Antenna Gain and diversity

omarmontes · ‎09-17-2008

Hi guys!

I've heard that "high" gain antennas shouldnt be used in diversity configuration (antennas like 1728), is this true?

Also.. while using this antenna, I dont see much difference in coverage than using the regular 2.2 dBi antennas that comes with the 1242 AP. At least in numbers the coverage should be like 2 times bigger, right?

Any tips or explanations are greatly appretiated

wynneit · ‎09-17-2008

changing the gain of an antenna also changes the shape a little of the radio footprint.I still struggle a little with this but as I understand it if you double the gain you give the signal more power and a flatter radiation pattern, forgetting about panel and yagis for now. This greater power punches the signal through objects more easily not necessarily improving the distance significantly.

I havnt heard of any reason not to use them for diversity but if its a relatively clear space there isnt that big an advantage using diverse antennas its more for internal apps where there are more obstacles

This might help

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/tech/tk722/tk809/technologies_tech_note09186a008019f646.shtml

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps7183/ps469/product_data_sheet09186a008008883b.html