How Does a Wireless Router Antenna Work?
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The Antenna Transmits Radio Waves
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Though a wireless router or access point is capable of converting computer and networking data into radio waves, it is not necessarily skilled at accurately transmitting those waves. With no antenna, the wireless access point might be able to transmit the waves only a few feet, while an antenna enables transmission over a much greater distance. This transmission capability is achieved by sending electronic signals to the antenna, causing its internal electrons to oscillate. These oscillations are broadcast by the antenna, and the length of the antenna helps focus the broadcast in the 2.4GHz to 5GHz frequency range commonly used by Wi-Fi networks.
The Antenna Receives Radio Waves
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Just as the antenna's electrons oscillate while transmitting data, incoming radio waves cause a second set of electrons (usually located in the second antenna of a wireless router, or a secondary set in a single antenna configuration) to oscillate. The movement of these receiving electrons generates an electronic impulse that can be picked up by the wireless access point's processing system.
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The Wireless Router Antenna Works in All Directions
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Some types of antennas, like satellite transmitters and surveillance equipment, only transmit or receive in one direction. Other antenna configurations, such as those found on television and Wi-Fi equipment, transmit and receive in all directions to provide the maximum possible coverage. In addition, the length of the antenna attached to a wireless router is significant, as the antenna is designed to be only slightly longer than the wavelength of the transmissions it sends and receives. Radio engineers have determined this length to be optimal for Wi-Fi usage, while longer antennas may be better suited for citizens band (CB) or amateur radio usage.
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