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Antenna Theory & Types Flashcards

7 cards from real CWS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Antenna Theory & Types flashcards as text

  1. What is the primary advantage of a MIMO antenna system in 802.11n and 802.11ac wireless networks?

    Answer: Increased throughput by transmitting multiple independent data streams simultaneously

    MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) uses spatial multiplexing to transmit multiple independent data streams over separate spatial paths simultaneously, significantly increasing throughput.

  2. How is the half-power beamwidth (HPBW) of an antenna defined?

    Answer: The angular width of the main lobe where gain is within 3 dB of its maximum value

    HPBW is the angular range of the main lobe between the two points where the antenna's gain drops to half its peak value, equivalent to a 3 dB reduction.

  3. Which RF connector type is most commonly found on indoor consumer and enterprise WLAN antennas and access points?

    Answer: RP-SMA connector

    The RP-SMA (Reverse Polarity SMA) connector is the standard connector for indoor WLAN devices, chosen for its compact size and FCC-required reverse polarity design to prevent use of unauthorized high-gain antennas.

  4. How does coaxial cable loss affect the effective transmit power of a wireless system?

    Answer: Cable loss reduces the effective transmit power delivered to the antenna

    Coaxial cable has inherent resistive losses that attenuate the signal, reducing the power that reaches the antenna and lowering the overall EIRP of the system.

  5. Which antenna type is typically used to provide sector-based directional coverage in enterprise indoor or outdoor WLAN deployments?

    Answer: Flat patch or panel antenna

    Flat patch or panel antennas provide a defined directional coverage sector (typically 60–120 degrees) and moderate gain, making them ideal for covering specific areas in enterprise deployments.

  6. What is the purpose of mechanical or electrical antenna downtilt in a WLAN or cellular deployment?

    Answer: To direct the coverage pattern downward, reducing inter-cell interference and improving local coverage

    Antenna downtilt angles the radiation pattern toward the ground, concentrating coverage on the intended service area and reducing interference with co-channel cells or neighboring deployments.

  7. What is the significance of the front-to-back (F/B) ratio in a directional antenna?

    Answer: It measures the ratio of gain in the main forward lobe versus the rear lobe, indicating rejection of signals from behind

    The front-to-back ratio quantifies how much better an antenna receives or transmits in its main forward direction compared to directly behind it, with a higher ratio indicating better rejection of rearward interference.