volume | PIER Journals

2026-09-10

Compact Dual-Band Multiport Antenna Array with Integrated Beam-Switching and Polarization Diversity for Next-Generation WLAN Access Points

Ridha Omrani,

Dr. Ridha Omrani

Department of Computer Science and Engineering

University of Quebec in Outaouais

Canada

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Halim Boutayeb

Prof. Halim Boutayeb

Université du Québec en Outaouais

Canada

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Progress In Electromagnetics Research C, Vol. 173, 198-206, 2026

doi:10.2528/PIERC26071002 | Google Scholar

Abstract

This paper presents the design, numerical modeling, and experimental validation of a compact, collocated multi-port reconfigurable antenna array optimized for high-density WLAN access points. The proposed structure supports robust dual-band operation covering the 2.4-2.5 GHz and 5.2-5.8 GHz frequency ranges, exhibiting a measured reflection coefficient well below -10 dB across both bands. Polarization diversity is successfully achieved through orthogonally oriented, horizontally and vertically polarized radiation elements, ensuring an isolation higher than 17 dB between adjacent ports. Furthermore, an integrated electronic switching network based on PIN diodes enables flexible radiation pattern control, allowing seamless switching between a 360° omnidirectional coverage mode and multiple directive beam states. The omnidirectional configuration provides a stable baseline for wide-area connectivity, while the directive modes focus electromagnetic energy into specific spatial sectors, boosting the peak total gain from 5.16 dBi to 7.14 dBi. This dynamic beam-steering capability significantly mitigates multi-path fading and optimizes Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) system performance in complex indoor environments. The entire array architecture occupies a compact physical footprint of only 200 mm × 200 mm, with excellent agreement between simulated and measured results, confirming its suitability for next-generation WLAN infrastructure.

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Ridha Omrani, and Halim Boutayeb, "Compact Dual-Band Multiport Antenna Array with Integrated Beam-Switching and Polarization Diversity for Next-Generation WLAN Access Points," Progress In Electromagnetics Research C, Vol. 173, 198-206, 2026.
doi:10.2528/PIERC26071002

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