Communication frequency bands

1. COMMUNICATION BANDS

2. L – BAND (1-2GHz)
• L band is used in many radar, satellite, and terrestrial
communications applications.
• L band has a low bandwidth due to its low-frequency range and
hence is not suitable for streaming applications like video, voice,
and broadband connectivity
• All GPS signals are in the L-band of the frequency spectrum.
• Because L-band waves penetrate clouds, fog, rain, storms, and
vegetation, GPS units can receive accurate data in all weather
conditions, day or night.
• L band is the least expensive and easiest to implement when
compared to other higher frequency ranges

3. • L band is used for maritime communication systems including
navigation and distress signaling.
• Weather radar systems often operate in L band to track precipitation
and weather patterns.
• Some radio astronomy observations are conducted in the L band to
study celestial objects and phenomena.
• It is used for aviation communication including air traffic control
(ATC) and aircraft-to-aircraft communication

4. S – BAND (2- 4GHz)
• The S-band is mainly used for radar systems such as surface ship
radar, weather radar, and various communication satellites, like
those used by NASA for communicating with the International
Space Station and the Space Shuttle.
• The main use for this band is for radar and communication.
• It is specially optimized for two-way communication and content
delivery for small devices such as mobile terminals, vehicular
terminals and handhelds, hence its use for satellite communication,
especially in scenarios that need clarity and quick response.

5. • S band radar provides more accurate data due to their relatively
smaller wavelengths which is used for weather forecasting and air
traffic control (ATC).
• S band systems are known for their reliability and resistance to
signal interference which makes them suitable for critical
applications in aviation and maritime industries.
• S-band frequencies can be affected by rain attenuation, particularly
in heavy rainfall areas. This may require additional mitigation
measures for reliable communication

6. C BAND(4-8GHz)
• The C-Band is mainly used in satellite communication between
Ground station and satellite. Frequencies from 5.925 to 6.425 GHz
are used for uplink direction and frequencies from 3.7 to 4.2 GHz
are used for downlink direction. Here Uplink refers to ground
station to satellite and downlink refers to satellite to ground station.
• It has less interference from heavy rain fading.
• C-band signals penetrate through many kilometers of precipitation
with far less loss than higher frequency signals, while supporting
high data rates.

7. • Very small aperture terminal (VSAT) data links such as bank
transactions or corporate networks; distribution of television
programs; mobile-satellite service feeder links, and emergency
links, including disaster recovery services and meteorological
tracking. These services require the high reliability and broad
geographic coverage that can only be delivered in the C-band.
• C-band has the potential to be a key element of 5G because
the frequency can cover wide distances and has expected peak
data rates between 600 Mbps and 900 Mbps.

8. KU BAND