Abstract. We investigate whether or not conventional transmission line theory needs to be modified if transmission lines are considered that are located in a cavity rather than in free space. Our analysis is based on coupled Pocklington's equations that can be reduced to integral equations for the antenna mode and the transmission line mode. Under the usual assumptions of conventional transmission line theory these modes do approximately decouple within a cavity. As a result, cavity properties will primarily influence the antenna mode but not the transmission line mode.