Hi

Everyone seems to agree that 2.4GHz antennas are physically different from 5 GHz antennas

Yet the description for the Mikrotik ACSWIM antenna indicates : 2.4-5.8GHz Swivel Antenna

This little swivel antenna can cater for both frequency bands.

Is the dual band possible because of the size of the antenna i.e. are all such small omni antennas capable of operating in both frequency bands ?

Yes, though effective gain will probably differ depending on the band used. Neither mikrotik nor anyone can produce antennas equally optimized for both bands, is a matter of physics.

Don't be afraid to choose a device with no external antennas if suitable; for the gains used for WLANs, 10 times out of 10 a device with internal antennas (RB951 in 2.4GHz band is a great example) will outperform those with rubberduck-type external ones, as the connector and pigtail losses usually null the external one.

You also rule out one of the most common failing components: connectors and pigtails.

What's you intended application?

Thanks Pukkita

The use is for indoor APs

The need was to understand the degree of importance linked to choosing the right accompanying external omni antenna

in fact for indoors high gain omni antenna cause the ap to get more noise and interference from environment and too wide coverage area with low overall performance

i think for indoor internal low gain antenna are best

Chechito

Thanks for your answer

What would you say constitues high gain ?

I'm was refering to (max) 6dbi omni rubber duck antennas

Chechito

Thanks for your answer

What would you say constitues high gain ?

I'm was refering to (max) 6dbi omni rubber duck antennas

keep in mind that internal antennas normally are 3dbi if you use 6 dbi you are duplicating the energy irradiated horizontally lowering the energy irradiated vertically, like a donut pattern, maybe 6dbi its a good limit, it depends of your implementation.

my opinion its about avoiding the "bigger its better" assumption

because that assumption some people put 10 or 13 dbi omni antennas on indoor implementations

in this link the topic its better exlained than i can do

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/c ... a1a3e.html

Excellent,

I will shortly brush up my knowledge on this important subject

Cheers mate

yann