Overview

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

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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). Radiation patterns can be used to better understand how each UniFi access point model broadcasts wireless signa. 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 interference, materials, geometries of structures, and how these materials behave at 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

With that in mind, use these radiation plots as a "general guide" to identify where most of the energy (and receive sensitivity) of the UniFi APs is being directed; but keep present that the ultimate way to know how successful the coverage design is—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 (for example with self-interference: APs hearing each other or other AP stations on the same channel).

Radiation Plot Format

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Radius represents ‘elevation’, with 0° representing antenna gain straight under the AP, and 90° representing antenna gain at horizon. The degrees on the circumference represent ‘Azimuth’. That is to say, left/right/front/back of the AP, when mounted overhead. For a more detailed explanation, please see our UniFi - Introduction to Antenna Radiation Patterns article.

Comparison Table

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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 that colored dots in the plots might be in the outer perimeter or closer to center.

NOTE:Varying scales are represented in the graphs below. Consider each graph individually and take note of scale when comparing products.

Model Summary Plots

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This section includes 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

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UAP-SHD

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UAP-AC-Lite

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UAP-AC-LR

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UAP-AC-PRO

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UAP-AC-IW

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UAP-AC-IW-PRO

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UAP-IW-HD

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UAP-AC-M

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Note: The antennas for the UAP-AC-M were angled at 45° to generate the plots as shown in the images above.

UAP-AC-M-PRO

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UMA-D

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UAP-nanoHD

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UAP-XG

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UWB-XG

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High Gain

Low Gain

UDM

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UAP-FlexHD

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UAP-BeaconHD

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Antenna Files (.ant)

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Please note the data in the .ant files below was extracted from full model simulations. Clicking on the links in the following table will prompt the immediate download of the .ant file.

Related Articles

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UniFi - Introduction to Antenna Radiation Patterns