Aruba AP-85 Outdoor Access Point Series | Installation Guide Understanding Antennas | 33
Appendix A
Understanding Antennas
Aruba Antennas
Before you can select the antenna type needed for the deployment, read the basic wireless antenna information provided in
this section. This information will help you understand wireless antenna basics and Aruba antenna specifications.
Understanding Wireless Antennas
Omni-Directional vs. Directional Coverage
For optimal performance of your wireless network, it is essential to understand the purpose behind proper antenna
selection. Choosing the correct antenna type will ensure that RF energy is being directed to the correct coverage areas.
Omni-directional antennas provide equal coverage in all directions (see Figure 22), while directional antennas point RF
energy in a specific direction for RF concentration within a targeted area (see Figure 23).
Figure 22 Omni-Directional Antenna
Figure 23 Directional Antenna
Antenna Location
Area of Coverage
Direction of Coverage
Antenna Location
Area of Coverage
Direction of Coverage