Wireless Characteristics

Wireless Access Networks utilize radio frequency (RF) spectrum, which is generally defined as the frequency range of 300 kHz through 300 GHz. This frequency range sits between the electrical equivalent of audible sound and visible light. Audible sound is transmitted as changes in air pressure. Table 6-1 shows the broad classes of frequency definition.

Table 6-1. Broad Classes of Frequency Definitions
  From To
Audible Sound 3 kHz 20 kHz
Radio (RF) 300 kHz 300 GHz
Infrared 300 GHz 1014
Visible Light ~ 8 × 1014 ~ 8 × 1014
Ultraviolet 1015 1017
X-Rays 1015 1022

The lowest frequencies of the RF spectrum do not propagate readily; the highest frequencies behave more like visible light. Higher frequencies, ...

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