OFDMA and Practical Example
OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access) allows many users to connect at the same time by assigning each user a different group of subcarriers.
The total channel is divided into multiple narrow, orthogonal subcarriers. Each user gets a different subset, allowing simultaneous transmission without interference.
Simple Example
Total subcarriers: 12
Subcarriers per user: 4
Number of users = 12 ÷ 4 = 3 users
Practical Real-World Example (Wi-Fi 6)
Imagine a Wi-Fi 6 router in a coffee shop with 3 connected devices:
- Phone checking messages
- Laptop streaming video
- Smartwatch sending tiny packets
Available subcarriers: 12
OFDMA assignment:
- Laptop: 6 subcarriers
- Phone: 4 subcarriers
- Smartwatch: 2 subcarriers
All devices transmit simultaneously on different subcarriers, improving efficiency and reducing waiting time.