Howtosignalprocessing
- What is the significance of gain of an antenna?
- How much antenna gain do I need?
- What does 2.1 dBi gain mean?
- How does antenna gain affect range?
What is the significance of gain of an antenna?
In a transmitting antenna, the gain describes how well the antenna converts input power into radio waves headed in a specified direction. In a receiving antenna, the gain describes how well the antenna converts radio waves arriving from a specified direction into electrical power.
How much antenna gain do I need?
If you mount a TV antenna on your roof, and know the tv broadcast antennas are to the south (for example, on some hill south of the city), then it is preferred to have a high gain antenna. Antennas with gain of at least 12-15 dB are preferred.
What does 2.1 dBi gain mean?
Unity gain (2.1 dBi) is a way of describing an antenna that outputs a signal at the same level at which it is input. The broad radiation pattern of unity gain antennas is less likely to be obstructed by buildings, bushland and hilly terrain.
How does antenna gain affect range?
Antenna gain is the measure of antenna power in decibel (dB), which is equal to 10*log(Pout/Pin). Don't worry about it, just remember that the higher the gain, the more directional an antenna is – more range, narrower beam width. A 3dB increase in gain doubles the signal power, and a 6dB increase doubles the range.
