On the routerboards with built-in antennas, like the RB751, how much does the polarity of the unit “horizontal-vs-vertical / desk-vs-wall” actually affect the wireless signal pattern? Would they required to be mounted vertically (wall/post) for best performance?
Thanks.
This depends on the situation, it is a point to point link,
an access point, you have line of sight, etc. Are there many access points there?
Explain what you want to do whit it
For a p-2-p connection, both antennas has to be on the same polarization facing each other, but for direct system connection as ap, vertical polarization is best as most inbuilt antenna system in electronics are on vertical polarization. Polirization affects signal greatly for both indoor and oudoor deployment, so if you put more light as to what exactly you want to achieve, we can help!
I’m talking in regards to using it as an access point for end user devices (laptops, wireless desktops, ipods, etc).
I ask because most access point devices now seem to be desk type models with built-in horizontal antennas (like the RB751 and most linksys routers and others).
I understand that with these omnis, horizontal (desk) will give a donought-shaped signal, mostly up and down (donought standing on edge) while vertical (wall) will give a donought shape signal mostly side to side (donought laying flat).
So, it seems that vetical is best, as your users are generally on the same elevation as the access point and not directly above and below it, but many access points are going towards the hidden internal antennas which will be laying horizontally unless you mount on a wall or pole.
My question is how much does the orientation of the, for example, RB751 actually affect the signal to the end users devices? If it is like a 10% loss, it probably wouldn’t be worth moving. If it is more like a 50% loss, then it would definately be worth changing the position.
Vertical polarization is needed, you have a lot of signal loss, more than 10% for a wrong polarization