Non-line-of-sight Propagation - Radio Waves As plane Electromagnetic Waves

Radio Waves As plane Electromagnetic Waves

From Maxwell's equations we find that radio waves, as they exist in free space in the far field or Fraunhofer region behave as plane waves. In plane waves the electric field, magnetic field and direction of propagation are mutually perpendicular. To understand the various mechanisms that allow successful radio communications over NLOS paths we must consider how such plane waves are affected by the object or objects that visually obstruct the otherwise LOS path between the antennas. It is understood that the terms radio far field waves and radio plane waves are interchangeable.