In the rapid development of the communication industry, the antenna also developed into an array of types to serve various purposes indoors and outdoors. Then, the panel antenna and dome antenna are both common styles to enhance wireless connectivity.
While both serve the same fundamental purpose, they differ significantly in many aspects. Therefore, when it comes to the selection between them, you need to be aware of their differences. In this post, the author will give a comparison between them.
What is a Panel Antenna?
A panel antenna is a directional antenna consisting of a dipole placed ahead of a flat-panel reflector. The panel antenna is a flat surface antenna that is designed to transmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals in a focused and specific direction, which makes it ideal for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint communication setups.
The author also posted an article to give a full introduction about panel antenna. If you are interested in it, you can read this post: Ultimate Guide to A Panel Antenna to have a full understanding of wifi panel antenna.
What is a Dome Antenna?
The dome antenna is a hemispheroidal-shaped antenna used in wireless communication systems. Dome antenna is designed to transmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals in a specific direction, making them suitable for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint communication setups.
Difference in Direction
The dome antenna can be regarded as a wifi omni antenna. The dome antenna can generate a 360-degree signal that goes in every direction, so the dome antenna has wider coverage horizontal. By contrast, the exterior panel antenna only broadcasts signals in one direction. Therefore, in this direction, the panel antenna is more narrow than the dome antenna.
Difference in Application
A dome antenna is commonly used to provide wireless coverage to specific areas within a building. It is suitable for scenarios where focused coverage is needed, and it can be used with various wireless technologies like Wi-Fi, cellular networks, and more. Moreover, the dome antenna is also used indoors with low ceilings such as offices, because it is easier to distribute the signal throughout the entire space.
Due to its directional characteristics and high gain, the outdoor panel antenna is more specific. The outdoor panel antenna is used in point-to-point links, point-to-multipoint links, industrial connectivity, and outdoor hotspots.
In summary, the dome antenna is recommended to use in communication systems with short distance, wide coverage. The directional antenna is generally used in the communication system where the communication distance is long, the coverage area is small, the target density is large, and the frequency utilization is high.
Difference in Frequency Range
Although both of them have a wide range of frequency range, they still have differences in the range. A wifi flat panel antenna might have a frequency range of around 4MHz to 5.8 GHz, making it suitable for many Wi-Fi, cellular, and wireless communication applications. A dome antenna might have a frequency range of around 698 MHz to 2700 MHz.
Difference in Installation
The indoor panel antenna can be placed in many spaces such as the wall, the house roof, and the ceiling. The ideal installation place is the attic or crawlspace above the floors that need coverage. As for the dome antenna, due to its omni feature, it needs to be mounted to a drop ceiling in the center of the space that needs a better signal.
Which Is the Right Choice for You?
There is no definite answer to this question. The selection between a dome antenna and a panel antenna is determined by your specific needs and purpose. They have their unique advantages and disadvantages in the applications. Generally speaking, the wifi panel antenna is recommended for residential areas and vehicles with boosters. A dome antenna is a good option for office buildings or commercial establishments.
Conclusion
In the world of wireless communication, panel antennas and dome antennas stand as distinct choices, each tailored to different scenarios and requirements. While panel antennas excel in providing focused, long-distance coverage, dome antennas ensure comprehensive, omnidirectional signal distribution.
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