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Guard band
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In telecommunications, a guard band is a narrow, intentionally unused frequency band that is placed between adjacent frequency bands to minimize interference between them.[1] It is used in frequency-division multiplexing. Guard bands exist in both wired and wireless communications.
A guard band can also be licensed for use by low-powered devices such as a private mobile phone network.[2]
References
[edit]Guard band
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
A guard band is a narrow, intentionally unused portion of the radio frequency spectrum placed between adjacent allocated frequency bands or channels to minimize interference and ensure signal integrity. In telecommunications systems, particularly fixed services, Recommendation ITU-R F.1191-3 (2011) defines it in terms of the bandwidth equal to the frequency separation ZS, as specified in Recommendation ITU-R F.746-11 (2023), between the nominal centre frequency of the outermost channel of a RF channel arrangement and the limit of the allocated band.[1][2] This ZS represents the radio-frequency distance between the center frequencies of the outermost channels and the edge of the frequency band.[2]
Guard bands play a critical role in spectrum management by reducing adjacent channel interference (ACI) and out-of-band emissions, which are essential for maintaining the quality of service in fixed and mobile wireless networks.[1] In frequency division duplex (FDD) systems, such as those used in LTE and 5G networks, guard bands are specified to separate uplink and downlink channels, preventing overlap and enabling efficient use of paired spectrum. For example, in the 700 MHz band, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission allocates specific guard bands, totaling 4 MHz of paired spectrum, to protect public safety operations from commercial broadband interference.[3] These bands are also vital in multi-channel arrangements for radio-relay systems, where they accommodate frequency tolerances and unwanted emissions to avoid spillover into neighboring allocations.[2]
The size and placement of guard bands vary by regulatory framework, technology, and frequency range; ITU recommendations specify widths based on band-specific needs, such as up to 55 MHz in the 38 GHz range, to account for practical filter limitations and coordination.[2] In modern systems like OFDM-based 5G, guard bands at band edges help mitigate inter-numerology interference when multiple subcarrier spacings coexist.[4] Beyond telecommunications, guard bands are used in fields like broadcasting, calibration, and semiconductor design to prevent interference or crosstalk. Overall, guard bands enable denser spectrum packing while safeguarding against co-channel and adjacent-channel disruptions, supporting the global expansion of wireless communications.
