Which polarization type is less sensitive to alignment according to radio communication standards?

Circular polarization is considered less sensitive to alignment in radio communication systems due to its unique properties. In circular polarization, the electromagnetic wave propagates in such a way that its electric field rotates in a circular manner as it travels through space. This characteristic allows the wave to maintain its polarization regardless of the orientation of the receiving antenna, providing significant advantages in communication scenarios where equipment may not be perfectly aligned.

This robustness is particularly beneficial in environments where the transmitter and receiver may be in motion or where the signal path may be affected by obstacles or reflections that can alter the orientation of the received signal. In contrast, linear polarization requires that the transmitting and receiving antennas be aligned in the same plane to achieve optimal signal strength, making it more sensitive to variations in alignment.

Elliptical polarization, while also versatile, falls into a category that can be more complex to manage in terms of orientation compared to circular polarization. Vertical polarization, as a type of linear polarization, shares the same alignment sensitivity issues. Therefore, the nature of circular polarization makes it the preferred choice for applications requiring resilience to alignment variations.