Just like light and sound, radio signals travel through space in waves. These waves are related to the wireless technology that we know and use today.
Radio frequency (RF), measured in Hertz, is the frequency of radio waves in the electromagnetic spectrum. Wavelength is the distance required to complete one cycle at a particular frequency. The higher the frequency, the shorter the distance covered by the radio wave.
Below is a sample of the overall spectrum of radio waves:
Radio frequency (RF), measured in Hertz, is the frequency of radio waves in the electromagnetic spectrum. Wavelength is the distance required to complete one cycle at a particular frequency. The higher the frequency, the shorter the distance covered by the radio wave.
Below is a sample of the overall spectrum of radio waves:
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Low Frequency (LF) – Sound 20 Hz - 20 kHz
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Medium Frequency (MF) – AM Radio 550 - 1700 kHz
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Very High Frequency (VHF) – FM Radio 88 -108 MHz, VHF TV 54 - 220 MHz
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Ultra High Frequency (UHF) – TV 460-600 MHz
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Super High Frequency (SHF) - Cellular 800-900 MHz PCS 1.8-2 GHz, Terrestrial Microwave 1–18 GHz, Indoor Wireless 900 MHz, 2 & 5 GHz
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Infrared – Remote Controls 100G Hz - 500 THz
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Visible – Light 700 THz - 1000 THz
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X - Medical X-ray
Practical application
The abovementioned frequencies are commonly used in our everyday lives. As you can see in the Super High Frequency (SHF), cellular, microwave and wireless signals are within the same range. Therefore, these radio waves may cause interference in your home wireless network. The only way to prevent this from happening is to isolate cordless phones, microwave ovens and wireless access points from each other.
Wireless propagation
Wireless signals can be weakened due to line-of-sight issues and obstructions. These obstructions can cause intermittent wireless connection problems. It is advisable to understand your home’s interior design to learn where to position your wireless router. The following are factors that could affect wireless propagation:
The abovementioned frequencies are commonly used in our everyday lives. As you can see in the Super High Frequency (SHF), cellular, microwave and wireless signals are within the same range. Therefore, these radio waves may cause interference in your home wireless network. The only way to prevent this from happening is to isolate cordless phones, microwave ovens and wireless access points from each other.
Wireless propagation
Wireless signals can be weakened due to line-of-sight issues and obstructions. These obstructions can cause intermittent wireless connection problems. It is advisable to understand your home’s interior design to learn where to position your wireless router. The following are factors that could affect wireless propagation:
Absorption – Similar to sound and light, radio waves are absorbed by wood and textile. Positioning your router and receiving wireless device obstructed by walls made of wood affect your wireless connectivity.
Reflection – Glass and mirrors are the best examples of reflecting objects that can be a major factor in a simple wireless environment. This is the reason why you get weak wireless signals behind a glass door.
Refraction – Any bodies of water that may be present in one’s household could also be a factor of radio frequency obstruction. Water fountains, aquariums or swimming pools can cause refraction of radio signals.
Diffraction – There are objects that “cancel” radio waves. This type of obstruction should be eliminated in a home wireless scenario. Chicken wire or barbed wires could disintegrate radio frequencies.
Reflection – Glass and mirrors are the best examples of reflecting objects that can be a major factor in a simple wireless environment. This is the reason why you get weak wireless signals behind a glass door.
Refraction – Any bodies of water that may be present in one’s household could also be a factor of radio frequency obstruction. Water fountains, aquariums or swimming pools can cause refraction of radio signals.
Diffraction – There are objects that “cancel” radio waves. This type of obstruction should be eliminated in a home wireless scenario. Chicken wire or barbed wires could disintegrate radio frequencies.
Now that you know the basics of wireless and radio frequency, be sure to evaluate your own home to properly plan where your router is supposed to be located.
