Antenna Polarization

Antenna polarization is the electric field vector orientation of the radio waves from the antenna. Because all cell site antennas are vertically polarized, a cellular mobile antenna must also be vertically polarized. Polarizing an antenna at an angle will significantly reduce the cellular phone’s efficiency. And even though the “swept-back” angle may look good, rest assured it will not work as well.

	Polarization of signal from base station (“Polarization Match”). p=1: Polarization mismatch ratio. Correct polarization of whip maximizes efficiency of the TX/RX signal path.
	Polarization of signal from base station (“Polarization Mismatch”). p<1 Incorrect polarization of whip reduces signal strength received by radio.
	Polarization of signal from base station (“Total Polarization Mismatch”). p=0