User's Manual

Introduction ORiNOCO Series System Recommended Antennas
Antenna Types
11
Parabolic Dish Antennas
Parabolic antennas are concave panels or bowls that produce an extremely narrow beam (4 – 25 degrees horizontal /
vertical).
Figure 1-4 Parabolic Dish
Antenna Coverage
Summary
Omni Directional Antenna
An omni-directional antenna may be used in an outdoor environment to provide coverage to areas where it is not
practical to use an antenna system that takes advantage of sectorized coverage. As an example, if an area needing
coverage is a hillside and the base station is located on a valley floor, an omni-directional antenna could be a better
choice than a more traditional sector antenna such as a panel antenna. The omni-directional antenna would allow valley
floor coverage with coverage extending up a hillside. Such coverage is likely not possible with a panel antenna because
of the reduced radiation at high elevation angles from the antenna. This is a result of the shape of the antenna beam
radiating from the panel antenna design.
Flat Panel Directional Antenna
A flat panel antenna is frequently used for sectorized base station installations where it is desirable to provide coverage in
a limited azimuthal direction. This is useful in providing reduced interference from out of coverage areas and increasing
throughput by increased signal strength inside in coverage areas. Since a reduced azimuth area is covered, the radio
sees fewer subscribers and can provide increased bandwidth to each.
Sector
Sector antennas are better for corridors, hallways, tunnels, long narrow buildings, and point-to-point medium range
connections between outdoor bridges (for example, connecting two buildings in an office park or campus). Be wary of
back lobes, but the sector’s narrow beam will reduce unwanted peripheral exposure in the focal direction.
Parabolic
Parabolic antennas are better for long-range outdoor point-to-point connectors, such as bridges that are miles apart.
They require more precise installation to aim signal where you want it, but have the very high gain necessary to reach
such distances.
NOTE:
• All Proxim radios require professional installation.
• Antennas with gain less than 8 dBi are not allowed.
• Antennas of other makes can be used with the, but must be of the same type, dimensions, and gain as those listed.
Horizontal and Vertical