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Free-Space Path Loss

Signal attenuation over distance in free space (d in km, f in MHz).

Formula

FSPL = 20\log_{10}d + 20\log_{10}f + 32.44

Variables

FSPLPath loss (dB)

dDistance (km)

fFrequency (MHz)

Example

d=10 km, f=2400 MHz: FSPL ≈ 120 dB

Did You Know?

Path loss rises with the square of both distance and frequency, so higher 5G bands need denser towers.

telecom path loss wireless

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