What is the basic principle of Wireless and what are Spectrum, Bandwidth, Frequency?

RAN
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1

Hi all,

A simple question, in simple words: what is the basic principle of Wireless and what are Spectrum, Bandwidth, Frequency?

2

Wireless – message travelling through the air.

3

The basics:

  • *Wireless: Is the ability to send the data using radio frequency by changing one or more of the characteristics of the signal (modulation). This modulation happens by combining the basic signal (baseband) with a carrier (usual high frequency signal).

  • Spectrum: Is the medium that’s been used to traverse this signal, typically the frequency range (since we’re all dealing with frequency variations) that’s available for that device (set of devices) to exchange data.

  • Bandwidth: It’s a portion of the Spectrum usually predetermined among all the devices interacting in this area (set of frequencies). This is important, to prevent signal overlapping (aka interference). This one is an invaluable resource, cuz everyone tries to operate thier devices in some (well know frequencies that have the best performance and cheaper devices desing in terms of frequency chips/HW). So, a govering entity is required to manage who takes what.

  • Frequency: It’s the alternating of the wave (any wave actually, or typically any moving object in a harmonic manner); how many cycles per second is the frequency, 1/s = Hz. Typically it’s the opposite to the periodical time.

I hope that makes sense.