When using a directional antenna, how might your station be able to communicate with a distant repeater if buildings or obstructions are blocking the direct line of sight path?

When communicating using a directional antenna, overcoming obstacles such as buildings or other obstructions that block a direct line of sight to a distant repeater can often be achieved through signal reflection. Reflected signals can reach your antenna even if the direct path is not accessible due to physical barriers. By positioning the antenna or adjusting the angle of transmission, the signal may bounce off adjacent structures or natural features, allowing it to make its way to the repeater.

This technique is particularly valuable in urban environments where direct communication paths are frequently obstructed. The effectiveness of this approach can depend on the specific characteristics of the surroundings; certain surfaces reflect signals better than others, which means experimentation may be necessary to find the best reflectors in your area.

Considering the other options, changing the polarization may not significantly aid in establishing communication in this situation, as the physical barrier remains. Trying the long path could be a feasible strategy, but it may not guarantee a successful connection due to distance and other factors. Increasing the antenna's standing wave ratio (SWR) does not enhance communication capability and could negatively impact performance, as it's an indicator of mismatched impedance and could lead to signal loss rather than improved transmission.