Band, Frequency Range

A frequency range is a term widely used in physics and engineering disciplines, particularly in radio engineering. This concept can refer to the operating frequency range of a device, a specific band allocated for broadcasting to a particular radio service, or the division of the entire radio frequency spectrum into bands.

A band is a group of adjacent frequencies. For example, the 2-meter band refers to the group of radio frequencies between 144 MHz and 148 MHz. In VHF radio communication, the following bands are distinguished:
40 MHz, Low Band – includes frequencies from 33 to 48.5 MHz
160 MHz, VHF – includes frequencies from 146 to 174 MHz
400 MHz, UHF – includes frequencies from 400 to 520 MHz

All radio frequencies are conventionally divided into wave bands.

There is a conventional classification of radio frequency bands depending on the wavelength. According to this classification, radio waves include:
- Decametric waves with a wavelength of about 10,000–100,000 km, classified as extremely low frequencies (3–30 Hz).
- Megametric waves (wavelength 1000–10,000 km), frequency range up to 300 Hz.
- Hectokilometric waves (100–1000 km) corresponding to ultra-low frequencies (up to 3000 Hz).
- Very long waves (10–100 km) – very low frequencies (up to 30 kHz).
- Long waves (1–10 km) – low frequencies (up to 300 kHz). Used in radio communication. They propagate well along the Earth's surface but require large antennas.
- Medium waves (100–1000 m) – medium frequencies, up to 3000 kHz. Used in broadcasting and communication. They propagate well along the Earth's surface.
- Short waves with wavelengths of 10–100 m – high frequencies (up to 30 MHz). Used in broadcasting and communication. Propagation is along the Earth's surface, with rapid signal attenuation. Long-distance communication is enabled by ionospheric reflection. 27–28 MHz is a band allocated for amateur radio.
- Ultra-short waves (meter waves) (1–10 m) – very high frequencies (up to 300 MHz). Used in television (12 frequency channels), broadcasting, and communication. Waves propagate within line-of-sight. 143–144 MHz is allocated for amateur radio.
- Decimeter waves (10–100 cm) – ultra-high frequencies, up to 3000 MHz. Used in television (470–622 MHz), radio communication, mobile networks, radio stations, and microwave ovens.
- Centimeter waves (1–10 cm) – super-high frequencies (up to 30 GHz). Used in radar, satellite TV, radio communication, wireless networks, and satellite navigation.
- Millimeter waves (1–10 mm) – extremely high frequencies (up to 300 GHz). Used in radio astronomy, high-speed microwave links, weather radars, and medicine.
- Decimillimeter waves (GWH – Gigahertz Waves) – 300–3000 GHz, belonging to the so-called hyper-high frequency range. The properties of this range are still under research.

The most common frequency bands used in mobile communication systems are the 50 MHz band (emergency medical services), the 160 MHz band (police, energy sector, oil industry), the 300 MHz band (maritime and river transport communication), and the 450 MHz band. Separately, the 900–1800 MHz frequency range is allocated for mobile networks.

Radio Frequency Band