Microwave transmission

File:Atmospheric microwave transmittance at mauna kea(simulated).gif

Atmospheric attenuation of microwaves in dry air with a precipitable water vapor level of 0.001 mm. The downward spikes in the graph correspond to frequencies at which microwaves are absorbed more

Microwave transmission refers to the technique of transmitting information over a microwave link. Since the portion of the microwave spectrum called millimeter wave is highly susceptible to attenuation by the atmosphere (especially during wet weather), that portion is limited to a few contexts.

Properties

• Suitable over line-of-sight transmission links without obstacles
• Provides good bandwidth
• Affected by rain, vapor, dust, snow, cloud, mist and fog, heavy moisture, depending on chosen frequency (see rain fade)

Uses

• Backbone or backhaul carriers in cellular networks. Used to link BTS-BSC and BSC-MSC.
• Communication with satellites
• Microwave radio relay links for television and telephone service providers

See also

• Microwave power transmission
• Microwave radio relay
• Wireless energy transfer
• Microwave link
• Fresnel zone