Which type of antenna provides omni-directional reception?

A dipole antenna is designed to provide omni-directional reception, which means it can effectively receive signals from all directions in a horizontal plane. This characteristic is due to its symmetrical design, which consists of two conductive elements that are typically oriented horizontally. When the antenna is in operation, it produces a 3D radiation pattern that is doughnut-shaped.

This omni-directional capability is particularly useful in applications where the direction of the incoming signal is unpredictable or where the transmission source may be located in various directions around the antenna. In contrast, antennas like the Yagi, parabolic, and log-periodic antennas are typically directional, meaning they are designed to focus on signals from a specific direction, which enhances their gain and range but limits their ability to receive signals from other angles. Thus, the dipole antenna stands out for its ability to receive signals equally from all around it.