In this article users can compare the different antenna radiation patterns of a few of our UniFi Access Points. For an explanation on how to read antenna radiation patterns see our UniFi - Introduction to Antenna Radiation Patterns article.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The UniFi access points have a distinct hardware design to meet the varying needs of wireless deployments. A critical part of what differentiates each model is the number, arrangement, and orientation of the AP’s antennas—which influences the shape and behavior of wireless signal (both on transmit and receive). To better understand how each UniFi access point model broadcasts wireless signal you can use the radiation patterns provided in this article. These patterns are what antenna engineers call reciprocal—in that the transmit-power (the capability of the AP to ‘speak’) will be highest at the peaks, and so will the receive-sensitivity (the capability of the AP to ‘hear’).
Please note that these radiation patterns are gathered in a fully anechoic environment. Their shape, peak gain/directivity and efficiency will change in installed environments. Every deployment will behave differently due to materials, geometries of structures, etc and how these materials behave at 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
Accordingly, use these radiation plots as a ‘general guide’ to tell you where most of the energy (and receive sensitivity) of the UniFi APs is being directed. Keep in mind that the ultimate way to know how your coverage design is working—is to measure it. Measure signal strength and coverage before (with mock positioning), during (as you install), and after to guarantee that you have the coverage you want—and don’t have the coverage you don’t want (self-interference - i.e. APs hearing each other or other APs stations, on the same channel).
Radiation Plot Format
For help understanding the plots below, these are explained in detail in our UniFi - Introduction to Antenna Radiation Patterns article.
In short, radius represents ‘elevation’, with 0° representing antenna gain straight under the AP, and 90° representing antenna gain at horizon. So the blue dot represents standing right under the AP. See image here for more explanation.
The degrees on the circumference represent ‘Azimuth’. That is to say, left/right/front/back of the AP, when mounted overhead. For more info on what his means see image here.
Comparison Table
Use this table to compare the radiation patterns of each UAP. The first column shows where the respective colored dots found in each radiation plot is placed in the actual devices. Note: Click on images to expand.
|
Product Image Directional Color Dots |
5.20GHz Frequency |
5.50GHz Frequency |
5.80GHz Frequency |
|
UAP-HD |
5.20GHz |
5.50GHz |
5.80GHz |
|
UAP-SHD |
5.20GHz |
5.50GHz |
5.80GHz |
|
UAP-AC-Lite |
5.20GHz |
5.50GHz |
5.80GHz |
|
UAP-AC-LR |
5.20GHz |
5.50GHz |
5.80GHz |
|
UAP-AC-PRO |
5.20GHz |
5.50GHz |
5.80GHz |
|
UAP-AC-IW |
5.20GHz |
5.50GHz |
5.80GHz |
|
UAP-AC-IW-PRO |
5.20GHz |
5.50GHz |
5.80GHz |
|
UAP-AC-M
|
5.20GHz |
5.50GHz |
5.80GHz |
|
UAP-AC-M-PRO |
5.20GHz |
5.50GHz |
5.80GHz |
Model Summary Plots
In this section find a graphic summary for each UAP shown in the table above, portraying radiation plots for Azimuth, Elevation 0°, Elevation 90° and Mapped 3D, for three different frequencies: 5.20GHz, 5.50GHz and 5.80GHz. Click on each one to expand and zoom.
UAP-HD Overall Summary
UAP-SHD
UAP-AC-Lite
UAP-AC-LR
UAP-AC-PRO
UAP-AC-IW
UAP-AC-IW-PRO
UAP-AC-M
UAP-AC-M-PRO
UAP-nanoHD
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