What is the distance limitation for packet radio?
Since packet radio is most commonly used at the higher radio frequencies (VHF), the range of the transmission is somewhat limited. Generally, transmission range is limited to “unobstructed line-of-sight” plus approximately 10-15%. The transmission range is influenced by the transmitter power and the type and location of the antenna, as well as the actual frequency used and the length of the antenna feed line (the cable connecting the radio to the antenna). Another factor influencing the transmission range is the existence of obstructions (hills, groups of buildings ,etc). Thus, for two-meter packet (144 – 148Mhz), the range could be 10 to 100 miles, depending on the specific combination of the variables mentioned above. However, packet radio can get round this limitation by ‘node hopping’, by passing your data to the receipient via other stations. See ‘Networking Schemes’ below.
