Answer to Question #173195 in Physics for Amit

Question

What approach is followed in practice for the choice of a propagation medium for 

any communication system? Why is a linear medium of propagation preferred?

Answer 1

To choose a propagation medium for any communication system, it is necessary to estimate the following factors:

Energy and power required to transmit the signal in this medium

Distance between transmitters and receivers

Cost of the communication system

Maintainability and serviceability of the communication system

A linear medium of propagation is used because a line is the shortest path that may connect two points, which is critically important for low attenuation and higher reliability of the signal. In terms of equations that describe the medium, linear means simples and less expensive calculations.