What effect does multi-path propagation have on data transmission?

What effect does multi-path propagation have on data transmission?

• A. Error rates are likely to increase
• B. Signal strength is guaranteed to improve
• C. Transmission becomes instantaneous
• D. Only one path for the signal will be used

Answer: (A)

Multi-path propagation occurs when a transmitted signal takes multiple paths to reach the receiver, resulting from reflection and diffraction off various surfaces such as buildings, trees, and other obstacles. This phenomenon often leads to the signal taking slightly different routes and arriving at different times. As a result, the correct answer identifies that error rates are likely to increase. The reason for this increase is due to the interference caused by these multiple signals arriving at the receiver at different times. This can lead to an effect known as "fading," where the signal strength fluctuates, and also potential confusion in the demodulation process, making it difficult for the receiver to interpret the intended signal correctly. In contrast, the other choices do not accurately represent the characteristics of multi-path propagation. While there may be scenarios where some paths may reinforce each other, it is not guaranteed that signal strength will consistently improve. Transmission becoming instantaneous is misleading, as the presence of multiple arrival times can introduce delay and distortion rather than making transmission quicker. Finally, multi-path propagation inherently suggests that there are several paths the signal can take, so asserting that only one path will be used contradicts the nature of multi-path effects.

Multi-path propagation occurs when a transmitted signal takes multiple paths to reach the receiver, resulting from reflection and diffraction off various surfaces such as buildings, trees, and other obstacles. This phenomenon often leads to the signal taking slightly different routes and arriving at different times.

As a result, the correct answer identifies that error rates are likely to increase. The reason for this increase is due to the interference caused by these multiple signals arriving at the receiver at different times. This can lead to an effect known as "fading," where the signal strength fluctuates, and also potential confusion in the demodulation process, making it difficult for the receiver to interpret the intended signal correctly.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately represent the characteristics of multi-path propagation. While there may be scenarios where some paths may reinforce each other, it is not guaranteed that signal strength will consistently improve. Transmission becoming instantaneous is misleading, as the presence of multiple arrival times can introduce delay and distortion rather than making transmission quicker. Finally, multi-path propagation inherently suggests that there are several paths the signal can take, so asserting that only one path will be used contradicts the nature of multi-path effects.