subject: A Guide To Panel Antennas [print this page] Panel Antennas aren't a new type of antenna, in fact Panel antennas were developed in the 1950s specifically for collocated stations. Panel Antenna is an antenna type that radiates in only a specific direction. Panel antennas are commonly used for point-to-point situations. You may also see them called patch 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 ra-dio/antenna combination to the wider network.
Flat panel antennas are generally omni-directional and do not need aiming. A panel antenna is a kind of directional antenna used in broadcast engineering, most often used to obtain a wireless Internet connection. Directional antennas receive and transmit a signal in one specific direction, which allows for a better signal.
Panel antennas have become popular alternatives to higher gain directional antennas such as yagis. They focus a signal to a particular area and can be designed to allow for maximum adjustment in a relatively attractive package. Excellent performance is obtained by using printed circuit board technology, and in some instances, stamped and formed patch elements.
Panel antennas are constructed for both indoor and outdoor use. They are normally made of hardy and corrosion-resistant material, such as polycarbonate, to ensure that they will effectively withstand the elements in an outdoor environment. A well-constructed panel antenna is able to endure high winds and extreme temperatures without damage, Antenna size specifications vary with power requirements. Smaller flat panel antennas with less gain carry lower bandwidth signals at short distances.
Panel Antennas have higher gains and radiate at a smaller angle than the Dome antenna. Mount the panel antenna facing out to the direction you want the signal to cover. 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.
Inside the panel antenna is the Access Point (AP). Signal loss is huge in the antenna wire so you want to keep your antenna wire as short as possible. Mounting the AP inside the antenna is a great way to minimize signal loss.
