# Aiming a Directional Antenna for the Cellular Gateway

The GC31-E is compatible with external LTE antennas using N-type connectors. Verkada offers the [ACC-ANT-10 Outdoor Directional Antenna](https://docs.verkada.com/docs/acc-ant-10-datasheet.pdf), which can easily replace the omnidirectional antennas included with the gateway. A directional antenna can improve signal strength on the GC31-E when pointed toward the connected cell tower.

***

## Aiming a directional antenna

To aim a directional antenna at the correct cell tower, we need to get the azimuth angle between the gateway and the cell tower.

{% hint style="danger" %}
Before you begin, install[ the GC31-E](https://docs.verkada.com/docs/gc31e-outdoor-cellular-gateway-install-guide.pdf) and [set it up](/connectivity/configuration/add-cellular-gateway-to-command.md) in Verkada Command. Ensure the gateway is online for **at least 5 minutes** before proceeding.
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**In Verkada Command, go to All Products > Gateways.**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Select the GC31-E that will connect to the directional antenna.**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Hover over the GC31-E to display the azimuth angle.**

<div align="left" data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/wiA7Rey9GX52kH0lwrxD" alt="" width="344"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Open the compass app on a mobile phone and rotate the phone until the azimuth angle is reached. This will be the direction to point the antenna for maximum gain.**
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**For optimal performance, mount the directional antenna high on a pole for a clearer line of sight to the cell tower.**
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Cell tower location is obtained from a combination of public databases, such as [OpenCelliD](https://www.opencellid.org/). As a result, the reported azimuth angle between the tower and the gateway depends on the accuracy of the database.
{% endhint %}


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