narrowbandwidth

Narrowbandwidth refers to a communication system or signal that occupies a very limited range of frequencies. This contrasts with broadband systems, which use a wide range of frequencies. Narrowband communication is often employed when efficiency and simplicity are prioritized over high data transfer rates.

In telecommunications, narrowband channels are typically used for voice communications, such as traditional telephone lines or walkie-talkies. These systems transmit information within a specific, restricted frequency band, which allows for more channels to be packed into a given spectrum. This makes them efficient for transmitting relatively small amounts of data or for applications where latency is less critical than spectral efficiency.

The advantages of narrowband include lower power consumption, simpler hardware, and reduced susceptibility to interference from signals outside the designated narrow band. However, the limited bandwidth restricts the amount of data that can be transmitted per unit of time, making it unsuitable for high-speed internet access or video streaming. Examples of narrowband applications include telemetry, some industrial control systems, and certain types of sensor networks. The concept is fundamental to radio frequency engineering and spectrum management.