subject: Indoor And External Semi-directional Panel Antenna Advice To Installing Panel Antennas For Internet [print this page] Antennas are an essential part of electronic communication systems that contain wireless links. Low cost flat panel antennas offer significant advantages. Flat panel antennas are designed to be light in weight, easy to install, and aligned and durable for years of reliable service, but there is more to panel antennas.
Panel antennas are usually a flat panel of about one foot square. They can also be a configuration where potentially the WiMAX radio is contained in the square antenna enclosure. Such configurations are powered via the Ethernet cable that connects the radio/antenna combination to the wider network.
Flat panel antennas are generally Omni directional and do not need aiming. Directional antennas receive and transmit a signal in one specific direction, which allows for a better signal.
Consequently, panel antennas have an advantage over the yagi antennas because panel are more forgiving; they have a wider angle and do not need line of sight. Yagi antennas don't work well if they are not line of sight.
Panel antennas offer an alternative to wall mounted Omni directional antennas that can be susceptible to multipath interference and reduced coverage caused by wall-obstructed radiated signals. Panel antennas are ideal for use in apartment complexes, offices, medical facilities, schools, industrial parks and shopping centres.
Most panel antennas can be mounted on either a wall or set on a desk or other surface. For best coverage in a house or office, mount the antenna in a corner facing into the main part of the building. Test the positioning of the panel antenna by taking a Wi-Fi laptop or other mobile device to the furthest reaches of the area you are trying to cover. Check to see that the signal reaches and that you are able to connect to the wireless network, a simple but effective test.
External panel antennas need to be heavy duty antennas to withstand extreme environmental conditions, including exposure to UV radiation, extreme humidity and gails. The panel antenna must be installed at least seven feet above the floor.
UHF panel antennas have long been popular in Europe but are just now starting to receive interest in the United States. VHF broadcasters, familiar with the arrays used at their frequencies find UHF panel antennas' characteristics similar enough that they are comfortable with them. UHF broadcasters, looking for a way to maximize tower space by sharing one antenna among several stations, see the broadband characteristics of panel antennas desirable, particularly for future ATV use.
