Measuring Wavelength

RF signals are usually described by their frequency; however, it is difficult to get a feel for their physical size as they move through free space. The wavelength is a measure of the physical distance that a wave travels over one complete cycle. Wavelength is usually designated by the Greek symbol lambda (λ). To get a feel for the dimensions of a wireless LAN signal, assuming you could see it as it travels in front of you, a 2.4-GHz signal would have a wavelength of 4.92 inches, while a 5-GHz signal would be 2.36 inches.

Figure 1-11 shows the wavelength of three different waves. The waves are arranged in order of increasing frequency, from top to bottom. Regardless of the frequency, RF waves travel at a constant speed. In ...

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