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Once the exclusive realm of scientific research and military use, wireless systems operating in the upper millimeter wave (MMW) regions are now providing cost-effective solutions for high-capacity commercial data transport needs. While MMW technology is nothing new, the growing volume of commercial use with associated economies of scale has significantly reduced system costs, making MMW systems more attractive to the general consumer.

The unique attributes of MMW signal propagation, combined with the scarcity of RF spectrum at lower frequencies, assures that the proliferation of MMW systems and their effect on daily life will continue. This article examines the unique attributes of signal propagation in the MMW region. The goal of this analysis is to provide the reader with a general, working knowledge to make informed decisions when considering MMW solutions.