Signal loss in cables and connectors from the radio to the antenna. Typically 0.5-3 dB.
dB
Distance between transmitter and receiver.
Operating frequency in MHz. Common: 2400, 5200, 5800, 24000 (24 GHz), 60000 (60 GHz).
MHz
Receive antenna gain in dBi.
dBi
Signal loss in cables and connectors on the receive side.
dB
Extra margin above receiver sensitivity to account for fading, weather, and multipath. Typically 10-20 dB for reliable links.
dB
Minimum signal the receiver can decode. Typical: -75 to -90 dBm depending on modulation and data rate.
dBm
Link Budget Results
EIRP (TX Power + TX Gain - TX Loss)dBm
Free Space Path LossdB
Received Signal StrengthdBm
Link Margin (above sensitivity)dB
Margin After Fade ReservedB
Link Viability
References: Link Budget: Received Power = TX Power + TX Gain - TX Loss - FSPL + RX Gain - RX Loss. FSPL(dB) = 20*log10(d_km) + 20*log10(f_MHz) + 32.44. ITU-R P.530 for fade margin recommendations.