Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi) Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi)

Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower, Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower,
By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371

Internet of Things (IoT) Wireless Communication Technologies

Meaning
• Internet of Things (IoT) means connecting everyday physical devices Introduction
(like machines, vehicles, appliances, sensors) to the internet so they can
collect, share, and act on data automatically. • Wireless communication is the transfer of information without
physical cables or wires, using electromagnetic waves.
• In short, it is a network of connected smart devices that communicate
without human involvement. • It is a core part of modern digital infrastructure — enabling
smartphones, IoT, defense communication, satellite services, and 5G/
Simple Example 6G networks.
• A smart home where your phone turns on lights, adjusts temperature, or • Plays a vital role in Digital India, Smart Cities, Industry 4.0, and
locks doors automatically. disaster management.
• Wearable fitness bands that send health data to doctors.
Working Principle
• Smart traffic systems that adjust signals based on congestion.
• Communication occurs through transmission and reception of
electromagnetic waves (radio, microwave, or light).
waves that carry energy through electric and magnetic fields oscillating
perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation.
• Basic Components:
• They do not need any medium (can travel through air, water, or even
vacuum).
1. Transmitter → Converts data into electromagnetic signals.
2. Channel/Medium → Air, vacuum, or water (for underwater
comms).
3. Receiver → Converts signal back into usable data.

Classification of Wireless Communication

Technologies

Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi) Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi)
Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower, Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower,
Science and Technology notes
Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN
 Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi) Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi)
Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower, Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower,
By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371
The electromagnetic spectrum is the
complete range of electromagnetic (EM)
waves arranged according to their

Example:
frequency or wavelength.

All EM waves travel at the speed of light (3 ×

10⁸ m/s) in vacuum, but differ in how
energetic, penetrating, and useful they are.
• 5G uses higher frequencies than 4G → much faster data speed.
Basic Relation
c=

• c = speed of light
• Visible light (Li-Fi) carries far more data than radio waves.
• = wavelength
• f = frequency
As frequency increases, → wavelength
decreases

• High-frequency waves lose energy quickly as they travel through the

atmosphere.
• They can’t bend around obstacles or reflect off the ionosphere easily.
• Therefore, they cover shorter distances and need line-of-sight.
Example:
• AM radio (low frequency) travels hundreds of kilometers.
• Wi-Fi (high frequency) covers only a few meters.

AM changes the wave's amplitude (strength), while FM changes its

frequency.

FM offers better sound quality and noise resistance, making it ideal for
music, but has a shorter range.
AM provides longer-distance travel, especially at night, but is more
susceptible to static and has lower audio fidelity, making it suitable for
news and talk radio.

Key Differences
• Bandwidth means the range of frequencies available for Modulation Method:
AM: The amplitude (height) of the carrier wave is varied in proportion to
data transmission.
the information signal.
• More bandwidth = more data can be transmitted at once FM: The frequency (how many wave cycles occur per second) of the
carrier wave is varied, while its amplitude remains constant.
→ faster internet & higher capacity.
Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi) Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi)
Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower, Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower,
Science and Technology notes
Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN
 Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi) Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi)
Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower, Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower,
By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371

Sound Quality: Example:

AM: Suffers from lower sound quality and higher susceptibility to static • Microwaves and millimeter waves are absorbed by rain → “rain
and interference. fade” in satellite signals.
FM: Delivers superior sound quality and greater resistance to noise and
static. • In space (vacuum), there is no absorption, so lasers work
perfectly between satellites.
Range:
AM: Travels farther, particularly at night, by bouncing off the ionosphere.
FM: Has a shorter transmission range because its higher frequencies
tend to pass through the ionosphere.

Applications:
AM: Used for talk radio, news, sports, and long-distance communication
like aviation.
FM: Widely used for music, high-fidelity audio, and two-way radio
communications.
In One Line (Easy to Remember):
Noise Resistance: Low frequency = long reach, slow data.
AM: Electrical disturbances readily alter the amplitude, leading to noise High frequency = fast data, short reach.
and static.
FM: Receivers can ignore amplitude variations, making the signal less
vulnerable to electrical noise.
Explaining Frequency Ranges in Wireless
Communication
• Diffraction means the spreading or
bending of waves when they pass
Radio Communication (3 kHz – 300 MHz)
through an opening or around an
obstacle. Used in:
• Shorter wavelengths can be focused into narrow beams, while longer • Amount of diffraction depends on FM/AM radio, maritime & aircraft communication, emergency broadcasts,
wavelengths spread widely. wavelength (λ):
• Long wavelengths (low-
etc.
• This makes high-frequency waves more directional and less likely to frequency waves) spread more.

interfere with others. • Short wavelengths (high-

frequency waves) spread less. Why this range:
Example: So, shorter wavelengths can be • Long wavelength → long distance:
tightly focused into a small,
• A radar or laser beam can target a specific object precisely. straight beam — they don’t scatter
These frequencies travel hundreds or even thousands of kilometers
much.

• A radio broadcast spreads everywhere. because they reflect off the ionosphere and diffract around obstacles
like hills and buildings.
• Low energy per photon: Safe and inexpensive transmitters — perfect
for public broadcasting.
• The atmosphere absorbs high-frequency waves more strongly.
• Limitation: Low bandwidth → can carry voice/audio but not high-speed
• Water vapor, oxygen, and dust particles absorb or scatter them. data.
• Hence, these are better used in space or short-range UPSC Link: Used in AM/FM broadcasting and aviation communication;
communication. part of India’s Disaster Warning Systems.

Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi) Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi)
Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower, Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower,
Science and Technology notes
Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN
 Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi) Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi)
Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower, Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower,
By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371

Microwave Communication (300 MHz – 300 GHz) • Low power: Devices like remotes only need a few meters of range.

Used in: Mobile networks (2G – 5G), radar, satellites, Wi-Fi, microwave Why TV remotes use infrared:
ovens.
• Keeps communication private (won’t control another room’s TV).
Why this range: • Doesn’t interfere with radio-based devices like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• Shorter wavelength → smaller antennas:
• Simple modulation (turn LED on/off at ~38 kHz).
Easy to fit into mobile phones, radar dishes, and communication towers.
UPSC Link: Conceptual difference between IR communication and
• Supports high data rates: RF communication in basic science and IoT devices.
Because the frequency is higher, the wave can carry more information
Visible Light Communication (VLC) (400 – 800
LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) Work Very Fast

(larger bandwidth).
• An LED produces light when electric current passes through
it.

THz)
• The brightness of that light depends on how much current
flows.

• Directional: Can be precisely aimed (important for radar and satellite

• LEDs can switch on and off millions of times per second —
so fast that the human eye cannot see the flicker.
• This fast switching ability allows LEDs to encode digital data

links). (0s and 1s) in light waves.

Used in: Li-Fi, optical wireless networks, LED lighting systems.

Hence:The same LED that provides light for a room can also
blink in coded patterns to send information — creating Li-Fi
data signals.

• Atmospheric “windows”: Certain microwave bands (S, C, X, Ku, Ka) How Data Transmission Happens
• The light intensity from an LED is varied very quickly

pass through the atmosphere with minimal absorption — ideal for according to the data.

satellite and radar.

• A photodiode receiver detects those tiny changes in
brightness.
• The receiver converts the variations back into electrical
Why this range:
signals (digital data).
No change in visible light → You still see steady illumination.
Data travels through light → providing wireless
communication.
• High frequency = huge bandwidth:
Why satellites, radar, and towers use this band:
Why Only LEDs (Not Bulbs or Tubes)?
• Traditional bulbs (CFLs or incandescent) cannot switch fast
enough — they flicker too slowly. Visible light can theoretically deliver Gbps-level data rates.
• LEDs respond in nanoseconds, making them ideal for high-
speed communication.

• Satellite links: Microwaves travel easily through the upper atmosphere • Dual use: LEDs can illuminate and transmit data at the same
to space. time.
• Radar: Short wavelength gives better target resolution.
• Secure: Light waves cannot pass through walls, preventing
• Mobile towers: Microwaves allow high-speed cellular data and signal leakage.
multiple simultaneous users.
• No EM interference: Safe for hospitals, aircraft, and defence
UPSC Link: labs where radio is restricted.
GAGAN, NAVIC, 5G spectrum allocation, weather radar. UPSC Link: Li-Fi & VLC are frequently mentioned in Digital India
and 6G innovations.
Infrared Communication (< 400 THz)
Used in: TV remotes, IR sensors, short-range communication. Ultraviolet / Laser Communication (> 800 THz)
Used in: Laser data links, satellite-to-satellite communication,
Why this range: optical fibre systems.
• Line-of-sight, short range: IR is easily absorbed by air and walls,
so it doesn’t leak beyond the room — perfect for personal devices. Why this range:
• Safe and unlicensed: IR LEDs are eye-safe, cheap, and need no • Extremely short wavelength → very high data-carrying
frequency licensing. capacity.

Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi) Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi)
Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower, Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower,
Science and Technology notes
Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN
 Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi) Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi)
Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower, Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower,
By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371

• Highly directional: Beams can be focused to tiny spots, reducing Classification of Wireless Communication Technologies
energy loss and increasing security.
Based on Application
• In space: There’s no atmosphere to absorb or scatter light, so
laser links between satellites can transmit Terabits per second 1. Short-range Communication
securely. • Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, Li-Fi, EnOcean, Wi-Fi Direct
• Used in IoT, smart homes, and office networks.
Why used in space & defence:
2. Long-range Communication
• High bandwidth: Needed for inter-satellite and military data.
• Cellular (4G/5G/6G), Satellite, Microwave links
• Low interception risk: Narrow beams are hard to jam or detect.
• Used in telecom, defense, navigation, remote sensing.
• Lightweight equipment: Laser terminals weigh less than large
radio antennas. Major Wireless Communication Technologies
Note: Actual operational links use near-infrared lasers (200–400 1. Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)
THz) rather than true ultraviolet, because UV gets absorbed by air. • Uses radio waves (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) for short-range internet
UPSC Link: Questions may connect laser communication with connectivity.
ISRO’s inter-satellite optical link projects. • Enables laptops, mobiles, and IoT devices to connect wirelessly.
Conceptual UPSC Takeaway • Limitations: Vulnerable to hacking; limited range (~100 m).
• As frequency ↑ → Wavelength ↓, Data capacity ↑, Range ↓, • Schemes: PM-WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) to provide
Directionality ↑, Atmospheric absorption ↑. affordable broadband in rural areas.
• So, low frequencies suit long-distance, high frequencies suit
high-speed and secure short-range or vacuum (space) links.

2. Li-Fi (Light Fidelity)

• Uses visible light from LED bulbs to transmit data.
• Provides 100 Gbps speed, much faster than Wi-Fi.

Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi) Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi)
Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower, Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower,
Science and Technology notes
Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN
 Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi) Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi)
Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower, Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower,
By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371

• Advantages: No EM interference (safe in hospitals, aircrafts); high Why important:

security (light can’t pass walls). Useful in areas with no internet but where local device
• Applications: Smart offices, Industry 4.0, AR/VR, underwater communication is needed (e.g., schools, offices).
communication. Wi-Fi HaLow
3. Bluetooth & Bluetooth Mesh • A new Wi-Fi version designed for long-range and low-power
communication.
• Uses short-range radio waves (2.4 GHz).
• Works on sub-1 GHz frequency, giving better coverage than
• Connects devices like earphones, keyboards, and smart appliances.
regular Wi-Fi.
• Bluetooth Mesh: Allows multiple devices to connect in a network
(IoT, smart homes). • Ideal for: Rural areas, industrial monitoring, and IoT networks.

• Advantage: Low power consumption; no internet needed. • Benefits:

• Extended coverage (up to 1 km)
4. Zigbee
• Lower energy use
• A low-power and low-cost wireless network protocol.
• Can connect thousands of IoT devices simultaneously.
• Used for Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M)
communication. Why important:
• Works on the 2.4 GHz frequency band. Crucial for smart agriculture, smart cities, and rural
• Features: connectivity — aligns with Digital India and Industry 4.0.

• Low data rate (about 250 kbps) EnOcean

• Very energy-efficient, low delay • Uses energy harvesting — gets power from motion, heat, or
• Uses: Smart meters, home automation, smart farming sensors, smart light instead of batteries.
lights. • Used in smart buildings, green energy systems, and
Why important: Ideal for battery-powered IoT devices that must run automatic lighting.
for years without recharging.
• Advantages:
Wi-Fi Direct
• No battery → maintenance-free
• Allows devices to connect directly with each other — no router or
internet needed. • Environmentally friendly (eco-smart technology)

• Used for file sharing, printing, syncing, and gaming between Why important: Supports India’s focus on sustainability and
devices. renewable energy.
• Advantages:
• Fast and secure
• Works offline (peer-to-peer connection)
Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi) Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi)
Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower, Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower,
Science and Technology notes
Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN
 Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi) Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi)
Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower, Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower,
By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371

Cellular Networks (4G / 5G / 6G)

• Use radio waves for long-distance voice and data
communication.
4G: Enabled mobile internet, video calls, and faster data.
5G:
• Speed >10 Gbps
• Latency <1 millisecond (almost real-time)
• Supports IoT, autonomous cars, remote surgery, and smart grids.

6G (Future): Will combine AI, quantum communication, and

terahertz frequencies for ultra-fast connectivity.
Relevance for India: Forms the backbone of Digital India,
Industry 4.0, and Smart Cities Mission.
Advantages
Satellite Communication • Mobility and easy access anywhere.
• Uses microwave signals sent to and from satellites in space for • High-speed data transfer and connectivity.
global communication.
• Reduces infrastructure costs (no wiring).
• Applications: • Enables remote communication and IoT.
• TV broadcasting • Supports automation and smart systems.
• GPS and navigation Challenges
• Weather forecasting • Cybersecurity risks – prone to hacking and data theft.
• Remote sensing • Interference & Signal loss due to obstacles.
• Defence communication • Spectrum scarcity with rising users.
India’s Key Initiatives: • Infrastructure gaps in rural areas.
• GSAT series: Communication satellites by ISRO. • High energy consumption in large-scale networks.
• NavIC: India’s own regional GPS navigation system.
Government Initiatives in India
• GAGAN: Satellite-based navigation system for aviation safety.
1. Digital India Mission – promotes digital connectivity & broadband
Why important: Ensures connectivity in remote areas, supports access.
national security, and strengthens disaster management 2. 5G Rollout (2023) – commercial 5G services launched by DoT and
systems. private telecoms.

Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi) Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi)
Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower, Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower,
Science and Technology notes
Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN
 Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi) Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi)
Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower, Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower,
By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371

3. BharatNet Project – optical fiber backbone connecting rural

areas.
4. National Digital Communication Policy (2018) – targets
global leadership in telecom innovation.
5. Smart Cities Mission – wireless IoT for e-governance and
citizen services.

Future of Wireless Communication

• 6G networks: Integration of AI, blockchain, and quantum
encryption.
• Terahertz communication: For ultra-high-speed data transfer.
• Visible Light & Quantum Communication: Safer, faster, and
interference-free.
• Satellite Internet: Starlink, OneWeb, and ISRO’s Bharati-
backed projects.

UPSC Value Addition

“Wireless communication technologies are the backbone of the
digital revolution. They enhance connectivity, promote
inclusive growth, and enable India’s transition toward a
knowledge-driven economy.”

Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi) Delhi Civils (All faculty exclusively from Delhi)
Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower, Science and Technology notes Address- 403, 4th floor Le-Desire Complex, Opposite - Hariom tower,
Science and Technology notes
Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN Lalpur, Ranchi. Contact- +919234715081, +917488456371 By:- RAJNI PREM RESHMAN