Introduction to the Ruijie RG‑ANT16S‑120 and its key features
The Ruijie RG‑ANT16S‑120 is a purpose‑built outdoor sector antenna for 5 GHz point‑to‑multipoint (PTMP) networks. With a rated gain of16 dBiand a wide horizontal coverage of120°, it’s designed to serve as a sector/base antenna for WISP deployments, CCTV wireless backhaul, and other outdoor wireless distribution systems. The unit is weatherproof, operates across the 5.15–5.85 GHz band, and ships with mounting hardware and RF cables to simplify field installation. At a suggested retail price of about $119, it offers a cost‑effective option for network operators and installers who need reliable mid‑range sector coverage.
Detailed specifications and the benefits they deliver
Understanding the RG‑ANT16S‑120’s specifications helps explain where it fits in a deployment and what benefits it brings to the table:
- Gain — 16 dBi:This level of gain balances range and coverage. Compared with lower‑gain antennas, 16 dBi extends link distance and improves received signal strength while keeping the sector footprint broad enough for multiple subscriber units within the 120° sector.
- Horizontal beamwidth — ≈120° (≈118° at 6 dB):A 120° sector is a common choice for base stations because it enables broad area coverage with fewer antenna faces. You can cover an entire 360° cell with three antennas or create overlapping sectors for capacity and redundancy.
- Vertical beamwidth — ≈10°:Narrow vertical patterning helps focus energy across the horizon and reduces interference from above and below the main coverage plane, which is especially useful in densely populated or multi‑sector sites.
- Frequency range — 5.15–5.85 GHz:Covers the primary 5 GHz WLAN/PTMP bands used worldwide (subject to local regulations), making it suitable for modern high‑capacity outdoor Wi‑Fi and backhaul systems.
- Polarisation — ±45° and cross‑polar isolation ≥20 dB:Dual slant polarisation increases resilience to multipath and allows more efficient use of diversity/MIMO radios, improving throughput and link reliability.
- Performance metrics:Max VSWR ≤ 2.0:1 indicates good impedance matching across the operating band, helping minimise reflected power and preserving transmitter/receiver performance. The manufacturer lists a recommended practical range up to ~5 km under favorable conditions, dependent on line‑of‑sight, radio power, and environmental factors.
- Mechanical and environmental:The antenna measures 361 × 110 × 48.5 mm (excluding mounting bracket), weighs about 2.5 kg packaged, and includes a pole bracket and clamps for quick installation. An IP55 rating, an operating temperature range from −40°C to +80°C, and wind survivability (~220 km/h) make it robust for exposed outdoor sites.
- Package contents and documentation:The unit ships with mounting hardware, protective cover and RF cables; manufacturer installation guides and datasheets are available for safe and correct installation.
Taken together, these specifications mean the RG‑ANT16S‑120 is well‑suited to mid‑range outdoor distribution where broad sector coverage, reliable 5 GHz performance and weather resistance are required. The included hardware and cabling lower deployment time and cost, and the ±45° polarisation and good cross‑polar isolation support modern radios that use MIMO or dual‑polar streams.
Use cases and scenarios where the RG‑ANT16S‑120 excels
The RG‑ANT16S‑120 is versatile and works well across several deployment types. Common use cases include:
- WISP base stations:For wireless ISPs covering residential neighborhoods, parks, or semi‑rural areas, a 120° sector with 16 dBi gain gives strong coverage with relatively few antenna faces. Three units can provide full 360° coverage on a tower.
- CCTV wireless backhaul:Multi‑camera sites and remote surveillance deployments often need reliable mid‑range links to a hub. The focused vertical pattern and solid gain help concentrate throughput to the monitoring centre while limiting interference above and below the horizon.
- Campus and municipal networks:Universities, business parks and smart city installations can use the antenna as part of PTMP access rings, delivering broadband services to client radios mounted on buildings or poles.
- Temporary and event networks:For short‑term deployments such as fairs, outdoor events or disaster response where quick coverage and robust weatherproofing are needed, the included mounting kit speeds deployment.
- Bridging in favorable terrain:In line‑of‑sight scenarios under 5 km, the antenna can be used in bridging roles where a sector base communicates with multiple subscriber modules.
How it compares with similar products on the market
Sector antennas in the 5 GHz band commonly sit in the 12–18 dBi gain range with beamwidths between 60° and 180°. The RG‑ANT16S‑120 positions itself in the middle of that spread with a balance of gain and coverage that suits many PTMP installations.
- Compared to lower‑gain wide sectors (12–14 dBi):The RG‑ANT16S‑120 offers increased link margin and better throughput at range while preserving a broad coverage footprint. This can reduce the number of sectors or radio power required to reach edge clients.
- Compared to higher‑gain narrow sectors (18 dBi+ / 60–90°):Higher‑gain narrow sectors concentrate energy into tighter beams for longer links or higher capacity in a smaller area, but require more antenna faces to cover the same azimuth. The RG‑ANT16S‑120 trades some maximum range for fewer faces and simpler alignment.
- Compared to omnidirectional antennas:Omnidirectional antennas radiate in all directions and are easier to deploy for local coverage but have lower usable range and higher interference. The sector antenna’s focused horizontal coverage and narrower vertical lobes deliver better range and interference rejection for PTMP scenarios.
- Deployment extras:The included mounting hardware and RF cables are a practical advantage versus some competitors that sell antennas separately from brackets or cable assemblies, reducing time and parts needed on site.
Customer feedback and reviews
At the time of writing, there are limited publicly verified customer reviews specific to the RG‑ANT16S‑120. That said, installers and operators who evaluate similar 16 dBi, 120° sector antennas commonly cite the following recurring themes in their feedback:
- "Straightforward mounting and alignment — the bracket and clamps make installation fast on varied pole sizes."
- "Reliable performance in mixed urban/rural environments — good balance between coverage and throughput for subscriber‑dense sectors."
- "Solid build and weather resistance — survives harsh outdoor conditions with minimal maintenance."
- "Great price‑to‑performance ratio compared with premium branded sector antennas."
These are representative installer impressions rather than formal endorsements for this exact model. For authoritative customer reviews, check distributor feedback pages or practitioner forums after deployment in your region.
Safety, compliance and installation notes
Safe installation is critical for any outdoor antenna. Follow the Ruijie installation manual for guidance on mechanical mounting, pole selection, grounding and lightning/surge protection. Verify local regulatory approval and permissible frequency use (e.g. CE/UKCA or regional equivalents) before operation. Proper grounding and surge protection greatly reduce the risk of damage from electrical transients.
The Ruijie RG‑ANT16S‑120 is a practical, well‑balanced 5 GHz sector antenna that suits many PTMP and backhaul applications. Its 16 dBi gain and 120° horizontal pattern provide a reliable mix of reach and coverage, while vertical beam shaping and dual slant polarisation improve throughput and interference resilience. Rugged environmental specifications and included mounting hardware make it a field‑friendly option for WISPs, campus networks, surveillance backhaul and temporary event coverage. With a competitive suggested price point, it represents a cost‑effective component for operators seeking durable, easy‑to‑deploy sector coverage in the 5 GHz band.
Next steps:Review the Ruijie datasheet and installation guide for detailed mechanical drawings and electrical charts, assess site planning (link budgets and regulatory constraints), and consider a pilot installation to validate coverage before large‑scale rollout.
