Ku-Band Satellite (12–18 GHz)
Direct broadcast satellite TV (DBS) · VSATs · Satellite internet (HughesNet, Viasat)
| Frequency Range | 12–18 GHz |
| Wavelength | 1.7–2.5 cm |
| ITU / Standard | — |
Applications
- →Direct broadcast satellite TV (DBS)
- →VSATs
- →Satellite internet (HughesNet, Viasat)
- →Starlink (downlink)
- →News gathering uplinks
Propagation Characteristics
Rain fade is significant above 10 GHz. Link budget must include rain margin (3–10 dB typical). Small dish antennas (45–90 cm) feasible.
Regulatory Notes
ITU coordination required. DBS: 12.2–12.7 GHz (NA), 11.7–12.5 GHz (EU). FSS uplink: 14–14.5 GHz. Geostationary orbit coordination at 2° arc spacing.
Related Calculators
Link Budget
Calculate RF link budget: transmit power, free space path loss, antenna gains, and received signal level. Determine link margin and maximum range.
Free-Space Path Loss
Calculate free-space path loss (FSPL) using the Friis transmission equation for wireless link budget analysis
Parabolic Dish
Calculate parabolic dish antenna gain, half-power beamwidth (HPBW), effective aperture area, and noise temperature for satellite and microwave links