Why two wi-fi aerials?

Question

My Optiplex 3020 has two wi-fi aerials at the rear. One has fallen off but the wi-fi signal is at full strength. What is the purpose of two aerials and should I open up the case to see if I can fix the second aerial?

DELL-ChrisM2 · Accepted Answer

@ThisWreckage​  Wi-Fi cards use two antennas primarily to improve connection speed, stability, and range through a technology called MIMO (Multiple In - Multiple Out). But since you state your signal is at full strength, I would not worry about it.

DELL-ChrisM2 · Answer

Can you post a picture of the rear showing the antenna? Does it look similar to this add in WiFi card?

Tesla1856 · Answer

It's just the way the radio is built to work.

And generally. whenever you see ports and antennas like this, you are not suppose to turn-on or run the radio without the antennas actually connected (as it can conceivably damage the radio).

redxps630 · Answer

Dell DW1502

ThisWreckage · Answer

@DELL-ChrisM2​ Yes, they look just like in that photo. I was just wondering why there are two, and if I needed to investigate the broken one.

ThisWreckage · Answer

Thanks, that makes it clear.

redxps630 · Answer

The black and white cables antennas transmit and receive Wi-Fi signals for the DW1502 half-mini PCIe card.

White Wire (Main/Main): Often considered the main antenna for primary Wi-Fi connectivity.

Black Wire (Auxiliary/Aux): Usually acts as the secondary or backup antenna to improve signal reliability and range (MIMO diversity).

Optiplex Desktops

Why two wi-fi aerials?

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