Whether you’re looking for home internet providers or new radios, you’ve probably come upon the terms “narrowband” and “broadband”.
It may not seem like a big deal which one you choose for your home internet or radio communication, but the difference between narrowband and wideband is significant and will affect how you communicate and get your internet.
Below, we’ll focus on narrowband vs broadband communication and how it relates to radio communication specifically. We promise understanding these concepts isn’t as intimidating as they might seem!
Broadband
Broadband, also called wideband, accesses a broader portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that we use to communicate via radio or get our internet via Wi-Fi. More is better right, right? The truth is, while this does result in distinct benefits, it also comes with its unique challenges.
One advantage of broadband – as the name suggests – is the higher bandwidth, enabling faster communication.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows with a broader spectrum because it poses challenges in sending and detecting signals. As the signal’s energy is distributed across the spectrum width, the signal also becomes weaker amidst increasing wideband noise.
Examples of wideband communication are everywhere in our daily lives, wireless networks like Wi-Fi and LTE, showcase this omnipresent technology.
Narrowband
Just as broadband uses a wider frequency range, narrowband communication operates within a narrower frequency range. This approach is slower but offers distinct advantages you just can’t get with broadband. The use of narrower filters boosts reception range, basically canceling out unwanted wideband noise.
Common applications of narrowband communication include RFID, morse code (CW), and GPS signals.
Choosing the Right Bandwidth for Two-Way Radios
When it comes to two-way radios, the choice between narrowband and broadband becomes a critical, yet tough, decision. Let’s break down the comparison:
- Bandwidth: Narrowband offers high efficiency with limited coverage, usually best for short-range communication. While broadband excels in long-range applications.
- Data Transfer Rate: Narrowband is limited in data transfer, but is also very efficient. Broadband excels in transferring large amounts of data seamlessly.
- Infrastructure: Narrowband systems are less complex and suitable for fixed locations, while broadband requires widespread infrastructure for optimal performance.
- Security: Both narrowband and broadband channels offer high-security measures. However, broadband makes encrypting messages easier by spreading the signal.
- Mobility: Narrowband systems are best for fixed locations, whereas broadband allows for mobility without affecting channel communications.
- Noise and Interference: Broadband networks need complex filters to ensure signals don’t get lost in the noise, while narrowband networks experience much less noise.
Striking the Right Balance
So which is best for radios? At Peak PTT, we say “Why choose?” With the PTT-584G-PD two-way radio, you get a radio that seamlessly switches between narrowband and broadband networks to maximize performance and provide all of the advantages with none of the downsides. The PTT-584G-PD can provide point-to-point narrowband communications up to 3 miles.