What impact does multipath propagation generally have on signal quality?

Multipath propagation occurs when signals take multiple paths to reach the receiver, causing them to arrive at slightly different times and phases. This phenomenon often results in constructive and destructive interference, which can lead to variations in signal strength—a process commonly referred to as fading. When signals combine at the receiving end, they can either amplify the signal (when in phase) or cancel it out (when out of phase). As a consequence, the overall quality of the received signal can degrade, leading to fluctuations in audio or video quality, reduced data rates, and increased error rates.

This interference aspect highlights why it can negatively impact communication systems, especially in environments where reflections off buildings, terrain, and other surfaces occur frequently, such as urban areas. While some advanced systems may employ techniques to mitigate multipath effects (like diversity schemes), the general impact of multipath propagation is characterized by interference and fading, making it challenging to maintain strong, clear signals.