Radiating antenna near/far field distribution and region boundaries

Among wireless system designers and practitioners there exists a degree of confusion concerning the definitions, constraints, and numerical values related to the transition between and boundaries of antennas' near and far diffraction regions. This work provides a critical review of popular misconceptions regarding this problem, investigates important physical and mathematical issues behind their origins, and outlines the directions towards necessary improvements. it is proposed to develop a two-tier set of recommendations and definitions that feature the general purpose basic standards and the derivative from them specific standards addressing the use of the near region fields in modern technical applications.