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Wireless & Mobility · Intermediate

Link Budget

An accounting of all gains and losses from transmitter to receiver to predict received signal strength.

Definition

A link budget adds transmitter power and antenna gains and subtracts cable losses, connector losses, and path loss. The resulting received level is compared to receiver sensitivity plus fade margin. Link budgets are essential for outdoor bridges and long-range designs.

Example

20 dBm TX - 2 dB cable + 15 dBi - 110 dB FSPL + 15 dBi - 2 dB cable = -64 dBm received.

Exam tip

Remember to include losses and gains at both ends of the link.

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