What frequency range does the S band cover?
The S band covers frequencies from 2-4 gigahertz, as designated by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. It crosses the traditional boundary between the UHF and SHF bands at 3.0 GHz.
Questions about S band
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What is the S band used for in Wi-Fi networks?
The S band carries 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi networks built on the IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g standards, the single largest use of the entire band. These networks are the most widely used computer networks in the world, linking laptops, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs and printers to a wireless router.
How does NASA use the S band for deep space communication?
NASA uses the S band to communicate with many spacecraft near Earth and in interplanetary space, often through the Deep Space Network. The James Webb Space Telescope, launched in 2021, uses 2 GHz S-band signals to send 40 kilobits per second of real time telemetry from near the Sun-Earth L2 point.
When did Sirius XM Radio start using the S band?
The FCC approved Digital Audio Radio Service broadcasting in the S band between 2.31-2.36 GHz in 1995, and Sirius XM Radio has used that allocation ever since.
Why does the S band work well for satellite TV in Indonesia?
Indovision uses the S band, rather than the Ku band most countries rely on, for Direct-to-Home satellite television in Indonesia. S-band frequencies penetrate the atmosphere efficiently, giving high-quality transmissions to small 80 cm antennas even in heavy rainfall, while matching that on Ku or C band would need more power or a larger dish.
What other technologies share the S band besides Wi-Fi?
Besides Wi-Fi, the S band is used by airport surveillance radar, the National NEXRAD weather radar network, cordless phones, Bluetooth headphones, garage door openers, keyless vehicle locks, baby monitors, medical diathermy machines and microwave ovens. It also powers some particle accelerators and amateur radio allocations.