Wireless communication systems

This chapter provides a basic tutorial on key aspects of wireless communication systems. Because the optical communication systems are also “wireless,” we must declare at the outset that such systems are not a subject of this chapter despite the fact that radio waves and optical waves are both independent parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. Therefore, this chapter will focus on antennas as transducers of radio waves, radio propagation in the wireless communication channels with emphasis on land communication channels. Specific propagation models for various land environments (rural, forested, hilly, built-up) will be presented with a view to understanding the main propagation characteristics in such environments, such as path loss, and slow and fast fading effects. The cellular concept for wireless systems and a strategy for cell design will also be discussed briefly.