Vertical versus Horizontal antenna orientation...

[kmleon]

What are the ramifications between having an antenna set to horizontal versus vertical?

One of our techs set the 19 dbi sector antenna to horizontal. this seems to have given us about 160 degree coverage from a 90 degree sector antenna (was 90 degrees when vertical). What are some of the consequences of such a setup?

We're running clients over miles here btw. We have usable connectivity up to 12 miles away with a client handheld using only a pcmcia card, then it drops off very quickly within a few hundred feet or so. Just curious about more information about such a configuration, and any caveats.

Thank you.

[beth-martin]

The only consequence that I can see is that you extended the coverage. This could be bad if you do not need that much coverage as it would increase the chance that someone could use a wireless sniffer to see your data if you do not have any security measures in place. I suggest that you get in touch with the company who makes the antenna to see if they have any more information as to the pro's and con's of using horizontal over vertical settings.

[ajbersbach]

Another consequence would be that the polarization of the transmitted signals would be horizontal instead of vertical. If the other end of the link is still vertical, then you loose signal strength. Since most antennas are set up for vertical polarization, you could make a benefit out of this if you can get your clients to use horizontal polarization. YOu might decrease the chances that someone elses vertically polarized link would affect your horizontally polarized link.