That indeed looks like a cell network antenna.
What is this thing?
Let us help you identify that mysterious object you’ve found.
Currently in CHALLENGE mode: If you've got something obscure knocking about, post a picture, and let's see how we do. Please prefix such posts with "CHALLENGE:" so we know we've got a fighting chance.
My friend is an RF expert and immediately said that's a cellular antenna, looks like LTE most probably but might support 5G.
It's a 4x4 MIMO, most likely LTE+5G; a service like T-Mobile Home Internet uses a hybrid design combining the two (B66 + n41 e.g.)
I'm not an expert, but I've worked a lot with LTE antennae, and can confirm that your expert friend is not just pretending.
Like others have already said, looks like a cell network antenna. Maybe service sucks inside home, so they got a repeater/amplifier?
Or if the home owner rents the place an an AirBnB and the cell coverage sucked, maybe he agreed to have an antenna installed at his home for a small income supplement from the carrier?
AT&T reception is shit here for unknown reasons. Tmo and V strong. But maybe something here.
Quick search:
- mobile phone communication tower transmission signal | | https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/mobile-phone-communication-tower-transmission-signal-667057696
- mobile phone antenna telecommunication tower clouds | | https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/mobile-phone-antenna-telecommunication-tower-clouds-1102470173
- HW-SA24-12-180-NF - 2.4GHz 12 dBi Panel Antenna | | https://www.amazon.com/Hana-Wireless-HW-SA24-12-180-NF-2-4GHz-Antenna/dp/B00JMOZL7M
- AISD-WiFi-Towers | | https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/digital-inclusion-grant-applications-open-for-austin-area-nonprofits/
- Panel antenna of GSM DCS UMTS LTE bands and outdoor remote radio unit are as part of communication equipment of basic station are installed on the tubular mast on the roof | | https://stock.adobe.com/images/panel-antenna-of-gsm-dcs-umts-lte-bands-and-outdoor-remote-radio-unit-are-as-part-of-communication-equipment-of-basic-station-are-installed-on-the-tubular-mast-on-the-roof/238432694
Please don't get this guy in trouble just because he put some shit on his roof.
Not my intention in the slightest. I’m generally a mind my own business dude, and supportive of people doing whatever they want with their stuff. This thing though happens to be aimed in my general direction, which also isn’t a problem, but I don’t like not knowing what the heck it is.
Looks a lot like this LTE Mimo cell antenna, although with an extra set of plugs on the bottom.
https://www.dipolnet.com/lte_mimo_antenna_trans-data_lte_kpz_8-8_A741023.htm
Dual LTE and 5G, maybe?
https://www.antennasearch.com/
See if its pointing at a tower.
This is a client access sector. Not a point to point carrier link from a tower. It will be aimed towards the people with devices and it will spread out its signal in 180 degree or less angle.
You’ve just assigned me a little field trip! Thanks :)
Awesome!
Thanks for sharing the link!
There’s a crypto that pays for cell coverage called Helium. Maybe it’s that.
Doesn’t look like it, and Helium doesn’t use cell service, it’s all LoRa based.
I vote for this reality