subject: How Wi-fi Antennas Work And Understanding The Benefits Of Wi-fi Antennas [print this page] Wi-Fi communications and mobile devices are typically the fashion driven by wireless Internet offering greater productivity, convenience, and connectivity. Increasingly now people are opting for Wi-Fi antennas however, despite Wi-Fi antennas are designed for a strong signal, Wi-Fi antenna users are rarely completely satisfied with the signal strength and performance of their Wi-Fi network and look to increase the signal strength without really knowing how Wi-Fi antennas work. They just recognise that have a massive impact on the quality of the wireless signal.
An antenna is a device that transmits and receives electromagnetic signals. Wireless routers do not have a limitless range. As such, the broadcasting radius could be limited to just a 150 to 300 ft. If you want to improve the range, you'd have to invest in Wi-Fi antennas.
Wi-Fi antennas definitely serve a good purpose by maximizing the radio frequency coverage in a wireless network. The coverage pattern of most Wi-Fi gear is Omni directional, which is 360 degrees, so the signal is projected in all directions whether the signal is needed in all directions or not. This is a great for mobile devices because omni directional Wi-Fi antennas make it possible to stay connected when on the move.
The strength or gain of a Wi-Fi antenna is measured by decibels (dBm). Typical Wi-Fi products feature internal antennas with decibel levels of zero (0) dBm. The higher the strength (dBm) of an antenna the more concentrated signal from the radio will be, thus increasing overall range. Different antennas may be used to help concentrate the Wi-Fi signal of your product in a single direction for more wireless transmitting power (Tx) and more range.
One of the most underused Wi-Fi antennas is the directional Wi-Fi antenna. Directional antennas, beam forming and dual-band are useful tools to enhance and improve the performance. Directional Wi-Fi antenna can be used for shooting a wireless signal down a hall way or creating a point-to-point link.
Long range Wi-Fi antennas are essential for transmitting network signals over a long distance. Long range Wi-Fi antennas are like any other antennas in their basic function. They, however, differ in structure, as they have to transmit high quality signals over very long distances.
Every wireless network deployment is unique. When planning a network that incorporates wireless, IT planners must take into account varying facility sizes, construction materials, distance between transmission points, and physical obstructions.
When looking for a Wi-Fi antenna, you want to be looking for antennas designated for working within the 2.4-2.5GHz range. 2.4-2.5GHz is the signal band reserved for wireless internet purposes.
