This work treats the essential elements of radio wave propagation
without requiring recourse to advanced electromagnetic concepts and
equations. However, it provides sufficient detail to allow those
concerned with wireless systems to acquire quickly a practical working
knowledge of the important concepts. The treatment commences with an
analysis of how energy (and power) is conveyed in free space. It then
examines in some detail how the proximity of the earth and the
atmosphere cause the radiation traveling from a transmitter to a
receiver to follow one or more of three mechanisms - the surface, sky
and space waves. Radio wave propagation is placed in a practical context
by considering the design aspects of communications systems at microwave
frequencies. That requires an understanding of noise and its importance
in systems design. Unusually, a fuller consideration of the
electromagnetic properties of materials is given late in the book rather
than as an introductory chapter.