Long-distance point-to-point communication

The paper outlines the expansion of the long-distance point-to-point system during the war years and some of the advances in technique which have made for more reliable communication. The expansion of the network maintained by the British Post Office, and the improved techniques introduced into its point-to-point radio systems, are considered representative of the general picture and are discussed, the more detailed discussion of the various advances being left to the supporting papers. The effect of the war on the communication system is outlined, some of the problems and the methods of solution are described, the relative advantages of single-sideband operation are considered, and an analysis is given of the several telegraph systems. The importance of precise frequency control is stressed and the trends in design and performances achieved are quoted. A brief analysis is made of the rhombic and multi-element array, and the aerial-connecting problems experienced both at large transmitting and receiving stations are outlined. Reference is made to the importance of ionospheric data forecasting in the planning and operation of a long-distance network. Finally, an attempt has been made to outline future trends in terms of the world-wide communication network.