Kuband

Kuband, commonly written as Ku-band, refers to a portion of the microwave spectrum used for satellite communications and broadcasting. It is defined by ITU allocations and is widely used around the world for satellite television and two-way data services. In many regions, the band roughly spans 12 to 18 GHz, with typical uplink around 14 GHz and downlink around 11 to 12 GHz; exact frequencies vary by region and operator.

The Ku-band supports transponder-based communication via geostationary satellites. Ground terminals consist of an antenna, a feed and polarization system, and a receiver chain that includes a low-noise block downconverter (LNB) for downlink reception. On the uplink side, equipment such as a block upconverter (BUC), power amplifier, and modem are used to transmit to the satellite. The frequency separation between uplink and downlink enables simultaneous two-way communication.

Advantages of Ku-band include relatively small dish sizes, enabling lower ground system costs and easier deployment for direct-to-home television and enterprise networks. Its higher frequency, however, makes the link more susceptible to rain fade and atmospheric attenuation compared with lower-frequency bands such as C-band, particularly in heavy rain regions. This sensitivity is a key consideration in system design and site selection.

Common applications include direct-to-home (DTH) satellite television, enterprise and maritime VSAT networks, and certain satellite Internet services. The Ku-band remains a major workhorse for mid-frequency satellite services, balancing cost, antenna size, and performance.