What is defined by bandwidth in communications equipment?

Bandwidth in communications equipment refers to the range of frequencies over which a communication system can operate effectively. This concept is crucial because it determines how much information can be transmitted over a given medium in a specific amount of time. Essentially, the wider the bandwidth, the more data can be transmitted, enabling faster and more efficient communication.

For instance, if a communication channel has a bandwidth of 20 MHz, it can support more data transfer than a channel with only a 5 MHz bandwidth. This is especially important in applications such as internet communications, where greater bandwidth allows for higher download and upload speeds.

The other options address different aspects of communication systems. The type of modulation relates to how the information signal is manipulated for transmission but does not define bandwidth. The maximum distance a signal can travel pertains to signal strength, attenuation, and other factors, rather than the frequencies involved. The standard strength of radio signals is connected to power levels and signal integrity but does not encapsulate the frequency range concept that bandwidth represents.