Which type of antenna is commonly used in wireless networks that can transmit and receive signals in all directions?

An omnidirectional antenna is designed to transmit and receive signals in all directions, providing a 360-degree coverage area. This characteristic makes it especially effective for wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi, where devices may be located in various positions around the access point. By radiating signals uniformly in horizontal planes, omnidirectional antennas are ideal for environments where users and devices are spread out, allowing for seamless connectivity without needing to aim the antenna directly at the receiver.

In contrast, unidirectional antennas focus their signals in a single direction, which is useful in situations where long-range communication is required or when targeting a specific area. Parabolic antennas, with their dish-like shape, also provide a highly focused directionality, making them suitable for point-to-point communications but not effective for general coverage. While dipole antennas can be omnidirectional in nature, they are typically less effective than dedicated omnidirectional antennas specifically designed for broad coverage. Overall, the omnidirectional antenna is the best choice for applications requiring widespread signal distribution in a wireless network.