Professional Marine Wi-Fi AntennasOMNI-496 · OMNI-498 · OMNI-494
Poynting marine Wi-Fi antennas, with IP68 housings resistant to salt water, UV and wind, are designed for stable Wi-Fi connectivity on boats and yachts, in marinas and at coastal sites. Support up to Wi-Fi 6E in the 2.4 GHz and 5–7.2 GHz bands; SISO, 2×2 and 4×4 MIMO options.
Which marine Wi-Fi antenna is right for you?
The first factor is the number of external Wi-Fi antenna ports on your router or access point. Select the number of ports.
How many external Wi-Fi antenna ports does your router have?
Poynting marine Wi-Fi antenna models
OMNI-496
The single-port member of the series and its highest-gain model. For devices with one Wi-Fi output, or applications that need no MIMO and aim for maximum range economically.
- Peak gain10 dBi (5 GHz) · 7 dBi (2.4 GHz)
- Port1 × N-type (female)
- PolarisationLinear vertical
- Wi-FiWi-Fi 4 → 7
OMNI-498
2×2 MIMO with two vertically separated radiating elements. Combines high gain and MIMO for marine routers with 2×2 Wi-Fi outputs (Peplink, Teltonika, Sierra Wireless, etc.).
- Peak gain9.8 dBi
- Port2 × SMA (male), 2 m HDF-195
- PolarisationLinear vertical
- Wi-FiWi-Fi 4 → 6E
OMNI-494
The most advanced model in the series. Cross-polarisation with vertical and horizontal elements; for multi-user, high-traffic yachts and Wi-Fi 6/6E 4×4 routers.
- Peak gain9.8 dBi (V) · 4.5 dBi (H)
- Port4 × SMA (male), 2 m HDF-195
- PolarisationCross (vertical + horizontal)
- Wi-FiWi-Fi 4 → 6E
Marine Wi-Fi antenna comparison
| Feature | OMNI-496 | OMNI-498 | OMNI-494 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | Wi-Fi (SISO) | Wi-Fi (2×2 MIMO) | Wi-Fi (4×4 MIMO) |
| Wi-Fi bands | 2.4–2.5 GHz / 4.9–7.2 GHz | 2.4–2.5 GHz / 4.9–7.2 GHz | 2.4–2.5 GHz / 4.9–7.2 GHz |
| Additional coverage | 3.3–4.2 GHz (5G n77/n78 bands) | ||
| Peak gain | 10 dBi (5 GHz) / 7 dBi (2.4 GHz) | 9.8 dBi | 9.8 dBi (vertical) / 4.5 dBi (horizontal) |
| Polarisation | Linear vertical | Linear vertical (separated elements) | Cross (vertical + horizontal) |
| Connector | 1 × N-type (female) | 2 × SMA (male) | 4 × SMA (male) |
| Cable | None (direct N-type) | Twin HDF-195, 2 m | Twin HDF-195, 2 m |
| Protection | IP68 | IP68 | IP68 |
| Operating temperature | −40 … +80 °C | −40 … +80 °C | −40 … +80 °C |
| Mounting | Pole, marine (1" standard), wall · 316 stainless steel brackets: BRKT-37, BRKT-38, BRKT-39 | ||
| Priority | Maximum range | Standard high speed | Very high data traffic |
Vertical + horizontal: why cross-polarisation?
- Vertical elements (9.8 dBi): Radiation concentrated towards the horizon with a narrow vertical angle; provides range to distant access points in the marina.
- Horizontal elements (4.5 dBi): With a wider vertical angle, they improve signal quality at close range and with reflections around the boat.
- Polarisation diversity: Reflections from the water surface, masts and other boats change polarisation. Two orthogonal branches increase the chance that the signal stays strong on at least one.
- 4×4 MIMO: Four independent branches let Wi-Fi 6/6E routers use more simultaneous streams.
For a general comparison of polarisation types, see our H/V and ±45° X-pol guide.
Correct installation on board
High and in the open
Place the antenna on the mast or radar arch, away from metal structures. Height improves line of sight to access points in the marina.
Short cables
Cable loss is significant at 5–7 GHz. Place the router close to the antenna and use equal-length cables on the MIMO branches.
Connector protection
Seal outdoor connector joints with waterproof tape. Salt water increases loss over time.
For detailed mounting guidance, see our marine antenna installation page; for range calculations over water, see Fresnel zone and marine antennas.
Marine Wi-Fi antenna FAQ
Which antenna should I use to connect to marina Wi-Fi from a boat?
Why is the OMNI-496 gain higher?
Is higher gain always better?
Can these antennas be used for cellular (4G/5G) connectivity?
Which mounting hardware are the antennas compatible with?
Let us choose the right Wi-Fi antenna for your boat together
BağLAN is the official distributor of Poynting in Türkiye. Talk to our technical team about choosing the antenna, cables and brackets for your router model, boat size and use case.