Computer

Networks
Group#7
Roll No:10 12 22 35 56 57 93 95
 Radio Waves Propagation
• Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation best-
known for their use in communication technologies, such as
television, mobile phones and radios. These devices receive
radio waves and convert them to mechanical vibrations in the
speaker to create sound waves.
 Uses of Radio Waves
1. Satellite Communication
Radio waves are used to broadcast information over significantly large distances with the
help of satellites. The radio wave antennas present on the earth are used to transmit signals
to the satellite. The satellite then sends the received signal back to the earth station. This
signal is then processed, and the information is extracted. Television broadcasting is one of
the best applications of radio waves in satellite communication.
2. Radio Telemetry
Radio waves are often used in radio telemetry to locate the exact position of
an animal and to track its movement. This is done by attaching a radio
transmitter to the body of the animal. The transmitter constantly radiates
radio waves in the environment. The radiations emitted by the transmitter
are then collected by the receiver, and the result gets displayed on the
screen.
3. Remote Controlled Toys
Most of the remote-controlled toys work on the basis of radio
waves. The radio receiver suspended in the internal mechanism
of the toy responds to the radio waves transmitted by the radio
transmitter present in the controller. Hence, the radio waves
allow the user to operate the toy from a distance.
4. Navigation and Air Traffic Control
One of the major applications of radio waves lies in establishing a reliable
communication network between the Aeroplane and air traffic control unit.
Very high frequency or VHF radio waves are generally used for this
purpose. Radio waves are also used to maintain the air-to-air connection
between the aircrafts.
Characteristics of Radio Waves
1: Radio waves are a form of radiation known as electromagnetic waves. The wavelength of
radio waves is longer than the infrared light.

2: Radio waves can travel for a long distance.

3: Radio waves can penetrate through materials.

4: Radio waves cannot be felt and they are invisible.

5: They travel at the speed of light in vacuum. When they travel through the materials the speed
differs, depending on the object’s permeability and permittivity.

6: The wavelength range of radio waves is from thousands of metres to 30 cm. These
correspond to a frequency from 3 Hertz to 109 Hertz.
 Radio Waves
Propagation Types:

1.Ground Wave Propagation

Ground Wave Propagation
• Definition:
• Ground Wave propagation is a method of radio wave propagation that
uses the area between the surface of the earth and the ionosphere for
transmission, it. Ground wave propagation is also called surface wave
propagation. The ground wave follows the contour of the earth and hence
it can propagate considerable distances. Such a wave is called a direct
wave. It exists below the 2 MHz frequency range.
 Components:
• Ground waves are divided into three components:
• Surface wave - The component of a ground wave that uses the earth’s
surface as the wave conductor.
• Direct wave - The component of a ground wave that propagates through
the shortest distance between two points on the earth’s surface.
• Earth reflected wave - The component of a ground wave that gets
reflected from the earth’s surface and then travels towards the receiving
antenna.
Factors that affect:
1.Nature of Ground:
Ground waves, especially surface waves, are influenced by the nature
of the ground above which the signal propagates. The signal attenuation
in ground wave propagation is dependent on factors such as ground
conductivity, topography, and dielectric constant.
Terrain with good conductivity is best suited for ground wave
propagation. The soil type and its moisture content boost the
conductivity of the ground and are influential in ground wave
propagation.
Conti…………

2.Polarization
The antenna polarization is of great importance in ground
wave propagation. Vertical polarization is better suited for
ground wave propagation than horizontally polarized
antennas. Because of the vertical polarization requirement,
medium and long-wave radio stations generally employ self-
radiating vertical transmitting antennas.
 Conti…………

3.Weather
The weather plays an important role in the losses incurred in
ground wave propagation. Dry and sandy signal propagation
paths are not suitable for ground wave propagation. The
moisture content in the atmosphere can be helpful to ground
wave propagation.
 Conti…..

4.Signal Frequency
The signal attenuation in ground wave propagation is dependent on the
signal frequency. As the frequency increases, the losses in the wave
propagation increase, and this phenomenon limits the ground wave
propagation above 3MHz. The signal frequency also influences the
maximum range of ground wave propagation.