While both 5.8 GHz and 2.4 GHz are unlicensed bands, FCC regulations for the two differ slightly. By using dBm as a measure, it is relatively easy to calculate the cumulative effect of all passive and active system components. A unit's receiver sensitivity provides a measure of how weak a received signal can be while still providing error-free communications. GWM's Lynx.sc has a receiver sensitivity of -93 dBm. Thus, Lynx.sc's signal can be attenuated by up to 113 dB while maintaining an acceptable signal level.
Antennas provide signal gain, which increases the possible distance of a link.
These antennas are available from a number of manufacturers and must be selected based on the transmission frequency of the radio. Cable loss varies according to the specific cabling used and the radio's transmission frequency. Some vendors offer mast-mounted RF units that largely eliminate cable loss. This provides a cushion to accommodate environmental conditions that can increase path loss. Using all these factors, vendors can provide an estimated system availability based on the geographic area where the system is installed.