What is the EIRP power output of an 802.11 WLAN transmitter emitting a 50mW signal connected to a cable with 3dB of loss and an antenna with 16 dBi of gain?

To determine the Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) of the given 802.11 WLAN transmitter, we need to consider the transmitter's output power, the losses incurred in the cable, and the gain provided by the antenna.

The EIRP can be calculated using the formula:

EIRP (dBm) = Transmitter power (dBm) + Antenna gain (dBi) - Cable loss (dB)

First, we start with the transmitter output power. The signal is given as 50 mW. To convert milliwatts to dBm, use the formula:

Power (dBm) = 10 * log10(Power in mW)

So: 50 mW = 10 * log10(50) ≈ 17 dBm

Next, we incorporate the antenna gain. The antenna has a gain of 16 dBi, which we express as is:

Antenna gain = +16 dBi

Next, we consider the cable loss of 3 dB. Losses are subtracted in this formula:

Cable loss = -3 dB

Now, we can plug these values into the EIRP calculation:

EIRP (dBm) = 17