnetic resonance. The internal physical structure of every antenna is "tailor-made" for a specific frequency band.

What happens if your gateway operates at 915MHz, but you arbitrarily screw on a 433MHz antenna?

• High VSWR: A very high Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) causes most of the RF signal to reflect back into the gateway rather than radiating outward.
• Wasted Energy: The signal dissipates as heat, severely shortening the transmission distance.
• Hardware Damage Risk: Long-term, high-intensity reflected waves can easily cause the gateway's Power Amplifier (PA) to overheat or even burn out directly.

In short: If the frequency is wrong, even the most expensive gateway won't perform.

How Do I Determine Which Frequency to Use?

LoRa frequencies are not set arbitrarily; they are restricted by radio regulations (ISM bands) in different countries and regions. Here is a reference for frequency band distribution in mainstream regions globally:

I Got the Right Frequency, Is That Enough?

After confirming the base frequency, many people fall into another trap: thinking all 915MHz antennas are the same. In reality, different deployment environments have vastly different requirements for the antenna's form factor and parameters.

As a professional manufacturer developing and producing a wide variety of antennas, we know deeply that no single antenna is a "silver bullet." That's why, in addition to standard frequencies, we offer a rich set of specialized options:

Need Coverage Range? Pay Attention to Gain: For dense indoor multi-point data collection, a low-gain 2-3dBi omnidirectional antenna provides blind-spot-free spherical coverage. For outdoor ultra-long-distance point-to-point transmission, you need a 5-8dBi or even higher fiberglass base station antenna.

Harsh Outdoor Environments? Pay Attention to Material & Protection: For gateways installed on rooftops or in the wild, ordinary rubber duck antennas cannot withstand prolonged exposure to the elements. You need to choose a waterproof, UV-resistant Fiberglass Antenna and pair it with a sturdy mounting bracket.

Don't Use Just Any Cable: For high-frequency bands like 915MHz, if your antenna requires an extension cable (e.g., routing from indoor to outdoor), be sure to select low-loss coaxial cables (such as LMR400 grade) from our Antenna Accessories section. Otherwise, signal attenuation caused by poor cables will completely negate the advantages of a high-gain antenna.