Users often want to understand the practical applications for each technology.

The key distinction lies in the operating frequency. transmission lines are highly effective for lower-frequency applications, including the 50/60 Hz alternating current (AC) power that our company's equipment is used to string and maintain. They can also be used for radio frequency (RF) signals up to the microwave range, but they become increasingly lossy at higher frequencies.

Waveguides are specifically engineered for much higher frequencies, typically in the gigahertz (GHz) range (microwaves). At these high frequencies, the signal loss in a conventional transmission line would be prohibitive. Waveguides are the preferred choice for applications like satellite communication, radar systems, and microwave ovens where low-loss, high-frequency signal propagation is critical.