What is the main disadvantage of using microwave signals for communication?

Using microwave signals for communication indeed has the significant disadvantage of being affected by weather conditions. Microwaves can encounter problems such as attenuation due to rain, fog, and snow, which can disrupt the clarity and strength of the signal. This sensitivity to atmospheric conditions means that environmental factors can significantly impact the reliability of communication over microwave paths.

While it is true that microwaves travel in straight lines, which can limit their coverage and means they require unobstructed paths between transmitters and receivers, this characteristic is not inherently a disadvantage but rather a typical property of line-of-sight communication. Similarly, while there may be considerations around bandwidth, microwaves can actually provide substantial bandwidth compared to other radio frequency bands. The most pronounced disadvantage remains the influence of weather on signal integrity, which directly affects the communication quality and reliability.