Frequency bands are specific ranges of frequencies within the electromagnetic spectrum that are used for different types of communication and signal transmission. Each band represents a portion of the spectrum measured in hertz (Hz) and is allocated for particular applications such as radio broadcasting, television signals, mobile communications, radar, and satellite links. The separation of frequencies into bands helps reduce interference between systems and allows efficient management of the spectrum by regulatory authorities. Each band has unique propagation characteristics, some can travel long distances and penetrate obstacles, while others support higher data rates over shorter ranges.
Frequency Bands | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Frequency Range | Wavelength (Meters) | Application |
| Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) | 3-30 Hz | 10,000-100,000 km | Underwater Communication |
| Super Low Frequency (SLF) | 30-300 Hz | 1,000-10,000 km | AC Power (though not a transmitted wave) |
| Ultra Low Frequency (ULF) | 300-3000 Hz | 100-1,000 km | |
| Very Low Frequency (VLF) | 3-30 kHz | 10-100 km | Navigational Beacons |
| Low Frequency (LF) | 30-300 kHz | 1-10 km | AM Radio |
| Medium Frequency (MF) | 300-3000 kHz | 100-1,000 m | Aviation and AM Radio |
| High Frequency (HF) | 3-30 MHz | 10-100 m | Shortwave Radio |
| Very High Frequency (VHF) | 30-300 MHz | 1-10 m | FM Radio |
| Ultra High Frequency (UHF) | 300-3000 MHz | 10-100 cm | Television, Mobile Phones, GPS |
| Super High Frequency (SHF) | 3-30 GHz | 1-10 cm | Satellite Links, 5-7GHz WIFI, UWB |
| Extremely High Frequency (EHF) | 30-300 GHz | 1-10 mm | Astronomy, Vehicle Radar, mmWave 5G |
| Visible Spectrum | 400-790 THz (4*10^14-7.9*10^14) | 380-750 nm (nanometers) | Human Eye |
