 - These terms should not be confused with downstream and upstream.
In satellite telecommunication, a downlink is the link from a satellite down to one or more ground stations or receivers, and an uplink is the link from a ground station up to a satellite. Some companies sell uplink and downlink services to television stations, corporations, and to other telecommunication carriers. A company can specialize in providing uplinks, downlinks, or both.
The following table shows the main frequency bands used for satellite links.
| Frequency Band | Downlink | Uplink |
|---|
| C | 3,700-4,200 MHz | 5,925-6,425 MHz |
| Ku | 11.7-12.2 GHz | 14.0-14.5 GHz |
| Ka | 17.7-21.2 GHz | 27.5-31.0 GHz |
The C band is the most frequently used. The Ka and Ku bands are reserved exclusively for satellite communication but are subject to rain attenuation. Some satellites carry transponders for both C and Ku bands.
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Learn more about WiMax, 3G and Wireless Broadband |
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| 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G: 3G wireless overview and history lesson. |
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| Mobile and Wireless Protocols: This Mobile and Wireless Protocols Guide explains the various mobile protocols and offers tips and advice for selecting and using them in your organization. |
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| Using 3G phones for laptop Internet access: Learn how to use a 3G phone for laptop Internet access. |
| CDMA2000: A 3G mobile technology: CDMA2000 is a 3G mobile technology that includes 1xRTT, EV-DO Rev 0, EV-DO Rev A and EV-DO Rev B, and it competes with GSM technologies. |
| CDMA technology: An understanding of CDMA technology is critical for mobile managers when they are trying to select the best cellular solution for their enterprise mobile strategy. |
| Mobile Radio Systems: This chapter is an intro to the various mobile radio systems. It provides a foundation for comparing competing mobile radio access systems for supporting mobile broadband services. |
| WiMAX tutorial: This tutorial explains WiMAX technology, applications and terminology. It also provides an overview of WiMAX services, performance, security and devices. |
| Smartphone user review: Apple iPhone 3G: After much anticipation, Apple released its updated iPhone on Friday, offering a device that operates on a 3G network. |
| LAST UPDATED: |
28 May 2007
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