Chapter 11 / 11.10 / 11.10.5

11.10.5 Why Can Radio Waves Bend Around Hills And Buildings?

Radio waves can often reach locations that appear to be completely blocked by terrain or buildings. This FAQ explains diffraction, Fresnel zones, knife-edge diffraction, and why complete line-of-sight is not always essential for successful communication.

1. Don't Radio Waves Travel in Straight Lines?
2. What Is Diffraction?
3. Why Does Diffraction Occur?
4. Why Do Lower Frequencies Diffract More Easily?
5. Why Don't Hills Completely Block Radio Signals?
6. What Is a Knife-Edge Obstacle?
7. What Are Fresnel Zones?
8. Why Is Fresnel Zone Clearance Important?
9. Does Diffraction Always Improve Communication?
10. How Do Engineers Reduce Diffraction Losses?
11. Where Is Diffraction Important?
12. Why Is Understanding Diffraction Important?
13. What Should You Remember?

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