Guide To External Antennas For TP Link Routers

If you’re struggling to get a good internet connection from your TP Link mobile router, a TP Link external antenna may be the solution you need. External 4G/5G antennas are designed to help you get a faster, more reliable internet connection by boosting the signal from your router to local mobile networks. Our 4G/5G 2×2 external antenna works with many TP Link routers, so you can get a better internet connection in your caravan or motorhome. Here’s the Maxview guide to choosing and configuring an external antenna for TP Link routers.

How can I increase my signal strength on my TP Link router?

There are few options for boosting your TP Link router signal strength:

• Add an external antenna to your router setup — An external antenna enhances your router’s ability to connect to local mobile networks, so you can get a better 3G, 4G, or 5G signal.
• Remove any blockages — Make sure nothing is blocking the signal between your router and your device, including walls or cupboards.
• Adjust built-in antennas — Optimise the direction of your antenna for the best possible signal strength.
• Pick your campsites strategically — Choose campsites that are closer to mobile masts for the best chance of a strong signal.

Does your TP Link router need an external antenna?

If other cheaper options for boosting your mobile network signal don’t work, an external antenna may be the most impactful solution, especially if:

• You rely on a strong internet connection to work from anywhere.
• You often travel to sites or areas that are far from mobile networks.
• It’s important to have a good connection for navigating, browsing, and communicating online.
• You already have a TP Link mobile router but it’s not giving you the required speeds.

Is a range extender the same as an external antenna?

Range extenders and external antennas are two different devices used to improve wireless signal strength and extend the range of a wireless network, but they function in different ways. Range extenders, like the TP Link AC750 Mesh Wi-Fi Range Extender, amplify and rebroadcast existing signals. They work by receiving the signal from a wireless router or access point, amplifying it, and then transmitting it to areas with weak or no coverage. Range extenders typically have their own antennas and are placed within the range of the existing network. However, they can degrade network performance, as they need to both receive and transmit signals, causing increased latency and reduced bandwidth. External antennas, meanwhile, are additional antennas that can be attached to a wireless router or network device to enhance signal reception and transmission. It replaces or supplements the device’s built-in antenna, improving the overall signal strength and quality.

Which external 4G/5G antenna works with TP Link routers?

The following Maxview external antennas will work with many TP Link routers:

• Maxview 4G/5G 2×2 external antenna — ideal for standard size vehicles.
• Slim Maxview 4G/5G 2×2 external antenna — ideal for vehicles with less roof space.

What type of connector do I need for a TP Link external antenna?

Our external antenna comes with an adaptor so you can connect the antenna’s SMA connectors to your router’s TS9 connectors: Left: SMA connectors; right: TS9 connector. Compatibility with these connectors is an important part of determining if your TP Link router will work with an external antenna.

Is your TP Link router compatible with the Maxview 4G/5G external antenna?

The Maxview 2×2 4G/5G external antenna is compatible with the following TP Link 4G LTE routers, as well as some other models:

• TP Link Archer MR600
• TP Link Archer MR200
• TP Link Archer MR400
• TP Link TL-MR6400 4G LTE Router

However, the following routers are not compatible with our external antenna:

• TP Link M7350 4G LTE Mobile Router
• TP Link M7450 4G LTE Mobile Router
• TP Link M7650 4G LTE Mobile Router

If your router model isn’t listed here, speak to our support team to confirm if your model is compatible with our external antenna.

Configuring your TP Link router with an 4G/5G external antenna

Follow the instructions in the video below to configure your TP Link 4G router external antenna. This will show you how to mount your antenna in a suitable position, then connect to the router via the adaptor. Alternatively, find an antenna installer to mount your Maxview antenna on the roof of your vehicle. These experienced installers can find the best possible position to optimise your signal strength. When this is complete you can simply connect the SMA cables to the router like this (example below). For Netgear routers, you will need to use the SMA connectors that come with every Maxview 4G/5G antenna:

Ready for a new router?

If your TP Link router doesn’t give you the internet speeds you need even with an external antenna, it may be worth upgrading your router to a purpose-built caravan router like the Maxview Roam. Our Roam 5G WiFi system is 5G compatible, and uses Maxview’s 4×4 antenna so you can achieve even faster speeds when you’re in a 5G zone. If you’re not, it still connects to 3G and 4G frequencies, giving you great internet access wherever you go. Not sure which WiFi system is right for your vehicle? Use our WiFi selector tool to find out.