FREQUENCY BANDS

FREQUENCY BANDS

There are four radio frequency bands that communication and military satellites operate within:

C band - uplink 5.925-6.425 GHz; downlink 3.7-4.2 GHz

The C band is primarily used for voice and data communications as well as backhauling. Because of its weaker power it requires a larger antenna, usually above 1.8m (6ft). However, due to the lower frequency range, it performs better under adverse weather conditions on the ground.

X band - uplink 7.9- 8.4 GHz; downlink 7.25 – 7.75 GHz

The X band is used mainly for military communications and Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) systems. With relatively few satellites in orbit in this band, there is a wider separation between

adjacent satellites, making it ideal for Comms-on-the Move (COTM) applications. This band is less susceptible to rain fade than the Ku Band due to the lower frequency range, resulting in a higher performance level under adverse weather conditions.

Ku band- uplink 14 GHz; downlink 10.9-12.75 GHz

Ku band is used typically for consumer direct-to-home access, distance learning applications, retail and enterprise connectivity. The antenna sizes, ranging from 0.9m -1.2m (~3ft), are much smaller than C band because the higher frequency means that higher gain can be achieved with small antenna sizes than C-band. Networks in this band are more susceptible to rain fade, especially in tropical areas.

Ka band - uplink 26.5-40GHz; downlink 18-20 GHz

The Ka band is primarily used for two-way consumer broadband and military networks. Ka band dishes can be much smaller and typically range from 60cm-1.2m (2' to 4') in diameter. Transmission power is much greater compared to the C, X or Ku band beams. Due to the higher frequencies of this band, it can be more vulnerable to signal quality problems caused by rain fade.