Glossary

OFDM

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing. A method for multi-carrier transmission characterized by efficient use of frequencies due to reliance upon several closely spaced carrier signals transmitted at high speed. The technology is used for terrestrial digital television, wireless LAN systems such as IEEE 802.11a, and power-line modems.

Because OFDM includes technology for the orthogonal division of signals, multi-carrier signals can be closely spaced without fear of their propagating or being subject to interference, even when partial overlapping occurs. Consequently, OFDM allows narrow frequencies to be used more efficiently.