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An antenna is a transducer that converts radio frequency (RF) fields into alternating current or vice versa. There are both receiving and transmission antennas for sending or receiving radio transmissions. Antennas play an important role in the operation of all radio equipment. They are used in wireless local area networks, mobile telephony and satellite communication.
Techopedia Explains Antenna
Antennas have an arrangement of metallic conductors with an electrical connection to receivers or transmitters. Current is forced through these conductors by radio transmitters to create alternating magnetic fields. These fields induce voltage at the antenna terminals, which are connected to the receiver input. In the far field, the oscillating magnetic field is coupled with a similar oscillating electric field, which defines electromagnetic waves capable of propagating the signal for long distances.
Radio waves are electromagnetic waves that carry signals through air at the speed of light without any transmission loss. Antennas can be omni-directional, directional or arbitrary.
