Signal level distributions and fading for a long over-water link at 5 GHz

Measurement results are presented for an 88-km multiple-diversity line-of-sight microwave link across the English Channel operating in the 4 to 5 GHz frequency range. Signal level and fade duration statistics derived from the measurements are compared with the applicable International Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR) models. Although signal level distributions are in fair agreement with CCIR predictions, the median fade duration tends to be shorter than values estimated from the CCIR model.