Multilayer Dual-Band Planar Antenna with Omnidirectional Radiation for Wireless Local Area Network Routers

Abstract

In recent years, efforts have been made to replace rod-shaped monopole antennas with planar antennas exhibiting an omnidirectional radiation pattern. In this paper, we describe the design, fabrication, and testing procedures of a dual-band planar antenna that can replace a monopole antenna used in wireless local area network (LAN) routers. The proposed antenna consists of a square metal patch, square ring, and shorting vias on a multilayer printed circuit board to induce 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz dual-band resonance and omnidirectional radiation patterns. The antenna design is optimized using a 3D full-wave simulation software, and an antenna sample is prepared using the printed circuit board fabrication process. The antenna sample is tuned using a copper tape to resolve the operation frequency mismatch, and its performance is tested using a network analyzer and an anechoic chamber. Furthermore, the antenna sample is installed in a commercial wireless LAN router, and its signal reception is analyzed in an actual wireless communication environment to verify its applicability.