We communicate in a seemingly “natural” way these days with the help of a whole variety of different devices. And while it’s easy to forget old habits, it’s always good to look back every now and again at how things used to be, so we can appreciate just how good we have it today… Nowadays, we’re able to transmit data, voice, images, etc., all thanks to specific hardware, including antennae. These are the structures that act as intermediaries between electromagnetic signals and our “receiver” devices.

What is an antenna and how does it work?

In the simplest possible terms, antennae are devices that send and receive electromagnetic waves. They work by converting electrical current into electromagnetic waves, or vice versa. This process is crucial for wireless communication, as it allows data to be transmitted through the air, eliminating the need for miles upon miles of physical cables.

The process of receiving electromagnetic waves via an antenna involves capturing the energy of the waves and converting it into an electrical current. How does an antenna do this? Well, it works in no small part thanks to some fundamental principles of physics, such as electromagnetic induction, alongside the existence of various types of antennae, which means it’s possible to transmit a whole range of radio, television, mobile phone and Internet signals.

The different types of antennae

There are several different types of antennae and each is designed for a specific purpose. The easiest to manufacture and most common, which have been around by far the longest, are dipole antennae. They’re used in applications such as transmitting radio and television signals.

Directional antennae are also very common, although certainly not as much as dipoles. These antennae are perfect for sending and receiving signals to and from a specific direction, making them ideal for long-range telecommunications applications. On the other hand, omnidirectional antennae are the ones that send and receive signals in all different directions, which makes them perfect for Wi-Fi networks and mobile telephony. Those last two technologies – now all but omnipresent throughout the whole of society – have helped antennae of this type reign supreme over the last few decades.

Satellite Internet and satellite dishes

While not quite as ubiquitous as Wi-Fi and mobile telephony antennae, there is another type of antenna that you’ll easily spot in any urban environment – and increasingly in more rural ones too – if you know what you’re looking for: satellite dishes. Their characteristic disc-shaped dish is what you’re looking for on the sides of people’s houses, on balconies and rooftops, both in cities and out in the countryside.

Satellite dishes play a crucial role in receiving television signals and satellite Internet. These antennae use the parabolic structure of the dish to converge electromagnetic waves from satellites high up in orbit into a single focal point, where the receiver is located. This all leads to high-speed and reliable connections, with latency levels that can rival the performance of any other wired transmission tool, such as fibre optic.

Satellite Internet connectivity via satellite dishes has revolutionised the way we access networks. It means we’re no longer limited by land-based infrastructure, which means that, even in rural or sparsely populated areas, we can all enjoy fast and stable Internet connections.

In short, antennae are a fundamental part of modern telecommunications. Their ability to capture and transmit electromagnetic waves makes them the gateway to a world of information and communications. From dipole antennae to satellite dishes, each type plays a crucial role in transmitting signals, and ultimately in facilitating our connection to the digital world.