Scattering redirects a propagating electromagnetic wave when it encounters irregularities in a surface or medium, spreading the wave’s energy erratically in multiple directions. section 18.1.2
In wireless LANs, scattering matters because it:
- Disperses signal energy and can cause attenuation, weakening the signal available to the receiver. section 18.1.2
- Appears alongside absorption, reflection, refraction, and diffraction as a factor shaping wireless coverage and reliability. section 18.1.2 section 18.1.1
- Can result from dust, smog, water vapor, and textured surfaces encountered by the signal. section 18.1.2
Figure 18.4 Phenomena affecting the behavior of electromagnetic waves include absorption by a medium, reflection off surfaces, refraction (bending) as waves pass through a medium, diffraction around obstacles, and scattering from irregularities.
Use the comparison figure to distinguish scattering from absorption, reflection, refraction, and diffraction. section 18.1.2
