What is a half wave dipole antenna?

A half-wave dipole antenna consists of two wire rods or tubing, each one-quarter wavelength long. It is called "half-wave" because its length is equal to a half wavelength of the frequency of operation.

Half-wave dipole antennas are easy to install and less likely to cause electromagnetic compatibility or interference problems than other types of antennas. A dipole antenna's current is strongest at the center and weakest at the ends. In contrast, its voltage is weakest at the center and strongest at the ends. Although half-wave dipole antennas are simple, they often outperform commercial multiband antennas. Many complex antennas are built using a half-wave dipole antenna as a basis.