WiFi Antennas

Connecting various devices via WiFi has become the standard, with fewer people willing to deal with the hassle of tangled cables. However, to establish and maintain a stable WiFi connection, several factors must be considered. Especially in enclosed spaces, numerous interference factors can significantly reduce the range promised by standard routers, typically around 100 meters. Obstacles like furniture and walls disrupt and diminish the radio signal. Metallic objects can redirect the signal, leading to either weakened or no signal reception at the end device. While an optimal router position can enhance signal strength and transmission security, bridging larger areas often requires the use of external tools.
 

When is a WiFi Antenna Beneficial?
A WiFi antenna proves beneficial whenever you want to extend the range of your WiFi network or strengthen the signal in a specific direction. Most routers come equipped with a factory antenna, and upgrading to higher-quality WiFi antennas can enhance both range and signal strength or precision alignment. Quality antennas can be connected to the router via a cable, allowing precise positioning. However, the cable should not be too long, as it can reduce signal strength. Generally, there are three types of WiFi antennas: directional antennas, omnidirectional antennas, and sector antennas. Most networks operate on a 2.4 GHz frequency band, with the option to use 5 GHz for specific networks. The antenna must always be matched to the frequency band in use.

2.4 GHz Directional Antennas
A directional antenna focuses and amplifies the signal in one direction. Outside this relatively narrow transmission channel, there is minimal or no reception of the WiFi signal. A directional antenna is useful when receiving a signal at a greater distance and a specific point, such as a single device or a hotspot redistributing the signal. The higher the dBi number of the WiFi directional antenna, the greater its range. The size of the signal opening angle indicates how tightly the signal is focused. A smaller angle means more concentrated signal delivery, resulting in stronger reception at the destination. The 2.4 GHz directional antenna is used in a WiFi network operating on the 2.4 GHz frequency band.

2.4 GHz Omnidirectional Antennas
Unlike the directional antenna, the omnidirectional antenna transmits in all directions, covering a much larger area. It is especially suitable for base stations like routers or access points and is commonly used in these scenarios. The general range of the omnidirectional antenna is measured in dBi, where a higher dBi number signifies a greater range. However, even with omnidirectional antennas, it's important to note that the range in open spaces is significantly higher than in enclosed spaces or when many obstacles disrupt the signal. Therefore, the range in different directions may vary due to specific conditions. The 2.4 GHz omnidirectional antenna is designed for WiFi networks operating in the 2.4 GHz frequency band.

2.4 GHz Sector Antennas
Sector antennas represent a hybrid of directional and omnidirectional antennas. The opening angle is smaller than that of the omnidirectional antenna, resulting in higher signal strength, though not as high as with a specialized directional antenna. They are employed when large areas need WiFi coverage, such as multiple buildings, a campsite, or an event venue. To achieve the 360° coverage of an omnidirectional antenna, several differently oriented sector antennas can be used. The signal range is indicated by the dBi number, with higher values indicating a greater distance. For a standard WiFi network, antennas with 2.4 GHz are used.

5 GHz Directional Antennas
A 5 GHz directional antenna focuses the signal in a specific direction, providing high range with minimal area coverage. 5 GHz directional antennas are used in networks operating on the 5 GHz frequency band, for example, to establish a connection to an access point.

5 GHz Omnidirectional Antennas
Omnidirectional antennas in the 5 GHz frequency band have a shorter range than directional antennas but cover larger areas. They are commonly used for home use, especially in office buildings, where the susceptibility to interference and the range are slightly lower than in the usual 2.4 GHz frequency band.

5 GHz Sector Antennas
Sector antennas in the 5 GHz frequency band serve as a practical blend of omnidirectional and directional antennas, providing both good area coverage with a wide signal opening angle (up to 180°) and a substantial range. They are the preferred choice for large and open spaces. 5 GHz sector antennas are used in networks operating on the 5 GHz frequency band.