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Wireless & Mobility · Foundational

Wavelength

The physical distance an RF wave travels during one complete cycle.

Definition

Wavelength equals the speed of light divided by frequency. A 2.4 GHz signal has a wavelength of about 12.5 cm, while a 5 GHz signal is about 6 cm. Wavelength determines antenna element size and influences how signals diffract around and pass through obstacles.

Example

300,000,000 m/s divided by 2,450,000,000 Hz gives roughly 0.122 m.

Exam tip

Wavelength and frequency are inversely proportional: as one increases, the other decreases.

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