diff --git a/_images/2.4ghz.png b/_images/2.4ghz.png index c714b99..5c7e31b 100644 Binary files a/_images/2.4ghz.png and b/_images/2.4ghz.png differ diff --git a/_images/3.4ghz.png b/_images/3.4ghz.png index 7360994..d10ebb6 100644 Binary files a/_images/3.4ghz.png and b/_images/3.4ghz.png differ diff --git a/_images/5.8ghz.png b/_images/5.8ghz.png index 668c22b..ab55e05 100644 Binary files a/_images/5.8ghz.png and b/_images/5.8ghz.png differ diff --git a/_images/900mhz.png b/_images/900mhz.png index 4c18f1f..62a8c16 100644 Binary files a/_images/900mhz.png and b/_images/900mhz.png differ diff --git a/_images/AREDN-bands.png b/_images/AREDN-bands.png index 43b5715..7c58753 100644 Binary files a/_images/AREDN-bands.png and b/_images/AREDN-bands.png differ diff --git a/appendix/freq_charts.rst b/appendix/freq_charts.rst index e4e8cbe..cca2837 100644 --- a/appendix/freq_charts.rst +++ b/appendix/freq_charts.rst @@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ Frequencies and Channels ======================== -The frequencies and channels that are available for AREDN |trade| networking are shown in the diagram below. +Example US frequencies and channels that are available for AREDN |trade| networking are shown in the diagram below. .. image:: ../_images/AREDN-bands.png :alt: AREDN bands and channels diff --git a/arednNetworkDesign/frequency_bands.rst b/arednNetworkDesign/frequency_bands.rst index e2a5036..94cbfe4 100644 --- a/arednNetworkDesign/frequency_bands.rst +++ b/arednNetworkDesign/frequency_bands.rst @@ -2,7 +2,9 @@ Radio Spectrum Characteristics ============================== -AREDN |trade| networks operate in the microwave radio spectrum, and licensed amateur radio operators have unique access to some of these frequencies. For bands in which amateur operators share the spectrum, there is an increased chance for RF interference which may make some frequencies unusable for AREDN |trade| data networking. For best results, select frequencies that are not being heavily used within the coverage area. +AREDN |trade| networks operate in the microwave radio spectrum, and licensed amateur radio operators have unique access to some of these frequencies. For bands in which amateur operators share the spectrum, there is more chance for RF interference which may make some frequencies unusable for AREDN |trade| data networking. For best results, select frequencies that are not being heavily used within the coverage area. + +.. caution:: **You are responsible for using frequencies, channels, bandwidths, and power levels that comply with your country's amateur radio license requirements.** Each band is divided into channels, each of which consists of a 5 MHz frequency offset identified by the center frequency of the channel and assigned a numerical label. In the example below you can see that a selected channel may use more or less of the frequency range based on the chosen channel width. The wider the channel, the more overlap there will be with adjacent channels. Wide channels have the effect of reducing the number of non-overlapping or non-interfering channels that will be available for use. When selecting channels and widths, be sure to use non-overlapping channels. Devices using channels or channel widths that overlap will interfere with one another and cannot communicate to coordinate the sharing of bandwidth. @@ -10,22 +12,22 @@ Each band is divided into channels, each of which consists of a 5 MHz frequency :alt: Channel Width Example :align: center -Some or all of the bands shown below are shared with other FCC authorized users. For example, all of the upper channels on the 13 cm band are shared with standard FCC Part 15 :abbr:`WiFi (IEEE 802.11x)` users. The following table lists each amateur radio band, frequency range, and the number of channels that are available for AREDN |trade| networking. +Some or all of the bands shown below are shared with other authorized users. For example, all of the upper channels on the 13 cm band are shared with standard FCC Part 15 :abbr:`WiFi (IEEE 802.11x)` users in the US. The following table shows examples of the amateur radio bands, frequency ranges, and number of channels that are available for AREDN |trade| networking in the US. ======= ================= ======== Band Frequency Range Channels ======= ================= ======== 33 cm 902-928 MHz 4 13 cm 2390-2450 MHz 13 -9 cm 3300-3500 MHz 24 -5 cm 5650-5925 MHz 54 +9 cm 3300-3445 MHz 14 +5 cm 5650-5925 MHz 54 ======= ================= ======== The choice of a frequency band for AREDN |trade| networking depends on several different factors, but you can "mix and match" bands in your network design as long as both sides of a radio link use the same band, channel, and channel width. You have the option of selecting the channel width for each link. When using channels at the top or bottom of a band, be certain that your chosen width will not transmit outside of the FCC Part 97 allocation for that band. Different channel widths may yield better throughput than others. In some areas operators use different channels to isolate links, so they may need to use 10 MHz rather than 20 MHz channels in order to ensure they have enough available channels. Also, long distance links simply have better performance using 10 MHz vs. 20 MHz or 5 MHz channel widths. Test the performance of your links using various channel widths to ensure that they are optimized. -Some of the advantages and disadvantages of each frequency range are explained in the sections below. +Some of the advantages and disadvantages of each frequency range are explained in the sections below which give examples of frequencies that are available to amateur radio operators in the US. 900 MHz Characteristics ----------------------- @@ -39,6 +41,8 @@ Disadvantages :alt: 900 MHz Band :align: center +| + Advantages The advantage of this frequency band is that its longer wavelength makes it better suited for penetrating some types of obstructions and foliage which would normally block signals at higher frequencies. Its :abbr:`NLOS (Non Line of Sight)` propagation characteristics may be exactly what is needed in order to establish an RF link between two difficult locations. @@ -54,6 +58,8 @@ Disadvantages :alt: 2.4 GHz Band :align: center +| + Advantages Within the available frequency range you have the option of selecting channel widths of either 5, 10, or 20 MHz. A larger channel width will provide higher data rates. However, one effect of reducing the channel width is to increase the :abbr:`SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio)` to improve signal quality. For example, changing from a 20 MHz to a 10 MHz channel width will result in a 3 dB signal gain and could make the difference between a marginal link and a usable one. Just remember that when you cut the channel width in half you are also reducing your maximum throughput by half. Carefully test your links to ensure optimal performance. @@ -71,8 +77,10 @@ Disadvantages :alt: 3.4 GHz Band :align: center +| + Advantages - The main advantage for using the 9 cm band is that it has more available bandwidth for use in unshared channels than any other band. You can select channel widths of 5, 10, or 20 MHz, with larger channel widths providing higher data rates. Remember that reducing the channel width will increase the SNR to improve signal quality if that is an issue for a particular link. Equipment in the 9 cm band is well-suited for *Backbone Links* since there is little possibility for interference from other devices sharing these frequencies at tower sites. With clear line of sight and well-tuned antennas, 3.4 GHz signals can propagate across very long distances. + The main advantage for using the 9 cm band is that it has more available bandwidth for use in unshared channels than any other band. You can select channel widths of 5, 10, or 20 MHz, with larger channel widths providing higher data rates. Remember that reducing the channel width will increase the SNR to improve signal quality if that is an issue for a particular link. Equipment in the 9 cm band is well-suited for *Backbone Links* since there is less possibility for interference from other devices sharing these frequencies at tower sites. With clear line of sight and well-tuned antennas, 3.4 GHz signals can propagate across very long distances. 5.8 GHz Characteristics ----------------------- @@ -84,9 +92,13 @@ Disadvantages :alt: 5.8 GHz Band :align: center +| + Advantages One advantage for using the 5 cm band is that it contains 54 channels, and many of them may be under-utilized with less chance of interference. You can choose channel widths of 5, 10, or 20 MHz, with larger channel widths providing higher data rates. Remember that reducing the channel width will increase the :abbr:`SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio)` to improve signal quality if that is an issue for a problem link. The radio equipment and antenna systems for this band are readily available and are less expensive due to greater consumer demand. There is a wide variety of equipment from several manufacturers which supports the AREDN |trade| firmware and operates across the 54 available channels. Radio and antenna systems for this band which are similar in size to those for other bands will often have higher gain. Devices in the 5 cm band are also well-suited for *Backbone Links* since there is little chance for RF interference from other radios sharing these frequencies at high profile sites. With clear line of sight and well-tuned antennas, 5.8 GHz signals can propagate across very long distances. +---------- + Different frequency ranges are available to connect the mesh nodes that are required in order to fulfill the purposes for your network. As you plan the frequencies to be deployed at specific locations, it may be helpful to use a *spectrum analyzer* for identifying ranges that are already in use. The ultimate goal is to have a reliable data network that accomplishes its purpose for providing services to the intended destinations and users.