Types of Communication
Ka Band, (pronounced as either "kay-ay band" or "ka band") is a portion of the microwave part of the electromagnetic spectrum defined as frequencies in the range 26.5–40 gigahertz (GHz), i.e. wavelengths from slightly over one centimeter down to 7.5 millimeters. The band is called Ka, short for "K-above" because it is the upper part of the original NATO K band, which was split into three bands because of the presence of the atmospheric water vapor resonance peak at 22.24 GHz (1.35 cm), which made the center unusable for long range transmission. The 30/20 GHz band is used in communications satellite uplinks in either the 27.5 GHz and 31 GHz bands, and high-resolution, close-range targeting radars aboard military airplanes. Some frequencies in this radio band are used for vehicle speed detection by law enforcement. The Kepler Mission used this frequency range to downlink the scientific data collected by the space telescope. The designation "Ka-band" is from Kurz-above, which stems from the German word kurz meaning "short". In satellite communications, the Ka band allows higher bandwidth communication.
The X band is the designation for a band of frequencies in the microwave radio region of the electromagnetic spectrum. In some cases, such as in communication engineering, the frequency range of the X band is rather indefinitely set at approximately 7.0–11.2 GHz.[citation needed] In radar engineering, the frequency range is specified by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) as 8.0–12.0 GHz. The X band is used for radar, satellite communication, and wireless computer networks.
As we see, Ka Band is more complex than both X and K bands. It is comprised of radar waves between 27.0 GHz and 40.0 GHz. However, X Band performs better under inclement weather which may or may not be more useful for space technology depending on the circumstances. band was adopted a couple of decades ago as a high-performance upgrade from X Band radar. Because of its higher frequency, it is harder to detect from a long-distance than the X Band. Because of these points amongst others, Ka Band is the preferred radar technology and X band isn't as widely used anymore.
The Ka-band frequency allows the use of smaller antennas. Ka-band frequency can be used in high-resolution, close-range targeting radars, military aircraft, space telescopes, commercial, wireless point-point microwave communication systems, vehicle speed detection systems, and satellite communications.
X-band frequencies are utilized for secure communications. The frequencies employed in naval, government, and defense applications are typically X-band frequencies. In the navy, the tracking of surface targets is done using X-band radars. For secure internet access for crew and other operations, X-band frequencies are often used in the military.