How is gain related to directional antennas?

Higher gain in antennas is a key factor in how energy is directed and focused. Specifically, when an antenna has a higher gain, it means that it is more effective at concentrating its radiated energy in a particular direction. This results in a narrower beamwidth, which is a characteristic of directional antennas. By focusing the energy, these antennas can achieve longer communication distances and improved signal quality in the direction they are aimed, as opposed to spreading the energy more evenly in all directions as with omnidirectional antennas.

The relationship between gain and directionality is rooted in the physics of antenna design, where modifications to the antenna structure, such as adding elements or changing the configuration, can effectively increase its gain by enhancing its ability to radiate in a certain direction. This focus allows for effectively targeting receiving antennas or reducing interference from unwanted signals coming from other directions.

In this context, higher gain is indicative of a more focused transmission pattern, which is characteristic of directional antennas.