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Narrowband vs. Broadband Channels

Key Takeaways

  • Bandwidth represents the range of frequencies used in communication. 

  • Based on the size of the frequency band, there are two classifications: narrowband and broadband.

  • Narrowband signals cover only a small fraction of the frequency spectrum, whereas broadband signals occupy a fairly large portion.

 narrowband vs. broadband

In the communication industry, we often discuss frequency and bandwidth, as they are closely related to the performance of the system. For example, uplink and downlink frequencies and their bandwidth are crucial in satellite communications. With greater bandwidth, the throughput, spectrum efficiency, performance, etc. of the satellite communication system increases.

Bandwidth represents the range of frequencies used in communication. If you are operating a data transmission in the L band, which is of frequency 1-2 GHz, then the bandwidth is 1 GHz. The higher the bandwidth, the higher the data transfer rate of the communication system.

Based on the size of the frequency band, there are two classifications of bandwidth: narrowband and broadband. Let’s look at these two bandwidths and differentiate between them.

Narrowband vs. Broadband

Narrowband

Broadband

The frequency range where the gain remains constant

The frequency response is not flat like that in narrowband communication

Narrow bandwidth or narrow frequency range

Broader bandwidth or frequency range

The band should be lower than the coherence bandwidth

Broadband exceeds coherence bandwidth

Suitable for low-power, reliable, short-range communication

Ideal for communication systems requiring higher data transfer rates and long-range

Transmit power is high

Transmit power is less

Example Time: Narrowband vs. Broadband for Internet Connectivity

Dial-up and digital subscriber line internet connectivity are examples of narrowband and broadband applications, respectively. The following table compares the two in the context of narrowband vs. broadband communication.

Dial-Up Internet Connection

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Internet Connection

Narrowband internet connectivity

Broadband internet connectivity

Established in the computer using a modern attached to the telephone lines

DSL uses telephone lines but uses higher frequencies that allow faster data transmission through the same telephone lines

Low data speed (less than 56kps)

Higher data speed (minimum speed of 10-20 Mbps)

Experiences lag when downloading large files

Minimal lag when downloading large files, seamless gaming, and HD video streaming possible

Internet is available only when the phone is not in use

Internet is available even when the phone is in use (splitting frequencies to multiple channels)

Comparatively high network congestion

Minimal network congestion

Parametric Comparison

Parameter

Narrowband

Broadband

Transmit power efficiency

High

Low

Frequency accuracy

Good

Even better than narrowband

Noise and interference

Affects the signals

Low noise and not an issue

Infrastructure

Good, as the narrowband is used for short-range communication

Infrastructure to be established widely

Bandwidth efficiency

Very high

Low

Range

Short

Long

Data transfer rate

Low

High

Coverage

Narrow coverage

Wide coverage

Security

Highly secured

Highly secured

Environmental penetration

High penetration

Low penetration

Narrowband Channels vs. Broadband Channels

Spectrum: Narrowband signals cover only a small fraction of the frequency spectrum, whereas broadband signals occupy a fairly large portion.

Signal power: In narrowband channels, the transmit signal power required is low due to the vectorial addition of the paths. Broadband signals are subject to the algebraic addition of these paths and demand higher signal power.

Complexity: Narrowband channels are less complex compared to broadband channels.

Location: As the operation power requirements are less, narrowband systems are suitable for a fixed location and shorter-range applications, whereas broadband channels are used for long-range applications.

Amount of data: Narrowband channels have limitations in data, voice, and video transfer, whereas broadband channels carry huge amounts of data.

Mobile application: Narrowband receiver capability is impacted by the movement of the transmitter or receiver. In broadband communications, the mobility of the transmitter or receiver does not affect channel communications.

Channel noise: In narrowband channels, effective filtering is used to mitigate interferences outside the bandwidth as well as noise. Broadband channels limit the noise and interference outside the bandwidth using complex filters.

Signal-to-noise ratio: Narrowband channels do not require many filters compared to broadband channels to achieve a good signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio and signal-to-interference ratio.

Channel-to-channel interference: As the transmitted energy is concentrated to a narrow portion of the frequency spectrum, good channel-to-channel isolation is present in narrowband communication (more so than broadband).

Narrowband channels pass spectral components with the same gain or phase. This results in flat fading in the channel. Narrowband channels are also known as flat fading channels due to uniform fading. Even if more frequencies are added to narrowband channels, the uniform fading continues and no benefit is gained from the modification. Comparing narrowband vs. broadband channels, the latter is capable of selective fading and fading of different frequencies impacting different channels. 

Developing Narrowband and Broadband Systems With Cadence Tools

Cadence’s suite of design and analysis tools can help you in the design and development of narrowband and broadband systems with high SNR, high efficiency, and excellent performance. Leading electronics providers rely on Cadence products to optimize power, space, and energy needs for a wide variety of market applications. If you’re looking to learn more about our innovative solutions, talk to our team of experts or subscribe to our YouTube channel.