The antenna is important in offices and homes to generate radio waves and send information through the air. The antenna comes in various kinds for residential and commercial areas. Different kinds of antennas have different tasks to perform after installation.
Every antenna is different from another in terms of size, weight, materials, output, and so on. Let us further discuss the various types of wireless antenna in this blog.
Main types of antennas
The antenna comes in 3 types: omnidirectional, semi-directional, and highly directional. Now, we will discuss the different types of antennas in the further section:
1. Omnidirectional antenna
There are numerous options for a good Wi-Fi antenna. Point-to-multipoint networks work better than omnidirectional antennas. In the case of point-to-multipoint networks, an omnidirectional antenna is required. On the other hand, the point-to-point network will require a directional antenna like a military log periodic dipole antenna, military discone antenna to be mounted on the rooftop of a central building.
Omnidirectional antennas emit signals in a spherical shape. They emit signals in a shape similar to an electric bulb in your home. Apart from that, omnidirectional antennas are also used in various applications such as vehicles and uncharted areas. They are even used to broadcast a hotspot from one point to another.
This antenna radiates radio frequency in every direction. It will radiate RF signal similar to a theoretical isotropic radiator. Besides, the omnidirectional antennas can also be placed in the center of multiple client devices to offer central communications capabilities to nearby clients. Moreover, an omnidirectional antenna is perfect for large commercial buildings and residential complexes.
2. Directional antenna
A directional antenna is another good option for homes and offices. It reduces interference that causes weak or slow internet connections. It can minimize interference in areas with many devices.
The benefits of directional WiFi antennas over omnidirectional antennas are as under:
· Installation process
It is simple to install an omnidirectional antenna. It has a radiation pattern of 360 degrees and can work with different kinds of cellular base stations. Apart from that, the directional antennas also have a lower gain and greater redundancy. Directional antennas work better for roaming in various cells.
A directional antenna is widely used in boats, RVs, and detached buildings. It reduces interference from all directions. Your intended use must be kept in mind while choosing a directional WiFi antenna.
A common example of a directional antenna is a mobile adapter or Wi-Fi router. These antennas work generally at a two to nine dBi gain. It can be used as a center antenna of a hub and spoke system. Directional antennas come in various types. The most popular kinds of directional antennas are single or dual-band antennas that suit everyone’s needs and specifications.
3. Semi-directional antenna
The next type of antenna is the semi-directional antenna. As the name suggests, the antennas are developed to emit RF signals in a specific direction. They are generally used for point-to-point communication.
A semi-directional antenna is used for short to medium-distance communication indoors and outdoors. The working of a semi-directional antenna emits RF signals similar to a street lamp shining on the road. Semi-directional antennas are used in a campus-like environment as they offer a network bridge between 2 buildings.
The major types of semi-directional antennas are Panel and Yagi antennas. Panel antennas are also known as Patch antennas and are used indoors to radiate into the forward space. They are used in places such as warehouses, buildings with long hallways, libraries, hospitals, and retail stores.
A patch or panel antenna is placed at a high point on the wall aiming between the rows of shelving. This antenna has a horizontal beam width of 180 degrees or less. It covers maximum coverage outside the environment. Semi-directional antennas reach where an omnidirectional antenna cannot reach.
4. Highly directional antenna
The third type of RF wireless antenna is a highly directional antenna. It is used in long-distance point-to-point communication. This kind of antenna is used to fill the network gaps between 2 buildings that are put far apart.
These antennas have high gain and offer a narrow beam width. They work like a spotlight shining in a specific direction. The main types of highly directional antennas are Grid and Parabolic (Dish) antennas. Dish parabolic antenna look similar to TV dish antennas and they are large. Grid antennas differ in size and they look like a grill and are developed for outdoor environments with higher winds.
One of the major types of highly directional antenna is the Sector antenna. Sector antennas contain some highly directional antennas placed back-to-back and they work together to offer omnidirectional coverage.
Each antenna offers a pie-shaped coverage pattern. Sector antennas are mounted at high points on the terrain and tilted slightly downwards with a tilt of every antenna at an appropriate angle for the terrain. The other side’s signal is wasted up in the air. This is the reason why sector antennas cover larger areas and zones. Sector antennas have greater throughput than omnidirectional antennas. They are usually used in cell phone coverage and sports venues.
Is antenna required when you have Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi antennas give faster internet connection and cover large surroundings. They are found in laptops and computers but don’t work with these devices. Wi-Fi antennas are available like an USB adapter for any PC with the help of USB port. This adapter increases internet speed and stability while it keeps the system running.
Both directional and non-directional WiFi antennas can be chosen for a home or office. Yagi Antenna is a very common type of Wi-Fi antenna. It has a radiation pattern of 45 degrees. Mini-panel antennas are low-profile options that improve WIFI in the indoor areas.
Final words
These are the major types of wireless antennas. Every type of antenna has advantages and drawbacks. The omnidirectional antenna provides general coverage and is affordable. A directional antenna is one of the best options for gaining signals to a specific area. You must know the basics of Wi-Fi antennas before buying an antenna.
