Antennas & Accessories (9 products)

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Why do I need an antenna?

Antennas are essential for wireless local area networks (WLAN) because they facilitate the signal we use to connect devices wirelessly, and browse the web, stream movies or play online video games. They also play a role in signal range, and strength. When you need to improve your Wi-Fi signal or create a long-range wireless network, it's important to choose the right antenna to do the job.

How do wireless antennas work?

Every wireless device uses radio waves to communicate with other devices. These signals are electromagnetic waves (EM waves) containing packets of information, and Wi-Fi antennas convert into electrical signals (and vice versa).

Wireless routers, smartphones, laptops and tablets contain receiving and transmitting antennas. Receiving antennas pick up the EM waves containing information and convert them into electrical signals which the device can process. Transmitting antennas convert electrical signals into EM waves so that the information packets can be transmitted.

So which antenna should I choose?

Ebuyer stocks a selection of antennas which will provide you with the right solution. The right antenna for you depends on what the function is that you need it to perform. There are different specifications and difference in performance between antennas from different manufacturers. They are divided into two different types: Omnidirectional and Directional.

What's the difference between Omnidirectional and Directional?

Omnidirectional antennas send Wi-Fi signal in all directions. A typical use for an omnidirectional antenna could be to create a Wi-Fi hotspot. They radiate a signal at a 360-degree angle and therefore deliver the widest possible coverage. Their area of coverage is much larger than that of a directional antenna - however, in general the range of an omnidirectional antenna is much shorter.

Directional antennas concentrate all of their power in one direction. Since they are more focused, they can send and receive Wi-Fi signal from a greater distance, but the trade off is a much smaller area coverage. Directional Wi-Fi antennas can be used for long-range 'point to point' networks, to bridge the internet connection between two buildings, for instance.

The choice between distance and area

Omnidirectional antennas send and receive signals in a 360 degree radius around the antenna. Directional antennas send and receive signals from the direction in which you point the antenna. For greater distance or, for example, when working with a specific signal location, it's more sensible to use a directional antenna. To send and receive from all directions use an omnidirectional antenna.

So do antennas receive or do they transmit?

They do both. A Wi-Fi signal consists of information being both sent and received, and an antenna improves the chances of successful connection and communication. Whether it be a router (sending out signal) or a USB adapter (receiving) it's a certainty that antenna improve the transmitting and receiving of your Wi-Fi and therefore improve your over all experience.