MICROWAVE

Microwave really means a very high frequency - and generally means between 1 GHz and 300 GHz in frequency.  1 GHz itself is a very high frequency and would be equal to 1000 MHz or 1,000,000 KHz or simply would be 1,000,000,000 cycles per second that the signal is varying in amplitude for its full cycle.  3000 GHz would oscillate 300 times faster in the same time period.

However, the term microwave has taken on several meanings in addition for products that use these high frequencies.  The first and most common is that of the microwave oven that is used in homes and businesses to heat food and drink items rapidly.

Another use of the term microwave is for point to point transmission.  When two locations far away wish to connect together wirelessly, they often will do so using point to point techniques.  These techniques include using a dish parabolic antenna that broadcasts and receives in only one specific direction.  Since it only transmits or receives in one direction instead of in many directions, the energy sent or received is much more concentrated and these antennas are said to be high gain antennas.  Since the antennas are high gain, it is possible to transmit good quality long distances - as long of course as the antennas are pointed in exactly the right direction.  Point to point systems may transmit information for example from a mountain top to a specific business below it.  Another common example of point to point transmission and the use of dish antennas is for satellite transmission and usage.