ISM Band Frequency Refresher

 

I worked with a customer recently who was convinced the ISM band was only for 2.4 GHz band. Which is 100% incorrect! Here is a refresher … 

The ISM  (In the ISM Band) stands for "industrial, scientific and medical" radio bands. The ISM includes the following frequencies:

902 - 928 MHz                    (26 MHz in width)

2.400 - 2.4835 GHz           (83.5 MHz in Width)

5.725 - 5.875 GHz              (150 MHz in Width) ** Note 5.8 GHz ONLY**

This ISM bands were defined by the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector

http://www.itu.int/ITU-R/terrestrial/faq/index.html#g013

The ISM bands are governed by the FCC here in the United States and they are unlicensed.  This is found under title 47, part 18.

http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_07/47cfr18_07.html

Although the band is labeled as “industrial, scientific and medical” bands -- you will find almost everything and anything under the sun that is unlicensed in these frequencies. You name it, it rides these waves.  WiFi, cordless phones, Mircowave ovens, Bluetooth, toys, baby monitors, wireless cameras, etc !