Attenuation
Attenuation is the loss in amplitude that occurs whenever a signal travels through a wire, through free space, or through an obstruction. Figure 2-3 shows a 2.45-GHz (2450 MHz) signal as it encounters a tree. The signal is attenuated; that is, its amplitude is reduced. The amount of signal that emerges on the other side of the tree is much less than the amount of signal that entered the tree. Often, after colliding with an object, the signal strength remaining is too small to make a reliable wireless link.
Figure 2-3. Attenuation of a 4.8-inch (5-cm) Signal by a Tree
In addition, the shorter the wavelength of a wireless signal, the ...
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