What is meant by antenna bandwidth?

Antenna bandwidth refers to the frequency range over which an antenna can operate effectively while maintaining its desired performance characteristics, such as gain, efficiency, and radiation pattern. This range is typically expressed in terms of the lower and upper frequency limits, within which the antenna functions adequately for its intended application, ensuring minimal losses and acceptable performance.

For instance, if an antenna is designed for a specific frequency but can still operate effectively across a broader range of frequencies, that range is defined as its bandwidth. The importance of bandwidth lies in communication systems, where varying frequencies may be used due to interference or to accommodate different channels. Thus, the ability of an antenna to perform efficiently across a range of frequencies allows for better adaptability and effectiveness in various applications.

Given this topic, discussions about the physical size of the antenna, the maximum power it can handle, or the amount of data it can transmit, while relevant to overall antenna performance, do not directly define the concept of bandwidth. Bandwidth focuses specifically on frequency ranges rather than physical attributes, power capacity, or data transmission capabilities.