Dispersion-limited operation

Dispersion-limited operation: Operation of a communications link in which signal waveform degradation attributable to the dispersive effects of the communications medium is the dominant mechanism that limits link performance.

Note 1: The amount of allowable degradation is dependent on the quality of the receiver.

Note 2: In fiber optic communications, "dispersion-limited operation" is often confused with "distortion-limited operation."

Source: from Federal Standard 1037C and from MIL-STD-188