What is the advantage of using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)?

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) offers significant advantages in wireless communications, particularly in achieving higher data rates and minimizing interference. This modulation technique divides a single data stream into multiple smaller sub-streams that are transmitted simultaneously over different frequencies. By doing so, OFDM effectively uses the available bandwidth, enabling faster data transmission rates.

Additionally, OFDM enhances resistance to interference and multipath fading—a common issue in wireless environments where signals may reflect off surfaces and combine in unpredictable ways. The orthogonality of the frequencies allows them to overlap without causing interference to one another, leading to more reliable communication. This characteristic is especially beneficial in crowded frequency environments where multiple signals are present.

In contrast, other concepts like greater susceptibility to electromagnetic interference, simpler implementation, and lower frequency usage may not accurately capture the core benefits of OFDM in networking contexts. These factors could lead to decreased performance or complexity in deployment, making higher data rates and reduced interference the most notable advantages of utilizing OFDM technology.