The two major classes/types of microwave radiation used in communication systems are:
Microwave Frequencies: These refer to the range of frequencies between 300 MHz (megahertz) and 300 GHz (gigahertz). Microwave frequencies are commonly used in various communication applications, including satellite communication, microwave radio transmission, wireless local area networks (WLANs), and microwave-based point-to-point communication systems. These frequencies offer advantages such as high data transmission rates, wide bandwidth, and the ability to transmit signals over long distances.
Millimeter Waves: Millimeter waves, also known as extremely high frequency (EHF) waves, are a subset of microwave frequencies. They have wavelengths in the millimeter range, typically between 30 GHz and 300 GHz. Millimeter waves are used in communication systems for applications like wireless data transmission, radar systems, and next-generation wireless networks (5G and beyond). They offer high bandwidth capabilities, enabling the transmission of large amounts of data over short distances and facilitating faster communication speeds.
Both microwave frequencies and millimeter waves play crucial roles in modern communication systems, supporting various wireless technologies and enabling the transfer of voice, data, and multimedia content.