Let’s talk about Wi-Fi signals like they’re party balloons. If you could see Wi-Fi signals, a perfect Wi-Fi antenna would spread them out like a perfectly round balloon, sending equal signal strength in every direction – up, down, and all around. But that’s not very practical in most buildings. After all, why waste signal strength by sending it up through the roof or down through the floor?

That’s where antenna gain comes in. Network designers use antenna gain to shape Wi-Fi signals, much like squeezing a balloon. When you squeeze a balloon from the top and bottom, it bulges out to the sides, right? That’s exactly what antenna gain does – it redirects Wi-Fi signals to spread out more where you need them (like across your office floor) and less where you don’t (like through the ceiling).

This smart way of shaping Wi-Fi signals means businesses can cover their spaces more efficiently, often needing fewer access points and saving thousands of dollars in equipment costs.

The Basics of Antenna Gain

Another way to think of antenna gain is like a flashlight’s beam setting. When you switch a flashlight from flood mode to spot mode, you’re not creating more light – you’re focusing it into a stronger beam that travels farther in one direction. That’s exactly what antenna gain does with Wi-Fi signals – it focuses them where you need them most.

“With antenna gain, we can direct Wi-Fi signals to provide better coverage in specific areas,” explains Tom Borkowski, founder of TPK Advanced Wireless. “This means stronger, more reliable connections exactly where people are working, rather than wasting signal strength in unused spaces.”

Antenna gain is measured in dBi (decibels over isotropic), which simply tells us how well an antenna can focus its signal in a particular direction. The higher the dBi number, the more focused and directional the signal becomes.

An antenna’s 3D pattern can be visualized using Elevation and Azimuth charts.  The difference between the two and how exactly they are interpreted are beyond the scope of this blog, but here is a good article providing a high level overview:

Radio Frequency RF Technologies

How Antenna Gain Works in Practice

A perfect wireless antenna – called an isotropic radiator – would spread signals evenly in all directions, just like our inflated balloon. But this is only theoretical. Real-world antennas use gain to create what engineers call “lobes” – areas where the signal is intentionally stronger.

Here’s something many people don’t realize about antenna gain: it helps all signals regardless of direction. As Tom explains, “It doesn’t just help with sending signals – it also focuses on receiving them as well, so it’s a two-way benefit.”

This means you get better Wi-Fi performance even if the devices connecting to your network (like phones or laptops) don’t have special antennas themselves.

Types of Antennas and Their Applications

There are a few types of antennas that anyone designing a Wi-Fi network needs to be aware of.

Indoor Access Points

Most indoor Wi-Fi access points are designed to squeeze that “balloon” from top to bottom, pushing signals outward to cover more area on each floor. “That’s the main reason why we don’t install access points on a wall like a clock,” Tom notes. “When you mount them that way, you’ve shifted the radiating power in the wrong direction.”

Specialized Antennas

Different environments call for different types of antennas. For example:

• Patch Antennas: These focus signals in one direction, like a spotlight pointing down from the ceiling. They’re particularly useful in warehouses and large open spaces.
• Yagi Antennas: Similar to old TV antennas or satellite dishes, these create a narrow, focused beam for long-distance connections.
• Directional Antennas: These concentrate signals in specific directions for targeted coverage.

Which antenna you want really depends on the situation, so it’s good to consult witha  professional here. Tom shares an example from his work in a warehouse: “I did a design for a company where they had regular standard access points in their warehouse. I decided to redesign it with patch antennas – and it saved them tens of thousands of dollars in hardware because we could focus the signal down to where it needs to be.”

Common Antenna Gain Mistakes to Avoid

Understanding antenna gain helps you avoid costly mistakes in network design. Here are the most critical errors to watch for:

Improper Mounting

• Installing access points on walls when they’re designed for ceilings
• Pointing directional antennas at incorrect angles
• Failing to account for building materials and obstacles

Wrong Antenna Selection

• Using standard antennas when specialized ones would be more efficient
• Over-purchasing access points when fewer, properly-aimed ones would work better
• Ignoring the two-way benefits of antenna gain

Taking the Next Step: Get a Free Consultation

The ideal antenna configuration for your Wi-Fi network depends on your specific needs and environment. While antenna gain might seem like a technical detail, it has real-world impacts on:

• Network performance
• Hardware costs
• Coverage reliability
• User satisfaction

Before upgrading your wireless network or installing a new one, consider having a professional assess your antenna needs. The right expertise can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your network provides the coverage your business requires.

Contact TPK Advanced Wireless today for a professional assessment of your wireless network needs.