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CHAPTER TWO
Radio waves and propagation
The nature of radio signals and the way in which they travel are a key elements in cellular system s.
The frequencies that are used are chosen as a result of many factors, some of which are technical
and others resulting from spectrum allocation issues. Nevertheless, technical issues play a key role
in determ ining many features associated with the cellular networks and are thus of great
importance. The nature of the signals, the way they travel and how they are influenced by
their surroundings play a major part in determining how a network is planned.
Radio waves are a form of radiation known as electromagnetic waves. As they contain both electric
and magnet ic elements, it is necessary to take a look at