Find step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and detailed documentation to effectively use RAKwireless products. Our quick how-to guides help you solve problems and get started quickly with your projects.
Certifications
Certifications are a key focus for us at RAK. Our products meet global standards, including GDPR, ISO27001, and LoRaWAN®. Explore the certifications that match your requirements and experience our commitment to ensuring the highest levels of safety, reliability, and quality assurance.
News
Stay updated with the latest news in IoT, LoRaWAN®, and Web3. Discover groundbreaking innovations, collaborations, and success stories shaping the future of technology and connectivity.
Documentation
Our comprehensive Documentation Center has everything you need to get started. Discover useful instructions on various products,
modules, and features. Find specifications, functionalities, FAQs, and tools to help you configure settings and manage your RAK
hardware and software effectively.
Forum
Join our forum to explore discussions on LPWAN gateways, nodes, and modules, engage with community projects, access tutorials,
and stay updated with the latest news and product feedback.
eBooks and Brochures
Download free resources such as ebooks, brochures, and guides on IoT solutions, products, and the latest technologies.
Simplify custom antenna design and overcome challenges with comprehensive Custom Antenna Service by RAKwireless.
What We Aim to Achieve
Design, test, and deliver custom external and embedded antennas based on your specific requirements
Adjust performance, installation, and environmental specs according to your needs
Focus on the provisioning of LoRa®, Small Cell, Enterprise Wi-Fi, GPS, and Embedded antennas
Maximize the use of our vertical market product range, including 5G, industrial-IoT, intelligent transportation, building, and enterprise wireless solutions
The RAK Custom Antenna Service
This service includes the entire R&D process and product launch cycle. Initiated by unique
customer requirements, RAK supports clients from simulation and basic prototypes to extensive pilot runs and mass
production. Our professional team works closely and directly with customers to evaluate each distinct
requirement and ensure the best performance based on the planned use case for the product.
Maximize RAK’s Expertise in Advanced Antennas
Take advantage of our extensive expertise in IoT antennas designed
for GPS, LoRa, LPWAN, LoRaWAN®, and Cellular technologies.
Elevate your IoT solutions using our innovative technology and experience the benefits
of long-range wireless communication.
Download our white paper
Delve into various antenna types, complete with case studies on applications like water meters, trackers, and NB-IoT/LoRaWAN hybrid IoT nodes.
Learn how we address performance, production consistency, and cost to support your LoRa device development.
Overcoming Your Antenna Challenges
Understanding the challenges you face is the first step in finding the right solutions. Here are some
common challenges you might be facing and how we can help overcome them:
Challenge 1: Placement of the Antenna
Understanding Your Challenge:
You're unsure where to place the antenna for optimal performance.
How to Start:
Begin by defining your use case. This will allow us to evaluate potential antenna designs and guide you on
where to place the antenna for the best performance.
Challenge 2: Finding the Right Antenna
Understanding Your Challenge:
You’re unsure if you need a ready-to-use antenna that fits your device and customized enclosure.
How to Start:
Define the performance requirements for your finished product (range, size, shape, etc.). Our RAK engineers
will work out the details and ensure the antenna fits your device and enclosure perfectly.
Challenge 3: Cost of Professional Antenna Tuning
Understanding Your Challenge:
Professional antenna tuning services are expensive and can involve complex negotiations.
How to Start:
Define the expected antenna cost margin for your finished product. We'll estimate the level of performance
that can be achieved within your budget, ensuring you get value for your money.
Challenge 4: Lack of Technical Knowledge
Understanding Your Challenge:
You don't have the expertise in antenna design to get the best matching antenna for your product.
How to Start:
Just set the performance requirements for your finished product. Our engineers will handle all the technical
details, including defining environmental protection level requirements and translating them into antenna IP ratings.
All you have to do is set up your product launch date requirements, and we'll do our best to keep up with your
schedule.
Our Design Process
We offer different levels of services depending on your budget and time constraints and can take any extra steps you require to validate your product design.
1. Simulation report
Run a software simulation that would predict how the final product is expected to perform as far as RF propagation goes.
2. Anechoic chamber testing and report
We will generate a detailed report that will be based on the results acquired in an anechoic chamber testing.
3. Prototype
We allow customers to run the antenna with their device to evaluate the system performance personally once we have a finished prototype.
4. Pilot run report based on customer-confirmed prototype
We will generate a report based on the prototype that has been selected by the customer.
5. Components material selection suggestion
We will help you select the materials that would help the antenna reach the desired result.
6. Preliminary Bills of Materials (BOM) cost
We will generate a preliminary quote based on the selected materials.
Why RAK
We not only understand antenna performance but also system performance and expectations.
We can transfer expected system performance into practical antenna parameters.
We are experts in IoT edge devices.
We require only application and use case metrics to translate them to antenna requirements and designs.
What is an antenna and how does it work in IoT devices?
An antenna is a device that transforms electric power into radio waves and conversely, it can change radio waves back into electric power. In the world of IoT, antennas are fundamental. They ensure seamless communication by transmitting and receiving data across various devices on wireless networks. Whether it's a LoRa/LoRaWAN® solution or a Helium project, the right antenna can extend network coverage, improve device performance, and provide real-time location data.
How do custom-embedded antennas enhance the functionality of IoT devices?
Custom embedded antennas are designed to fit seamlessly into specific IoT devices. They can be tailored to optimize signal strength, range, and reliability, enhancing the overall performance of the device. The right custom antenna can make a significant difference. By matching the antenna to the device and its environment, you can ensure reliable, long-range wireless communication, making your IoT applications more effective and efficient.
What are the advantages of using custom external antennas?
Custom external antennas offer flexibility in placement, potentially improving signal reception and transmission. They can be specifically designed for outdoor use or harsh environments, providing robust performance under challenging conditions. Additionally, they are vital for projects like Helium hotspots where long-range connectivity is required.
How does RAK's Custom Antenna Service work?
RAK's Custom Antenna Service covers all aspects of the antenna design process. From understanding unique customer requirements to simulation, prototyping, pilot runs, and mass production, our team provides comprehensive support.
How can RAK's custom antennas improve the performance of my IoT devices?
RAK's custom antennas are designed to enhance signal strength, range, and reliability. By tailoring the antenna to your specific device and use case, we can optimize its performance in the intended operating environment. RAKwireless is a leading manufacturer of antennas for both indoor and outdoor applications. We create antennas from durable materials to withstand harsh conditions.
Are RAK's custom antennas compatible with various IoT platforms and devices?
Y es, RAK's custom antennas can be integrated with a wide range of IoT devices and platforms. Our team works closely with customers to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. These antennas are versatile enough to work with various IoT technologies like GPS, LoRa, LPWAN, LoRaWAN®, and Cellular LTE. We have antenna solutions for a wide range of applications, such as for miners, gateways, or other deployment scenarios.
How does RAK ensure the quality of their custom antennas?
RAK is committed to delivering high-quality antenna solutions. We conduct thorough testing and quality assurance processes throughout the design and production stages to ensure reliability and performance. This includes rigorous testing of our antennas, such as dipole, sectoral, patch, and active antennas, across different frequencies and conditions. Our team ensures that all antennas meet the highest standards before they are integrated into your IoT projects.
Can RAK assist with selecting the right antenna for my project?
Yes! RAK provides technical support and guidance to help you select and integrate the right antenna for your specific requirements and use case. From high-performance omnidirectional fiberglass antennas for LoRa bands to sectoral and patch antennas for cellular systems, and active antennas with integrated pre-amplifiers, we can give you a variety of options. We also offer comprehensive guides to help you understand the technology behind each antenna and make an informed choice.
How does antenna performance benefit LoRa technology?
For LoRa technology, superior antenna performance is essential. A well-matched antenna significantly lowers battery usage, extends the communication range, and ensures a stable data transmission rate. Perfecting antenna placement, PCB design, and matching enhances LoRa's efficiency and reliability.
Let RAK help you create antennas tailored to your needs—from concept to production.
Get in touch with us today and take the first step towards a better IoT experience.
