Click here

Fresnel Zone

(pronounced 'fre-nel' the "s" is silent) The area around the visual line-of-sight that radio waves spread out into after they leave the antenna. This area must be clear or else signal strength will weaken.

Fresnel Zone is an area of concern for 2.4 GHz wireless systems. Although 2.4 GHz signals pass rather well through walls, they have a tough time passing through trees.

The main difference is the water content in each. Walls are very dry: trees contain high levels of moisture. Radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band absorb into water quite well.

This is why microwaves -- which also use the 2.4GHz band -- cook food. Water absorbs the waves, and heat from the energy cooks the food.



Top Terms
  • 1

    Consumerization of IT

    Consumerization of IT is a phrase used to describe the cycle of information technology (IT) emerging in the consumer market then spreading to...

    Read more »

  • 2

    ERP - Enterprise Resource Planning

    Short for enterprise resource planning, ERP is business management software that allows an organization to use a system of integrated applications...

    Read more »

  • Click Here!

Connect with Webopedia

Did You Know? Archive »

  • Quick Reference Archive »