User Manual

ManualsBrandsBanner ManualsEquipmentSureCross DX80 Wireless Networks

Antenna Basics

This Antenna Basics reference guide includes basic information about antenna types, how antennas work, gain, and some

installation examples.

What Do Antennas Do?

Antennas transmit radio signals by converting radio frequency electrical currents into electromagnetic waves. Antennas

receive the signals by converting the electromagnetic waves back into radio frequency electrical currents.

Because electromagnetic waves do not require a medium in

which to travel, antennas can function in air, space, under

water or other liquid, and even through solid matter for

limited distances. Every antenna has specific characteristics

that determine the signal’s range and radiation pattern or

shape.

1. Omni antenna with radome

2. Omni antenna with ground plane

3. Low-gain Yagi antenna

4. High-gain Yagi antenna

Anatomy of an Antenna

There are many components to an antenna system, including the parts of the antenna and the cabling used to connect the

antenna to the radio.

1. Antenna element

2. Mounting bracket

3. N-type connector

4. Ground plane

Antenna Basics

Original Document

132113 Rev. H

17 February 2014

132113

Summary of content (7 pages)

PAGE 1
Antenna Basics Antenna Basics This Antenna Basics reference guide includes basic information about antenna types, how antennas work, gain, and some installation examples. What Do Antennas Do? Antennas transmit radio signals by converting radio frequency electrical currents into electromagnetic waves. Antennas receive the signals by converting the electromagnetic waves back into radio frequency electrical currents.
PAGE 2
Antenna Basics Antenna extension cable with an SMA connector at one end and an N-type male connector at the other end. This cable typically connects between the SureCross® device and the antenna or another extension cable. Antenna extension cable with an Ntype male connector at one end and an N-type female connector at the other end. This extension cable connects between another cable and a surge protector or antenna.
PAGE 3
Antenna Basics 1 1. Line of sight 2. Obstruction in the "lobe" (Fresnel zone) of the radio signal. 2 Despite a clear line of sight, obstructions in the Fresnel zone, a three-dimensional ellipsoid formed with the two antennas as the foci, will still interfere with the radio signal and cause multi-path fade. Raise the antennas high enough to clear any obstructions. Ideally there should be no obstructions in the Fresnel zone.
PAGE 4
Antenna Basics Low Gain Omni Antennas High Gain Omni Antennas Signal B Node B Low-Gain Node A 6 miles Signal A 6dB Gain Node C Gateway’s Signal Signal C Low-gain omni-directional antennas work well in multipath industrial environments, such as inside metal buildings. High-gain antennas work well in line-of-sight conditions. Using an omni-directional antenna in the center of a star topology ensures all radio devices receive a signal.
PAGE 5
Antenna Basics 12 dB Yagi 3 dB Yagi 6 dB Yagi High-Gain Yagis. Because Yagi antennas yield narrower radiation patterns, accurately aiming a highgain Yagi is important when setting up a radio network. The higher the gain of the antenna, the more the signal is focused along a specific plane. High-gain antennas should only be used for line-of-sight applications. High-gain Yagi antennas are sensitive to mechanical mounting problems like wind, causing the antennas to become misaligned.
PAGE 6
Antenna Basics 1. RP-SMA connection (–0.5 dB) 2. N-type male connection 5 3. Surge suppressor (N-type female to N-type male) (–1.0 dB) 4. N-type male connection (cable) to N-type female (antenna) (–0.5 dB) 5. Omni-directional antenna (6 dBd/8.15 dBi) * 4 Losses: –0.5 dB per connection –1.0 dB per surge suppressor 3 –3.
PAGE 7
Antenna Basics * Varies based on the antenna. Please refer to the technical specifications for the specific antenna used in the radio system. 1. RP-SMA connection (–0.5 dB) 2. N-type male connection 5 4 3. Surge suppressor (N-type female to N-type male) (–1.0 dB) 4. N-type male (cable) to N-type female (antenna) connection (–0.5 dB) 5. Yagi antenna (6 dBd/8.15 dBi) Losses: –0.5 dB per connection –1.0 dB per surge suppressor 3 –3.