Ordinary Antennas vs. FRP Antennas: Key Differences

　　Ordinary Antennas vs. FRP Antennas: Key Differences & How to Choose

　　Ordinary antennas and fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) antennas are distinct not just in material, but in design purpose—each excels in specific environments. While “ordinary antennas” refer to common, versatile models (e.g., plastic-cased router antennas, metal dipole antennas), FRP antennas are specialized for harsh conditions, with their fiberglass housing defining their unique advantages. Below’s a detailed breakdown of their differences and use cases.

　　1. Core Difference: Material & Structure

　　Ordinary Antennas

　　Housing: Typically made of ABS plastic (for indoor use) or thin aluminum (for basic outdoor use); internal radiation elements (copper, aluminum) are often exposed or covered by thin, non-reinforced casings.

　　Structure: Simple design—e.g., a router’s external “stick” antenna (plastic shell + metal rod element) or a phone’s internal patch antenna (metal foil + PCB board).

　　Weight: Light (5–50g for consumer models) but less rigid; prone to bending or cracking if dropped.

　　FRP Antennas

　　Housing: Constructed with FRP (fiberglass + resin matrix)—a rigid, lightweight composite that’s non-conductive, corrosion-resistant, and UV-stable. Internal elements (metal dipoles, patch arrays) are fully enclosed in the FRP shell.

　　Structure: Reinforced design—thicker housing (3–10mm) with integrated mounting brackets; some models add metal meshes inside for extra signal focus.

　　Weight: Slightly heavier (50–200g for outdoor models) but far more durable; can withstand impacts without deformation.

　　Real Impact: Ordinary antennas’ plastic shells degrade in outdoor sun/rain in 1–2 years; FRP antennas last 5–10 years in the same conditions.

　　2. Durability: Harsh Environments vs. Everyday Use

　　Ordinary Antennas

　　Weather Resistance: Limited—most have IP54 (splash-proof) or IP65 (dust/water-resistant) ratings, but ABS plastic fades, cracks, or becomes brittle under long-term UV exposure.

　　Corrosion & Chemical Resistance: Poor—metal elements rust in humid/coastal areas; plastic melts or warps near high temperatures (e.g., >60°C).

　　Vibration/Impact: Fragile—plastic casings break if dropped; metal rods bend easily (e.g., a router antenna hit by a vacuum cleaner).

　　FRP Antennas

　　Weather Resistance: Industrial-grade—IP66/IP68 ratings (dust-tight, waterproof/submersible); FRP housing resists UV rays, heavy rain, and even salt spray (ideal for coastal areas).

　　Corrosion & Chemical Resistance: Excellent—non-conductive FRP doesn’t rust; internal metal elements are sealed, so they’re unaffected by industrial chemicals (e.g., in factories) or salt air.

　　Temperature & Vibration: Stable—operates from -40°C to +85°C (handles desert heat and freezing winters); FRP’s rigidity resists vibration (suitable for vehicles, wind turbines).

　　Real Impact: An ordinary outdoor antenna in a coastal home may fail in 18 months; an FRP antenna there works reliably for 8+ years.

　　3. Performance Stability: Signal Consistency Over Time

　　Ordinary Antennas

　　Signal Loss Risk: Higher—thin plastic/metal casings can detune elements if warped (e.g., sun-heated plastic squeezing the metal rod); exposed connectors corrode, causing 10–20% signal loss.

　　Interference Susceptibility: Moderate—non-shielded plastic housings offer little protection from nearby electronics (e.g., a router antenna near a microwave may suffer interference).

　　FRP Antennas

　　Signal Loss Risk: Minimal—FRP is non-conductive, so it doesn’t block or distort radio waves; sealed connectors and stable housing keep elements tuned for years (signal loss <5% over 5 years).

　　Interference Resistance: Better—thick FRP housing acts as a weak shield against external noise; some models add internal copper shielding for industrial use (e.g., near power lines).

　　Real Impact: An ordinary Wi-Fi antenna may need repositioning every 6 months to maintain signal; an FRP antenna keeps consistent coverage without adjustments.