Antenna Beamwidth
Beamwidth—the width of the main beam (main lobe) of an antenna—measures the directivity of the antenna. The smaller the beamwidth in degrees, the more the antenna focuses power into its main lobe. The more power in the main lobe, the further the antenna can communicate. Beamwidth is specified in two dimensions:
Horizontal beamwidth around the antenna
Vertical beamwidth above and below the antenna
Figure 2-17 shows an example of the horizontal pattern of a directional antenna. This antenna has one main lobe that extends outward from the front of the antenna.
Figure 2-17. Horizontal Beamwidth Showing Half-Power Points
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