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6 external antenna connectors on AC797S hotspot ??

Javik
Aspirant

6 external antenna connectors on AC797S hotspot ??

I need some clarification on using external cellular antennas on the AC797S / AC797CRK  (Cricket / AT&T Mobile Hotspot):

https://www.netgear.com/support/product/AC797CRK.aspx

 

The following Netgear knowledgebase article says that external antennas can be used and what type of connector is needed:

https://kb.netgear.com/23901/External-Antennas-for-AirCard-products

 

However, I have discovered that the Cricket version of the AC797S doesn't have two external antenna connectors.. but rather six of them. (See image.)

Imgur - 6 antenna connectors on AC797S 

,

 

The antenna connectors are not labeled on the circuit board in any particularly obvious manner. I expect that they are not really there for external antennas but really for board testing in the factory. ... but they can be used with external antennas too.

 

I do see the number 1 and 2 next to two of the six connectors.Should I be using those two ports?

 

Should I be disconnecting these internal antennas if I am using external antennas, or does it not matter?

 

Model: AC797S|AT&T Unite Express 2 Mobile Hotspot
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plemans
Guru

Re: 6 external antenna connectors on AC797S hotspot ??

I dont' have one so I can't say for certain. I'd bet thought that 1 and 2 are the cellular antenna connections and the other 4 are for the wireless 2.4ghz and 5ghz antennas. 

reason I say this is I've got the 770s and its got antenna ports on the bottom to the side of the usb port like yours does for the dock that boosts cell signal.  

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