In enterprise connectivity, few solutions offer the combination of performance, reliability, and adaptability that the Digi EX50 5G Cellular Extender delivers. Designed as a next-generation fixed wireless access (FWA) device, the EX50 enables businesses to leverage 5G and LTE-Advanced networks for primary or failover connectivity across branches, remote offices, industrial environments, as well as being FirstNet capable. Its powerful hardware, paired with Digi’s management and security features, makes it a trusted choice for mission-critical communications.
Understanding the Digi EX50 Hardware
The Digi EX50 is purpose-built for high-performance wireless networking, supporting 5G NR Sub-6 GHz bands alongside LTE-Advanced Pro Cat 20, ensuring seamless connectivity across a wide range of carrier networks. With its ability to leverage both 5G and advanced 4G LTE, the EX50 is ideal for enterprises looking to future-proof their wireless infrastructure.
See DIGI website for additional information
Four Dedicated Cellular Antenna Ports
One standout feature of the EX50 is its four external cellular antenna ports, labeled WWAN 1–4. These ports are designed for 4x4 MIMO operation, which significantly boosts throughput, improves signal quality in challenging environments, and ensures consistent performance across multiple carriers. Each port uses a standard SMA-female connector, providing compatibility with a wide range of professional-grade antennas.
Key note: The EX50 does not include external GPS or Wi-Fi antenna ports. While the device features integrated Wi-Fi 6 radios with internal antennas, these are not user-upgradable. All external antenna considerations focus on the WWAN ports.
Why Antenna Selection Matters
The quality and placement of antennas directly influence the performance of any 5G or LTE extender. For the EX50, choosing the right antenna configuration for its four WWAN ports is critical to fully utilizing its 4x4 MIMO capabilities.
Recommended Antenna Types
- High-Gain Omni Antennas: Best for urban environments with multiple cell towers where wide, uniform coverage is beneficial.
- Directional Panel or Yagi Antennas: Ideal for rural or remote deployments where a strong signal from a single tower is required.
See antenna solutions for the DIGI EX50
Pro tip: Always use low-loss coaxial cables with SMA connectors to maintain signal integrity, and ensure that cable lengths across all four ports are matched to preserve MIMO phase balance.
Key Features Beyond Antenna Ports
While antennas are crucial, the EX50 also delivers enterprise-grade performance through its integrated network interfaces and software.
Wired and Wireless Interfaces
The EX50 is equipped with dual 2.5 GbE Ethernet ports for LAN and WAN connectivity, ensuring wired throughput can keep pace with the high data rates of modern 5G networks. Its Wi-Fi 6 support (2x2 MIMO, dual-band) offers reliable wireless connectivity for local devices, although these radios use internal antennas that cannot be replaced.
Routing, VPN, and Security
The EX50 runs Digi’s DAL OS, a hardened platform with Digi TrustFence® security framework. It supports advanced features like SD-WAN, Digi WAN Bonding, IPsec VPN, and DIGI 360 making it ideal for secure, high-performance branch networking.
Remote Management and Failover
With dual-SIM failover, VRRP+, Digi SureLink®, and DIGI 360 the EX50 ensures uninterrupted connectivity, even in carrier outage scenarios. Centralized monitoring and automation are handled through Digi Remote Manager, simplifying large-scale deployments.
Best Practices for Antenna Installation
To get the most from the EX50, proper antenna installation is essential:
- Outdoor Placement: Position antennas outside or near windows for a clear line-of-sight to the nearest 5G or LTE tower.
- Cable Management: Use low-loss cables and weatherproof connectors for outdoor installations.
- Balanced Setup: Keep cable lengths equal across all four WWAN ports for optimal MIMO performance.
- Lightning Protection: Install surge arrestors and proper grounding for rooftop antennas.
- SMA Connections: Follow Digi’s recommended torque (finger-tight plus a slight turn) to avoid damaging connectors.
Use Cases for Digi EX50
The EX50 is versatile enough for a range of deployment scenarios, including:
- Primary 5G Connectivity: For branches and pop-up sites where wired broadband is unavailable or unreliable.
- Failover Connectivity: Provides seamless backup for critical infrastructure.
- Industrial and Retail Applications: Supports digital signage, security cameras, and point-of-sale systems.
- Temporary Installations: Perfect for events or construction sites requiring rapid, high-speed internet access.
Bringing It All Together
The Digi EX50 5G Cellular Extender offers exceptional 5G and LTE performance, thanks to its four dedicated WWAN ports, advanced routing capabilities, and robust enterprise features. Pairing it with high-quality antennas from AG Antenna ensures you can fully capitalize on its 4x4 MIMO architecture. Whether you need rugged omni antennas for multi-tower coverage or directional solutions for remote locations, our team can help you build an antenna configuration tailored to your deployment.