Plain-language answer: Multi-hop propagation reaches long distances through two or more ionospheric returns separated by ground or sea regions.
Why operators care
Every hop adds absorption, reflection loss, geometry, and opportunities for fading, but ocean paths and favorable ionization can remain strong.
What to compare on air
Compare short- and long-path distance, likely hop length, takeoff angle, band, and time; treat the model as a planning explanation.
The common mistake
Assuming each hop has identical height and loss.
Forecast boundary
Space-weather indices and propagation models describe probabilities and regional conditions. A usable contact still depends on the exact path, time, frequency, antenna pattern, noise, power, and current observations.
