Microwaves in Computer Networks

Data transfer speed and reliability are two main contexts of the realm of computer networks. In the modern days, microwave connectivity medium has gained popularity for its blazing fast data transmission capability and reliability. Microwaves are nothing but a special type of electromagnetic spectrum. Microwaves are used in various computer applications and their integration with computer networks. In this article we will discuss various facts about microwaves.

What is a Microwave?

Microwaves are a special kind of electronic spectrum in which wavelengths falls between radio waves and infrared radiation. Alternatively we can say that, the electronic spectrums whose wavelength range is one millimeter (mm) to 30 centimeters (cm) and corresponding frequency range is about 1 gigahertz (GHz) to 300 gigahertz (GHz), are called Microwaves. Microwaves can be generated by using klystron tubes, magnetrons and solid-state microwave oscillators etc.

What is Microwave Communication?

When data transmission, voice, and video streaming occurs via electromagnetic waves(range of frequency 1 GHz to 300 GHz) is called Microwave communication. This communication system can be used for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint communication. This communication technique works over short to medium distances. The connection between the sender and receiver side’s microwave antenna can be called a microwave link.

What is Line of Sight (LOS) and Fresnel Zone?

Microwave communication can be disrupted by large objects like buildings, towers or hills etc. The Line of Sight refers to an unobstructed straightforward transmission path between the transmitting and receiving antennas. The concept of LOS is required for smooth microwave communication. And the elliptical zone around this LOS path between two microwave antennas is called Fresnel zone. For effective connectivity the Fresnel zone should be cleared.

Types of Microwaves

There are different kinds of microwaves are available as per requirements which are listed below:

• C-Band Microwaves: Its frequency range is 4.0 GHz-8.0 GHz. This band is used for long distance point-to-point and satellite communication because It provides resistance to rain attenuation.
• X-Band Microwaves: Its frequency range is 8.0 GHz-12.0 GHz. It has an exceptional use in radar system, miliary communication system and special satellite applications.
• Ku-Band Microwaves: Its frequency range is 12.0 GHz-18.0 GHz. It is also used for satellite communication which involves broadcasting and data transmission.
• Ka-Band Microwaves: Its frequency range is 26.5 GHz-40.0 GHz. It is used in satellite communications and broadband internet services. It provides high-speed data transmission.
• V-Band Microwaves (Millimeter Waves): Frequency range of V-Band Microwaves is 40.0 GHz-75.0 GHz. This band is basically used in 5G communication. V-Band Microwaves works within short distance but has high-capacity of data transmission.
• E-Band Microwaves (Millimeter Waves): Frequency range of E-Band Microwaves is 60.0 GHz-90.0 GHz. E-Band Microwaves is used in wireless networks in urban and metropolitan areas. It is also used in 5G Networks.

Other than these six types of microwaves there are more high frequency ranges of W-band(75.0 GHz-110.0 GHz) and D-Band(110.0 GHz-170.0 GHz) Microwaves. These bands are used in scientific research and application like spectroscopy etc.

FAQs on Microwaves

1. What do you mean by Relay stations?

For large-scale microwave networks where long-range connectivity is required, the relay or hop stations play a crucial role by receiving the signal from the sender side and re-transmit it to the actual receiver side.

2. What is multipath fading problem associated with microwave communications?

Microwave signal strength can be degraded if it follows multiple paths due to reflection and refraction. This degradation of signal strength is called multipath fading. This results in signal interference and degradation. Some counter techniques like diversity reception can be used to reduce multipath fading.

3. What do you mean by Microwave Backhaul?

This is common technology in microwave communication which enables high-speed data transfer and network expansion. This application can be created in cellular networks by using microwave links to connect cell towers to the core network.

4. Why modulation techniques are used in microwave communication? Give two example of them.

By default, microwaves can’t carry digital information, so we need to modulate microwaves. Example: Phase-Shift Keying (PSK) and Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM).