Location: There are four orbits …show more content…
Radio waves will carry data bits at the same rate as the frequency; higher frequencies will yield higher data rates. Frequency determines wavelength and all frequencies are affected by diffraction when passing through openings, higher frequencies will spread less but are unable to travel around objects. To achieve higher rates of data transmission, a higher frequency with a shorter wavelength is needed, such as microwaves, which are measured in centimeters versus meters for radio waves, and require direct alignment. A benefit of the high frequencies and short wavelengths in microwaves is the ability to direct the signal by shaping the antenna like a dish to focus, aim, and receive the data signal efficiently. The nature of the shaped antenna by focusing the signal and sending the signal in a parallel path to a receiving shaped antenna, negate some of the affects of diffraction. Satellites in geosynchronous orbits require the highest levels of power to transmit data signals to earth, while earth-based receivers use little power when receiving the data. Many communication satellites are in geosynchronous orbits for television, telephone, and Internet, which carry many simultaneous broadcasts, conversations, and data