Gore cable-based antenna range

Cable-based antennas or leaky feeders have been introduced to improve signal propagation without increasing the amount of hardware required on an aircraft.

Suitable for both wide-body and single-aisle passenger aircraft, the antennas provide reliable access to different wireless protocols so passengers can connect to in-flight entertainment, internet servers and email accounts.

The cable-based antennas are installed along the length of the cabin ceiling, and with signal propagation occurring every metre along its length, passengers have reliable access regardless of their location. Signals are transmitted via a signal network computer and outside antenna to satellites that connect to the worldwide network.

Unlike typical broadband technology that requires separate hardware for each type of wireless access, this antenna requires only one set of hardware to service the entire aircraft.

This antenna sends and receives signals in frequencies ranging from 400 MHz to 6 GHz, which makes it compatible with numerous communication standards, including Bluetooth, DECT, DECT2, Global Star, GSM, Iridium Sat, MMS, PDC, TETRA, UMTS, WLAN 802.11 a/b/g, and WiMAX.