Manipulating Signals with the Correct Wi-Fi Aerial
A Wi-Fi antenna is designed to boost the signal of a wireless router. The role of this aerial is to prevent the fading of signals and dead spots. A Wi-Fi aerial can be used for a PC, TV, or even a caravan. You can find various types of Wi-Fi antennas on eBay that suit your applications.
Which are the different types of directional Wi-Fi antennas?A directional Wi-Fi aerial extension works by focusing the signal in one direction. This functionality means that the range of the antenna is limited due to the point-to-point setup. Some directional antennas are ideal for multi-point systems. Directional Wi-Fi aerials include:
- Yagi antennas: Originally built to boost radio signals, yagi antennas are now used for many other applications. They are suitable for point-to-point systems and are known for their strong signals. A Yagi Wi-Fi antenna can reach a long distance in favourable conditions.
- Parabolic antennas: They are used when a system needs a lot of gain. Also called dish antennas, parabolics are suitable for long-haul applications. They work by directing the power to a central point and distributing the signal.
- Backfire antennas: This Wi-Fi aerial is small but with excellent gain, but not as good as a parabolic. The above average noise figures that you get with a backfire antenna makes it ideal for point to multi-point systems.
How far a Wi-Fi aerial can direct the signal is what characterises range. This element relies on several factors, including the obstructions that the signal encounters. If the area has trees, buildings, and other structures, they will interfere with the transmission of the signal. The power output of the router is another aspect that will affect the range of the antenna. In instances where the wireless card or router has a small power output, the aerial needs to have a high gain to deliver the signal. The reception strength of the Wi-Fi device that an antenna is transmitting or receiving from will also determine the range.
How does an omnidirectional Wi-Fi antenna work?An omnidirectional Wi-Fi aerial is built to send and receive signals from multiple directions. A good example of how an omnidirectional antenna works is a light bulb. They are used for indoor and outdoor applications to deliver a signal in the widest possible angle. Mobile phones are some of the devices that benefit from the point-to-multi-point functioning of an omnidirectional wireless aerial extender. It is possible to have a point-to-point set up with two omnidirectional antennas.