MeshCore antenna optimization
Improve your LoRa range with the right antenna choice, placement and configuration for the Dutch MeshCore network
Why your antenna is the most important component
You can buy the most expensive MeshCore device, but with a poor antenna you won't get further than 200 meters. The antenna is literally the only component that transmits and receives signals – everything depends on it.
A better antenna and especially a better location can improve your range dramatically, but not in a fixed or magical way. In practice, the biggest gains often come from moving a node from indoors to outdoors, or from table height to rooftop height. This guide explains how to choose and optimize the right antenna for MeshCore in the Netherlands.
Four types of LoRa antennas
Rubber duck (included)
Standard flexible antenna with most devices. Practical but not optimal.
Whip antenna
Straight rod antenna, better than rubber duck. Fragile but more effective.
Dipole/fiberglass
Best choice for most fixed home nodes and repeaters in the Netherlands. Robust, weatherproof, and usually the best price/performance option.
Yagi directional
Directional antenna for specific direction. Maximum range in one direction.
Antenna gain explained (dBi)
Gain is expressed in dBi (decibel isotropic). More dBi focuses more energy in the useful direction, but it does not literally mean every 3 dBi doubles your real-world range. In practice, height, line of sight, and antenna placement usually matter more than gain alone.
0-3 dBi: Low gain, wide pattern
Radiates in all directions (omnidirectional). Perfect for mobile use (walking, cycling) because you don't know where other nodes are. Example: rubber duck antennas.
5-8 dBi: Medium gain, balanced
Best choice for repeaters on houses or buildings. Good horizontal reach, still wide enough to cover multiple directions. For the Dutch MeshCore network, a 5-8 dBi fiberglass antenna outdoors and as high as possible is often the sweet spot.
9+ dBi: High gain, narrow beam
Higher gain antennas become more directional. A 9-10 dBi fiberglass antenna on a house can still work very well for MeshCore, but very high gain only really makes sense if you know where the other node is or you are building a point-to-point link. Example: Yagi antennas.
Antenna placement: Do's and Don'ts
✓ DO
- ✓Place antenna as high as possible (roof, attic, mast)
- ✓Ensure clear line of sight to other nodes
- ✓Mount antenna vertically for omnidirectional coverage
- ✓Use weatherproof antennas for outdoor use
- ✓Test different positions and measure range - height and clear view often matter more than antenna gain alone
✗ DON'T
- ✗Place antenna in metal enclosure (Faraday cage effect)
- ✗Lay antenna horizontally (unless specifically designed for it)
- ✗Buy 915 MHz antenna in Europe (must be 868 MHz!)
- ✗Keep antenna indoors if you want maximum range
- ✗Use long coax cables (every meter adds loss, especially with cheap cable such as RG58 at 868 MHz)
Frequently asked questions about antennas
Which antenna is best for beginners?
It depends on the use case. For a mobile node, a 2-3 dBi rubber duck or quarter-wave whip is practical. For a home node or repeater in the Netherlands, a 5-8 dBi fiberglass 868 MHz antenna mounted outside and as high as possible is usually the best choice. For point-to-point links, a Yagi in the 9-15 dBi range makes sense.
Must my antenna be exactly 868 MHz?
Yes! In Europe, MeshCore uses 868 MHz. American 915 MHz antennas perform poorly. Note: "LoRa antenna" without specification is often 915 MHz.
How do I mount an outdoor antenna?
Mount the antenna vertically on roof, mast or facade. Use L-bracket or pole mount. Protect connector from water with heat-shrink or tape. Route coax cable indoors.
What gain do I need for a repeater?
For most MeshCore repeaters in the Netherlands, 5-8 dBi is the safest recommendation. That gives a strong improvement without making the radiation pattern too fussy. A 9-10 dBi fiberglass antenna can still work well, but above roughly 12-15 dBi the pattern becomes much narrower and is mainly useful for more specific long-distance links.
Can I connect multiple antennas?
No, LoRa modules have one antenna connection. You can't do "more antennas = more range". Choose one good antenna and place it optimally.
Do I need to tune/adjust my antenna?
Ready-made LoRa antennas are pre-tuned for 868 MHz. No adjustment needed. If you build your own antenna (DIY), you need to measure SWR and adjust length.
Upgrade your antenna, but prioritize height first
The standard rubber duck antenna is okay for testing, but for the Dutch MeshCore network the biggest wins usually come from height, line of sight, and a proper 868 MHz antenna. In many cases, a 5-8 dBi fiberglass antenna outdoors and high up is the best price/performance upgrade.