Ku-Band Satellite (12–18 GHz)
| Frequency Range | 12–18 GHz |
| Applications | Direct broadcast satellite TV (DBS), VSATs, Satellite internet (HughesNet, Viasat) |
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
Free RF link budget calculator: enter Tx power, antenna gains, frequency, and distance to get received signal level, link margin, and max range. Covers satellite, terrestrial, and IoT links.
Free-Space Path Loss
Calculate free-space path loss (FSPL) in dB using the Friis equation. Enter frequency and distance for wireless link budget analysis. Free, instant results.
Parabolic Dish
Calculate parabolic dish gain, HPBW, effective aperture, and noise temperature. Design satellite and microwave dish antennas. Free, instant results.