Radiowave Propagation Concepts

Abstract Although radiowaves also propagate in waveguides, cables, and transmission lines, the term radiowave propagation is used generally, and specifically in this article, for signal travel between a source and a receiver without guidance by such artificial devices. Examples of such systems are radio and television broadcasting, radio point‐to‐point communication, radar, radio navigation, and remote sensing. Much has been learned about radiowave propagation since Hertz first demonstrated wireless transmission from one room to another. Now radiowave propagation is considered a moderately mature science, yet new understanding continues to emerge. This article presents an overview of radiowave propagation concepts.