Transmitting information over the electromagnetic spectrum involves a combination of techniques and protocols that deal with encoding digital information onto a carrier frequency, combining multiple carriers into a channel, and sharing the channel with multiple users.

As demands for higher data throughput continue to increase, RF systems have become increasingly more complex over time. New MIMO techniques have evolved, using multiple antennas to communicate over multiple streams within the same carrier. With the increasing need to pack more transmitters into the same geographical area, modern wireless networks implement a range of Advanced Antenna System (AAS) techniques such as beamforming and band steering.

Each transmission technique deals with a unique challenge in the communication of digital information. If you are familiar with digital signalling such as those involved in traditional wired communications, you'll recognise that many signalling techniques are no different. You can learn more about each technique by following its heading below.