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Often, wireless communication depends upon single-polarized antennas that are easily within someone’s line of sight. In an ideal situation, there would be nothing between the two points that could block or interfere with the signal—this means no trees, mountains or buildings.
Of course, the real world rarely presents ideal situations.
Rugged terrain and man-made objects can scatter radio waves and other unknown variables can interfere with the integrity of the signal. Even pollution can have detrimental effects.
Multi-polarized Antennas Enable Stronger, More Stable Connections
When you harness the benefits of multi-polarized antennas you can worry less about how your environment affects your signal.
Most simple antennas are created to work with vertical polarization. If the waves vary from this polarization due to interference or outside elements, the signal can be easily lost.
Multi-polarized antennas can work with various types of polarization, extending beyond the vertical and horizontal. This three-dimensional element can improve wireless communications in an extensive variety of applications.
At MP Antenna, we’re the experts in quality and reliability through our patented antennas that have consistently outperformed other, single-polarized antennas. As a result, users get the consistent, quality connectivity that is vital to so many operations. We invite you to contact us to discover how we can put this technology to use for you.
In this article, we’ll highlight five benefits of multi-polarized antennas and how they can help your latest project.
5 Benefits of Multi-Polarized Antennas
1. Improved Signal Reliability
We briefly discussed this earlier. When it comes to the reliability of your operations, your signal should not be compromised. Multi-polarized antennas can dramatically reduce the chance of a dropout by covering more ground and connecting with not only the vertical and horizontal planes, but with other spatial planes.
For example, if one polarization loses signal strength due to a change in terrain, the other polarization can still regain the signal, providing an uninterrupted chain of communication.
2. Enhanced Data Speeds
Better signal stability leads to a more consistent and reliable data transfer. This is crucial in applications that demand high-speed connections, such as:
- Real-time communications
- Streaming Video
- Critical Data Links
3. Better Coverage in Complex Environments
Often, linear antennas are only tested in ideal conditions, and aren’t rigorously exposed to the “real world” challenges the signal faces in various applications. This is why they often lose connectivity.
Multi-polarized antennas can adapt to reflections and obstacles that will normally weaken a signal. This means that they are reliable in environments such as:
- Large urban areas
- Crowded areas such as concerts, stadiums and airports
- Large office buildings
- Factories
- Warehouses
4. Increased Efficiency for MIMO Systems
MIMO refers to “multiple input, multiple output.” This technology utilizes multiple antennas at both the transmitter and the receiver points. This addresses a problem known as fading, where the signal fragments can become distorted or, in some cases, even lost.
Multi-polarized antennas are a critical component of MIMO systems, helping not only
to reduce signal errors but maintain signal integrity, making it ideal for transmitting videos and other large-scale content.
5. Maintains Connections Even When In Motion
Public transportation has to work seamlessly to be safe and efficient. Drones must have a reliable signal so they can make accurate observations. These are two examples where multi-polarized antennas make a huge difference.
When using single-sight antennas, the signal can be lost if the users are on the move. Because multi-polarized antennas are effective across several planes, the signal does not drop just because the user is moving.
What Is Wave Polarization?
This refers to the direction electromagnetic waves oscillate between antennas. Three-dimensional space is composed of multiple planes. Signals travel along these planes. For example, if an antenna is vertically polarized, signals will travel across the vertical plane.
Antennas that are multi-polarized can capture signals traveling across several different planes without being limited to only the vertical or horizontal.
How Does a Multi-Polarized Antenna Work?
As we mentioned in the illustration earlier, antennas with singular polarization depend upon a clear line of sight. One antenna at one location will transmit a signal to another antenna at another location.
These antennas will send signals along the horizontal plane. It’s very easy for outside forces such as motion and obstacles to interfere with this signal, causing communication dropouts.
By comparison, a multi-polarized antenna utilizes many different antennas that can send and receive signals not only from the horizontal plane, but also from the vertical plane and any other planes found in three-dimensional space.
In What Applications Are Multi-Polarized Antennas Most Commonly Used?
Multi-polarized antennas are used where signals must maintain their connectivity in challenging environments.
These include:
- Agriculture
- Automation
- Industrial automation
- Public Safety
- Military
- Mining
- Transit
Discover Why MP Antenna Is the Leader in Multi-Polarization Technology
We offer an extensive variety of the most advanced antennas on the market. We can help ensure that our clients will have the highest-quality wireless experience at any frequency. In addition to our advanced technology, we are also committed to providing stellar customer service that always considers your needs and applications.
Take a closer look at our patented, groundbreaking technological innovations and how our multi-polarized antennas can work for you. Contact us today.
Key Takeaways:
- Single-polarized antennas depend upon an unobstructed line of sight to receive and send clear signals. By contrast, multi-polarized antennas can send and receive signals on any plane, regardless of any interference or obstructions.
- Multi-polarized antennas are ideal in unpredictable environments or in areas where the user may be moving.
- Multi-polarized antennas have a wide scope of applications, some of which include:
- Mining
- Transportation
- Robotic automation
- Multi-polarized antennas are also a good choice if you want a reliable signal in a complicated environment.
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Sources:
Tech Target, “What Is MIMO?” https://www.techtarget.com/searchmobilecomputing/definition/MIMO