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Utilizing micro wave powered communication systems
Communication systems using microwaves have a range between 300 Megahertz and 30 Gigahertz which makes them effective for use with both satellite and earthbound systems of communication. These systems can be mobile or fixed by nature making them flexible, and therefore can be used for numerous functions.
One of the techniques used for communication using microwaves are so called point to point systems where central antennas are placed at a high location, such as a large tower. This is necessary to obtain a clear signal, not obstructed by other buildings. Systems like described here are used for all kinds of communication systems short and long term. Point to point systems are currently the most popular in use.
These types of systems can be used to transfer speech and data making them suitable for computers, phones and many other applications. The most well known usage of communication systems using microwaves, are cellular phones and wireless devices. In the beginning analog modulation techniques were used, these have since long been replaced with digital modulation in order to gain a greater capacity and more reliable performance.
In most countries of the world microwave based systems are also used by many healthcare and government branches, like hospitals, police and fire departments. In order to ensure the important tasks of these organizations can be performed and be reliable certain rules are in place for utilizing microwave powered communication systems.
Standards
As stated, in order to ensure reliability, certain standards are set for using this type of system. In the United States there are two organizations with regulative power for ensuring proper usage of microwave powered communication systems.
United States radio channels are controlled by the FCC for commercial usage and the NTIA for systems that are used by the many government organizations, like police, fire departments and hospitals.
Rules enforced by the FCC are put in place in order to ensure no interference to critical systems using microwaves as a means for communication. They are also there to promote effective usage of the available bandwidth. Therefore limits on power usage, frequency range and emission limits have been put in place.
Recommendations for use of national frequencies are made by The International Telecommunications Union Radio Committee. Though this organization has no power to enforce its recommendations, the ones they make are usually adopted and are currently used as standards for utilizing microwave powered communication systems all across the world.
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