The utility of the attenuation rate concept is that it allows us to quickly calculate loss for any distance of wave travel: This loss is simply attenuation rate (dB/m) times length (m), which yields l...The utility of the attenuation rate concept is that it allows us to quickly calculate loss for any distance of wave travel: This loss is simply attenuation rate (dB/m) times length (m), which yields loss in dB. This works because spatial power density has SI base units of W/m2, so the common units of m−2 in the numerator and denominator cancel in the power density ratio, leaving a simple power ratio.
