11.10.4 Why Do Radio Signals Sometimes Fade OR Suddenly Become Much Stronger?
Signal strength often varies even when the transmitter and receiver remain stationary. This FAQ explains ground reflections, multipath propagation, constructive and destructive interference, fading, and the practical methods engineers use to minimize these effects.
- What Is Fading?
- Why Doesn't a Radio Signal Follow Just One Path?
- What Is Multipath Propagation?
- Why Do Signals Sometimes Cancel One Another?
- Why Can Moving Only a Small Distance Make Such a Big Difference?
- Does the Ground Cause Fading?
- What Is Shadowing?
- Why Is Mobile Communication Particularly Affected?
- How Do Engineers Reduce Fading?
- Can Fading Ever Be Beneficial?
- Does Fading Affect Satellite Communication?
- Why Is Understanding Fading Important?
- What Should You Remember?