Shadowing:

 Definition: Shadowing, also known as log-normal shadowing, refers to the slow,

large-scale variations in signal strength caused by obstacles and variations in the
propagation environment. It is often characterized by a log-normal distribution,
meaning that the variations follow a logarithmic scale.
 Causes: Shadowing is primarily caused by large obstacles such as buildings, hills, or
other structures that block or reflect the radio waves. The obstruction leads to signal
strength variations over relatively long distances.
 Consistency: Unlike fading, shadowing tends to be relatively consistent over time
and is often considered as a constant offset or a slowly varying component in the
signal strength. This makes it suitable for modeling with log-normal distributions.

Fading:

 Definition: Fading refers to the rapid, small-scale variations in signal strength

caused by the constructive and destructive interference of multiple signal paths
(multipath propagation). It occurs over short distances and is characterized by rapid
fluctuations in signal amplitude and phase.
 Causes: Fading is primarily caused by reflections, diffractions, and scattering of
radio waves as they encounter objects or irregularities in the environment. This
results in multiple signal paths arriving at the receiver with varying time delays and
phases.
 Variability: Fading is highly variable and can change rapidly as the receiver or
transmitter moves or as the environment changes. This variability is often modeled
statistically, with common models being Rayleigh fading (for non-line-of-sight
scenarios) or Rician fading (for line-of-sight scenarios with a dominant signal path).

In summary, shadowing refers to the slow and consistent variations in signal strength
caused by large obstacles, while fading refers to the rapid and variable fluctuations in
signal strength caused by multipath propagation. Both shadowing and fading are key
considerations in wireless communication system design and optimization.