Short Answer
The link budget is a technical balance of transmission power, antenna gain, cable losses, path loss, obstacles, receiver sensitivity, and safety reserve. It helps assess whether a radio connection can operate reliably. In buildings and complex areas, it does not replace measurement but provides an important planning basis.
Good radio planning is not based on gut feeling. A link budget makes assumptions visible and verifiable.
Components of a Link Budget
| Parameter | Effect |
|---|---|
| Transmission Power | Starting value of the signal. |
| Antenna Gain | Effectively directs or strengthens. |
| Cable Loss | Reduces power before the antenna. |
| Path Loss | Attenuation due to distance and environment. |
| Receiver Sensitivity | Limit for usable reception. |
Applications
- Evaluate antenna locations.
- Make cable losses visible.
- Prepare repeater and building radio planning.
- Plan reserves for weather, movement, and building attenuation.
- Conduct measurements more targeted.
Common Mistakes
A link budget is calculated with unrealistic range values or considers without building attenuation, cable losses, and reserves. Then the connection looks better on paper than in practice.
FAQ
What does Link Budget mean?
A balance of all gains and losses of a radio connection.
Does every radio project need a Link Budget?
Not every small project, but it is very helpful for repeaters, building radio, and point-to-point links.
Does Link Budget replace measurement?
No. It complements measurements and supports planning.
Why is reserve important?
Because real conditions fluctuate: people, vehicles, doors, weather, renovations, and interferences change reception.
Sources and Currency
This page was created on July 6, 2026. Technical and regulatory information must be compared with current manufacturer data, standards, frequency guidelines, and site conditions for specific projects.