The physical behavior of a radio wave or optical signal as it moves through a medium or free space. In radio, this includes ground-wave, sky-wave, and line-of-sight modes. In waveguides and fiber optics, it refers to the specific transverse electromagnetic field patterns that the physical structure can support.
At this frequency, the dominant propagation mode is line-of-sight, so trees and buildings will cause heavy shadowing.
Related terms
Multipath
The phenomenon where a transmitted radio signal reaches a receiver by two or more separate paths.
Far field
The region surrounding an antenna where the electromagnetic field behaves as a predictable plane wave.
Near field
The electromagnetic region immediately surrounding an antenna where fields are not yet fully formed into a radiating wave.