What are the features of FDMA?

23. What are the features of FDMA?

Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) is a multiple access technique used in telecommunications systems to allow multiple users to share the same frequency spectrum by dividing it into non-overlapping frequency bands. Here are some key features of FDMA:

•     Frequency Division: FDMA divides the available frequency spectrum into separate frequency bands, with each band allocated to a specific user or communication channel. Each user is assigned a unique frequency band within which they can transmit and receive signals.
•     Frequency Reuse: FDMA enables frequency reuse by allocating different frequency bands to different cells or geographic areas. This allows for efficient utilization of the available frequency spectrum and supports a larger number of simultaneous users.
•     Simultaneous Use of Frequency Channels: In FDMA, multiple users can transmit simultaneously on different frequency channels. Each user is assigned a specific frequency band, and their transmissions occur in parallel without interference with other users on different frequency bands.
•     Fixed Channel Allocation: FDMA uses fixed channel allocation, where each user is assigned a dedicated frequency band that remains constant during their communication session. The user maintains exclusive access to their allocated frequency band for the duration of their communication.
•     Narrowband Communication: FDMA is typically used for narrow band communication, such as voice services. It is well-suited for applications that require a fixed and limited bandwidth, as each user is allocated a specific frequency band with a predetermined bandwidth.
•     Compatibility with Analog Systems: FDMA was commonly used in analog cellular systems, such as the first-generation (1G) analog cellular networks. It supports analog voice signals and analog modulation techniques.
•     Interference Isolation: Due to the frequency division, FDMA provides a level of isolation between users. Users assigned different frequency bands experience minimal interference from other users, which helps maintain signal quality and reduce inter-user interference.
•     Simple Implementation: FDMA is relatively straightforward to implement compared to other multiple access techniques. It does not require complex signal processing or synchronization among users, making it cost-effective and simpler to deploy.

While FDMA is less commonly used in modern digital cellular networks, it has played a significant role in early analog systems and continues to be used in certain applications where narrow band communication is sufficient.