Which WiFi Antenna best fits my application?
One of the most important installation tips you can remember when trying to extend the range of your 802.11 WiFi network is to choose the correct type of external antenna. Although going with the highest gain will get you the farthest distance, it will also cause the most interference, and sometimes dead-spots under the antenna. Choosing between a Directional or Omni-directional radiation pattern would be the first step in successfully extending the range of your WiFi Network. Getting a bigger antenna doesn’t necessary mean your WiFi will go further…but getting the correct antenna will!
WiFi antenna and wireless antenna products from GNS Wireless are available in 700 MHz to 6 GHz frequencies to address many wireless LAN applications. These high performance, high power WiFi antennas include a wide selection of Yagi antenna, Omni directional antenna, indoor antenna, and outdoor WiFi antenna styles. Other WiFi antenna types include 2.4GHz patch antenna, panel antenna, MIMO antenna, 802.11N antenna, 802.11AC antenna, high-gain antenna, DAS antenna and rubber duck antenna styles. GNS Wireless offers expert guidance in choosing the right antenna for your specific application.
Omni-Directional Antennas
The omni-directional antenna is what most people refer to when thinking of extending the range of outdoor wireless networks. Typically used for Point-to-Multi-Point broadcasting, or for Campground WiFi, and Marina WiFi applications. An Omni-Directional antenna broadcasts the signal to other computers or devices (xbox, iPhones, iPads, Laptops, etc.) in a 360 degree pattern. Typical Omni-Directional WiFi antenna consist of Vertical Omnis, Ceiling Domes, Rubber ducks, which look similar to a stick. The larger the omni-directional antenna, the higher the gain, and the flatter the coverage area. A 6dBi omni-directional antenna will have a more spherical coverage area, compared to a 15dBi omni-directional antenna, which will have further range, but also a flatter coverage area. This is important to consider when installing your antenna, to make sure antenna height is considered. GNS Wireless stocks Omni Directional Antennas from 900 MHz to 6 GHz. Click here to see our full line of 2.4 GHz Omni Antennas
Directional Antennas
Directional antennas are used primarily for Point-to-Point Bridging applications, or sometimes Multi-Point systems depending on the setup. Sharing the signal from one location to another location, would be an example of when to use a directional antenna. This type of setup is the most popular for residential applications. Directional antennas have a narrow coverage area, typically 30 Degrees or less. Yagi, Panel and dish antennas are the most common directional antenna. GNS Wireless stocks a full line of Directional Antennas from 900 MHz to 6 GHz. Click here to see our full line of 2.4 GHz Directional Antennas.
Sector Panel Antennas
GNS Wireless Sector Panel WiFi Antennas combines high gain with a wide beam-width coverage area. These are professional quality antennas designed primarily for service providers, and businesses looking for long range wireless networks in the 2.4 GHz band as well as dual frequency 2.4/5 GHz providers. Marina WiFi, Campground WiFi, and RV Park WiFi networks all utilize these sector panel antennas for broadcasting a strong 802.11 signal to their customers up to 1/2 mile away. Panel Antennas are recommended when trying to broadcast a WiFi signal in one general direction from 60-180 degrees. These antennas are great for long range, obstruction penetration installation. We use the sector antenna almost exclusively for campground wifi setups, and Marina WiFi installations. They provide the best coverage, longest distance, and most reliable 802.11 signal for customers. GNS Wireless stocks Sector Panel Antennas from 900 MHz to 6 GHz. Click here to see our full line of 2.4 GHz Sector Antennas
Point-to-Point WiFi Antenna
Point-to-Point wireless systems are meant to create a network bridge between two buildings, where Ethernet, Fiber or other copper wire is not possible. A point to point wifi bridge, looks like a physical, layer 2 link, using a pair of directional antennas to establish the wireless connection. In order to form this “trunk” between 2 buildings, distance, obstruction, line of sight, and interference have to be calculated. Please contact GNS Wireless for a free path analysis, or click here to view our pre-packaged wireless bridge kit bundles.
Wireless Network Range
When broadcasting a signal outdoors, the WiFi range will depend on many factors, including transmit power, receive sensitivity, external obstructions, (buildings,trees or physical land mass), and interference. Range estimates given by manufactures are typically dramatic, and only possible given perfect, ideal conditions. From experience, we can tell you real life examples of range you will see when installing a long range wireless network. Contact GNS Wireless today for a free evaluation, or if you just have some questions you would like to go over. We are happy to help.