A global leader in wireless technology, Laird Connectivity has announced Gar and Barracuda, two new low profile, MIMO vehicular antennas with multiband operation and GNSS navigation, providing increased reliability, throughput and capacity. Gar (VFP69383B22JN) has five ports and comes configured for 2-port MIMO operation over the 3G/4G/ISM/CBRS bands, and 2-port MIMO operation over the low/high frequency Wi-Fi bands. The additional 5th port provides an active antenna for enabling GNSS global navigation services.

Barracuda (VFH69383B23JW) has the same form factor and capabilities as Gar but adds a 3rd port for MIMO operation over the low/high frequency Wi-Fi bands, with the 6th port providing GNSS services. Laird Connectivity's new Gar and Barracuda antennas are configured for FirstNet MIMO operation, allow for single-hole mounting, and are ideal for today's hi-tech public safety and fleet environments. First responders are increasingly relying on networks like FirstNet, which is developing a national, interoperable LTE public safety broadband network to provide thousands of police officers and firefighters across the nation with advanced communication and collaboration technologies to help them do their jobs safely and efficiently, and better protect the public. Likewise, public works, urban transportation, and commercial and industrial fleets also depend on reliable mobile connectivity to better serve the public, improve customer service, and increase operational efficiencies.

"Laird Connectivity's new MIMO vehicular antennas not only increase signal reliability and data throughput, but enable the possibility for vehicles to function as communication hubs," said Bill Steinike, Laird Connectivity's VP of Strategic Business Development. "These antennas are 5G ready, aerodynamic, and ruggedly reliable, and are the only vehicular antennas in the industry to come with a 5-year product warranty."

Both antennas feature IP67-rated, aerodynamic housing for highly reliable operation, even in the harshest environments. Single-hole mounting reduces the risk of vehicle damage while lowering installation costs.