An antenna can be defined as a device designed to help receive or transmit radio or television signals from a distance. With many people today owning smartphones and using these handheld devices for communication and to access the internet, telecommunications companies have been striving hard to improve signal reception for all their users. There are however many factors that impact the quality of signals in many areas, one of the reasons many people choose to invest in powerful antennas and signal boosters.
Despite the many cell towers put up, some homes, institutions, and even offices receive too weak a signal to no signal Dead spots are a common nuisance for data-hungry teenagers and organizations. Cell phone boosters, however, come in handy in improving cell reception. Although these devices do help reduce the number of dropped calls and faster internet connectivity, one still needs to invest in a good quality antenna for the best performance. Many people however struggle to settle for the right antenna design for the best reception. Discussed below are 3 of the most common antenna designs and how applicable they are for various purposes.
1. Whip Antennas
Most cell phone signal boosters come equipped with this type of antenna. Whip antennas are mostly recommended for small spaces and are also very easy to install. These are very common in small homes, offices, cars, trucks, boats, and even RVs. Although small and lightweight, this antenna is capable of providing a signal gain of up to 5dB depending on the frequency. This antenna design enables outward signal patters in all directions, one of the reasons it is preferred in automobiles and small offices.
This antenna is recommended for slightly larger spaces such as square-shaped buildings, single storey buildings, and several rooms. Like whip antennas, dome antennas transmit signals in all directions hence can be installed in the attic or the crawl space. This antenna is also more powerful capable of providing up to 7.5dB signal gain. Dome antennas are also more stylish and blend well with most items and décor in the house.
3. Panel Antennas
This is the most powerful and effective antenna design hence recommended for larger spaces and large hallways. Although this antenna might be minimalistic, it is capable of providing a signal gain of up to 10dB. For this reason, panel antennas are commonly used in larger institutions such as hospitals, offices, and multiple storey buildings. The panel antenna can be installed almost anywhere in the house or office without special equipment.
Many factors come into play when looking to invest in a good antenna. The application and where you intend to use the antenna, however come first in your selection process. If you have been struggling with a weak cell signal, slow internet speeds, or dropped calls in various spots in the house, investing in a powerful enough cell phone booster, and a good antenna might help fix all these. Be sure to look into various manufacturers and suppliers before settling on the right antenna. You also need to know what frequency your carrier uses when shopping the right antenna for optimal performance.