Spectrum is needed for wireless communications. But what is radio spectrum or radio frequency? This short animated video helps explain what spectrum is and how the Communications Research Centre is helping Canada manage this scarce natural resource.
Transcript: What is Spectrum?
Visual
Text: What is Spectrum?
Spectrum is the airwaves along which wireless signals travel. Text: What is Spectrum?
An antenna tower, circles represent signals
Ever since the first radio transmissions, it has been essential for communications.
Two parallel "roads" each take up half of the screen, with hills and trees on top.
Single sine wave appears
A dirt road, a horse on the road
Multiple sine waves of different colours and widths
To help understand spectrum...
Vertical road appears with cars on one lane
Different devices using spectrum are coming the other direction on the road (radios, satellites, TVs, smartphones)
... imagine a road network: thousands of roads, each one a different size, with all
kinds of users...
View changes to aerial view of an intersection
Devices, such as radios, cell phones, laptops and tablets are in the lanes instead of cars
Evolving to devices on multi-lane roads
It can get pretty chaotic...
Zoom out to see multiple roads and intersections
Devices get stuck in traffic jams and turn red
... so rules and regulations are essential. Our Government manages the spectrum so that Canadians have the best wireless experience.
Road signs, smiling police officer, traffic lights, with buildings in background
Because spectrum, just like a road network, has limited space. The more we use it, the more congested it gets.
Multi-lane roads appear, but there is more traffic and another traffic jam
That's where the Communications Research Centre comes in…
Text: Communications Research Centre
To understand how spectrum is used today...
CRC truck on a road with monitoring dish on top, buildings in the back
Traffic (devices) appear on road in front of truck
To find innovative ways to use it even better...
Traffic on raised road
To explore what new spectrum can be used in the future...
... and to help Canada be a global leader in managing this scarce natural resource.
Futuristic roads – flying traffic in the sky above other roads
Communications Research Centre – finding what is possible and what works
CRC and Innovation Science and Economic Development logos
Canada wordmark