Fading

In telecommunications, fading is a change in the attenuation of a communications channel.

Examples of fading (in alphabetical order):

• Rayleigh fading
• Rician fading

The term "backhoe fade" is used humorously to describe the complete loss of signal that occurs in a communications cable when it is cut by a backhoe[?] or other digging work. Backhoe fade is one of the most common causes of failure in subterranean cables[?].

The equivalent phenomenon in submarine cables occurs when a cable is snagged by a fishing net or anchor.

Techniques used to overcome signal fading:

• Diversity reception
• Diversity transmission

See also:

• Fade margin
• Fading distribution