# 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.

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**Required.** Before you begin, [Install the GC31-E](https://docs.verkada.com/docs/gc31e-outdoor-cellular-gateway-install-guide.pdf) and [set up the device](https://help.verkada.com/connectivity/configuration/add-cellular-gateway-to-command) in Verkada Command. Ensure the gateway is online for **at least 5 minutes** before proceeding.
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**In Verkada Command, go to All Products > Gateways .**
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**Select the GC31-E that will connect to the directional antenna.**
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**Hover over the GC31-E to display the azimuth angle.**

<div align="left" data-with-frame="true"><img src="https://1814166542-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FiAGnzScvko5PkG7YBy3i%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-7aa258f97271826a8e92dd3e8eb166a9edf62f58%2F081f2ec4b83a9a0c2458a6aa046bde0ae0f6b736.png?alt=media" alt="" width="229"></div>
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**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.**
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**For optimal performance, mount the directional antenna high up on a pole with a clearer line of sight toward the cell tower.**
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{% 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 gateway is dependent on the accuracy of the database.
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