Antennas

Introduction

Radiate RF energy equally in all Radiate RF energy predominantly in

horizontal directions. one direction.

• Antennas generally fall into two categories:

– Directional
– Omnidirectional

2
Introduction

• The antennas used for WLANs have two functions:

– Receive:
• This is the sink or terminator of a signal on a transmission
medium.
• In communications, it is a device that receives Information,
control, or other signals from a source.
– Transmit:
• This is the source or generator of a signal on a transmission
medium.
3
 Introduction

• Two way radio communications can take place with:

– FDD (Frequency Division Duplex)
• Full duplex
• A different frequency is used in each direction
• Must allocate two spectrum in two bands, one for each
direction.
– TDD (Time Division Duplex)
• Half duplex
• Uses same channel or frequency, but with alternating periods of
transmitting and listening.
4
Variables

• Antenna maximum distances are usually expressed in kilometers or

meters.
• The maximum link distance is not easy to solve and is governed by all
of the following:
– Maximum available transmit power
– Receiver sensitivity
– Availability of an unobstructed path for the radio signal
– Maximum available gain, for the antenna(s)
– System losses (such as loss through coax cable runs, connectors,
and so on)
– Desired reliability level (availability) of the link
5
Ranges

• Vendor ranges are usually optimized for best conditions.

• A link distance can exceed standard distances, if consistently higher
error rates are acceptable.
6
Beamwidth

15 dBi

3 dBi
12 dBi

15 dBi

• Beamwidth is a measurement used to describe directional antennas.

• Beamwidth is sometimes called half-power beamwidth.
• Half-power beamwidth is the total width in degrees of the main
radiation lobe, at the angle where the radiated power has fallen below
that on the centerline of the lobe, by 3 dB (half-power).
Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 7
Gain

• Like a flashlight: There is always a tradeoff between gain, which is

comparable to brightness in a particular direction, and beamwidth,
which is comparable to the narrowness of the beam.

Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 8

Polarization

• Polarization is the physical orientation of the element on

the antenna that actually emits the RF energy.
• An omnidirectional antenna is usually a vertically
polarized antenna.
• All Cisco antennas are set for vertical polarization.

Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 9

Omni-directional Antennas
Omni-directional Antennas

• An omni-directional antenna is designed to provide a 360 degree

radiation pattern.
• This type of antenna is used when coverage in all directions from the
antenna is required.
• Omni-directional antennas come in many different styles and shapes.
• Most operated in the 2.4 GHz ranges, whereas a few operate in the 5
GHz range.
• Omni-directional antennas include dipoles, mast mount, pillar, and
patch antennas.
• The standard 2.14 dBi "Rubber Duck" is the most commonly used
omni-directional antenna. 11
2.2 dBi Dipole “rubber duck” antenna(s)
(AIR-ANT4941)

12
Cisco 2.2 dBi ceiling mount diversity
patch antenna

Side View (E Plane)

Vertical Radiation

Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 13

Cisco 5.2 dBi ceiling mount omni-
directional antenna

Side View (E Plane)

Vertical Radiation
Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 14
5.2 dBi Mast Mount Vertical
Omnidirectional indoor/outdoor antenna

Side View (E Plane)

Vertical Radiation
Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 15
12 dBi Omnidirectional antenna (outdoor
only)

Side View (E Plane)

Vertical Radiation

Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 16

Integrated antennas - 1100

Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 17

Integrated Antennas - 1200

Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 18

Directional Antennas
Cisco 6 dBi patch antenna

Side View (E Plane)

Vertical Radiation

Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 20

6 dBi diversity patch antenna

Indoor/outdoor
antenna with two RP-
TNC connectors.
It is similar to the
above patch, but
providing diversity
antennas in the same
package for areas
where multipath
problems exist

Side View (E Plane)

Vertical Radiation
Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 21
Cisco 8.5 dBi antenna

Side View (E Plane)

Vertical Radiation

Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 22

13.4 dBi Yagi
(outdoor/indoor) Linear array of parallel dipoles

• The Yagi is constructed of at least three elements, which are metal

bars that supplement the wave energy transmitted.
• In a Yagi antenna, there is at least one driven element, one reflector
element, and usually one or more director elements.
• The Yagi antenna is also known as a linear end-fire antenna or a Yagi-
Uda array, has a linear array of parallel dipoles.
• Yagi antennas are directional and designed for long distance
communication.
Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 23
21 dBi Parabolic Dish

Side View (E Plane)

Vertical Radiation

• Distances of up to 40 km (25 miles) may be possible.

• It is important to evaluate how well the dish will withstand icy
conditions and high winds.
• Equally important is the sturdiness of the mast and tower the antenna
will be mounted on.
• The Cisco high gain parabolic dish is designed to be used as a bridge
antenna between two networks or for point-to-point communications

Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 24

5 GHz 28-dBi dish antenna antenna

Side View (E Plane) Top View (H Plane)

Vertical Radiation Horizontal Radiation

• Operates in the UNII-3 band (5725 to 5825 MHz)

• Can be extended up to 12.9 miles (20.7 kilometers) at 54 Mbps.

Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 25

Cable and Accessories
Cable connectors and splitters

• Connector
– Cisco antennas use the Reverse-polarity TNC (RP-TNC)
connector.
• Splitters
– A splitter allows a signal to be used with two antennas at once.
– Using two antennas with a splitter may provide more coverage.
– Using a splitter adds approximately 4 dB of loss.
Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 27
Amplifiers

• FCC has laws that limit the use of amplifiers with a WLAN.
• An amplifier may only be used, if it is sold as part of a system.
• This means that the AP, amplifier, extension cable, and antenna are all
sold as a system.
• These laws help to ensure that amplifiers are tested with certain
products and legally marketed and sold.
• Be aware of the local laws and of other systems in the area, which may
be affected by an amplifier.
Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 28
Lightning arrestor

• A lightning arrestor is designed to protect WLAN devices from static

electricity and lightning surges.
• It is similar in function to a safety valve on a steam boiler.
• A lightning arrestor prevents energy surges from reaching the
equipment by shunting the current to the ground.

Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 29

Examples from EtherDesigns.com

Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 30

Examples from EtherDesigns.com

Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 31

Examples from EtherDesigns.com

Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 32

Summary
Summary

Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 34

Summary

Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 35

Summary

Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 36

Non-Cisco Antenna

Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 37

Other Vendors getting in the market

Rick Graziani graziani@cabrillo.edu 38