Meaning
Radio regulatory frameworks organize sub-gigahertz frequencies to prevent interference between low-power wide-area networks and other unlicensed users in Europe. Within this region, the 868 MHz band plan defines the sub-bands that wireless modules can utilize for communications. These frequencies range from 863 MHz to 870 MHz, and their usage remains confined to low-data applications that do not demand continuous streaming.
Frequency Allocation
European standards divide this non-broadcast spectrum into specific slices allocated for distinct transmit powers. The 868 MHz band plan allocates frequencies based on maximum radiated power levels, which usually peak at fourteen decibel-milliwatts. This allocation protects utility meters and industrial sensors from overpowering signals generated by nearby consumer electronics.
Duty Cycle Limit
Transmission rules restrict active periods to ensure to ensure fair access across all transmitting nodes. Under the 868 MHz band plan, most sub-bands enforce a one percent duty cycle limit, meaning a device can only transmit for thirty-six seconds in any given hour. This strict time ceiling prevents channel saturation and maintains high network reliability for critical industrial automation infrastructure.
Nodes that violate these duration thresholds face disqualification during compliance testing at authorized European test houses.
Channel Spacing
Physical layer designs specify the width of each communication lane to prevent adjacent signal overlap. While some narrow channels occupy twenty-five kilohertz, the 868 MHz band plan supports wider channels for higher speed options. This structured spacing guarantees that multi-channel gateways can demodulate signals from diverse transmitters without experiencing measurable inter-channel noise.
