The Ku band ("kay-yoo" kurz-under band) is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum in the microwave range of frequencies ranging from 12 to 18 GHz.
Ku band is primarily used for satellite communications, particularly for satellite backhauls from remote locations back to a television network's studio for editing and broadcasting.
Ku band is split into two segments by the ITU.
The 11.7 to 12.2 GHz band is known as FSS (fixed satellite service , uplink 14.0 to 14.5 GHz). There are more than 22 FSS Ku-band satellites orbiting over North America, each carrying 12 to 24 transponders, 20 to 120 watts per transponder, and requiring a 0.8m to 1.5m antenna for clear reception.
The 12.2 to 12.7 GHz segment is known as BSS (broadcasting satellite service ). BSS/DBS direct broadcast satellites normally carry 16 to 32 transponders of 27 MHz bandwith running at 100 to 240 watts of power, allowing the use of receiver antennas as small as 18 inches (450 mm).
Ku-band signals can be affected by rain attenuation.
NBC was the first television network to uplink a majority of its affiliate feeds to Ku-Band in 1983.
See also