How does humidity affect RF signal transmission?

Humidity plays a significant role in RF signal transmission, primarily because it affects the propagation of radio waves. When humidity levels increase, the moisture in the air can absorb and scatter RF signals, leading to signal degradation. This absorption mechanism occurs because water vapor in the atmosphere interacts with the signal, causing attenuation.

High humidity may also lead to increased multipath fading, where the signal takes multiple paths to reach the receiver due to reflections off various surfaces, further complicating and weakening the received signal. This degradation can be particularly noticeable in certain frequency bands, especially those that are more susceptible to atmospheric effects.

Understanding the impact of humidity is essential for network planning and optimization, as it influences the overall reliability and quality of RF communications within various environmental conditions.