Difference Between Directional and Omni-Directional Antenna
Antennas mainly come in two types with different radiating patterns. The two kinds of antennas are directional and Omnidirectional antennas. These antennas are generally used in devices that require coverage from all sides.
This blog defines both kinds of antennas in detail with their features, benefits, and Difference between Directional and Omni- Directional Antenna.
What is a Directional Antenna?
As the name tells, the Directional Antenna is a kind of antenna that sends or receives signals in a single direction. In these antennas, the receiver and transmitter must be kept toward each other to send or receive signals. When the directions are parallel, the receiver gets the best quality signals.
A grid parabolic antenna is a kind of directional antenna with a parabolic shape. This shape helps to concentrate and reflect the signals to the receiver. These kinds of antennas are used in satellite TVs for receiving signals.
A directional antenna must be pointed in the satellite’s direction. The other kinds of directional antennas are the Yagi antenna and log-periodic antenna.
What is Omni-Directional Antenna?
Omni-Directional Antenna is a kind of antenna that helps to transmit and receive signals in all directions with one plane. The signals are sent in every direction with equal strength. The strength of signals will differ when the antenna moves in a plane that is perpendicular to that plane.
Omni-directional antennas are mostly used when signals need to be transmitted in all directions. These antennas are used in mobile phones and FM radio signals as these devices need signals from all directions.
Difference Between Directional and Omni-Directional Antenna
Factors |
Directional antenna |
Omni-directional antenna |
1. Direction |
Directional antennas send or receive signals generally in one direction. |
Omni-directional antennas receive or send signals in all directions with a plane. |
2. Application |
A directional antenna is used to send electromagnetic waves to fixed receivers. It is mainly used in satellite TVs in homes and space crafts. |
An Omnidirectional antenna is used to transmit electromagnetic waves to receivers whose location is not fixed. |
3. Gain |
Directional antennas produce high gain than Omni directional antennas. |
Omni-directional antennas produce low gain than directional antennas. |
4. Ease of installation |
Directional antennas are tough to install because of one radiation pattern. It is now easy to place a directional antenna anywhere because of its installation method. |
Omni antennas are very simple to install as they contain a 360-degree radiation pattern. You can place this antenna anywhere you like. |
5. Interference |
Directional antennas decrease the interference of signals from multiple directions. |
Omni antennas can lead to interference of signals from various directions and affect the performance. |
6. Coverage |
Directional antennas cover a limited area. They are widely used in isle structures, hallways, and long corridors. This antenna is generally not used in large areas. |
Omni antennas are widely used in outdoor areas because of their wide coverage. They are often used on construction sites and commercial complexes. |
7. Areas |
Directional antennas are generally used in rural areas because the distance between cellular base stations is larger than in urban areas. |
Omni antennas are generally used in urban areas and suburban regions. They are mainly used in areas where the distance between cellular base stations is smaller than in urban areas. |
What to choose? Directional or Omni-Directional Antenna
We discussed the various features of both Directional and Omni antennas in this blog. Now, let us discuss the antenna that you can choose for various tasks.
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Omni-directional antenna
An Omnidirectional antenna is suitable for apps that require good coverage from all directions. It is very simple to install an Omni-directional antenna as it works in larger areas. Multiple service providers can use omnidirectional antennas because of their radiating pattern.
In addition, omnidirectional antennas are widely used in urban areas where there is limited space between the two towers.
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Directional antenna
A high gain Yagi antenna is a kind of directional antenna that can be used in rural areas. These antennas are used in devices that need RF energy to focus in a single direction. Directional Antenna is difficult to install because of the radiation pattern.
The signals of a directional antenna are concentrated in a smaller field than Omni antennas. Apart from that, the signals in the directional antenna are also more powerful than omni antennas.
In addition, the directional antenna offers amplification for only 1 provider. It is necessary to determine the location of the nearby cellular base station. Directional antennas are mostly used in rural areas when the distance between cellular base stations is larger than in suburban areas.
Uses of Directional Antenna & Omni-Directional Antennas
Now, we will discuss the uses of both directional and omnidirectional antennas.
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Omni-Directional Antennas
An Omnidirectional antenna is widely used for moving vehicles such as RVs, boats, and campers. They are also used in receiving Wi-Fi from clubhouses, hotels, restaurants, resorts, and campgrounds.
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Directional Antennas
Directional antennas are used in isle structures, long corridors, and hallways. A High Gain Helical Antenna is mostly used in smaller areas and indoor applications when the distance between the two towers is large. This antenna has a lower gain and lower front-to-back and front-to-side lobe ratios.
Final Words
There are many types of directional and Omni antennas available in the market. You can pick the type of antenna that suits your requirements and needs. A military antenna is a kind of directional antenna that helps to emit signals from one direction.
You can search the different types of antennas on online websites. Some companies offer a huge discount on bulk order of the antennas.
