How many channels are typically accommodated in a QAM?

In Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM), the number of channels that can be accommodated typically falls within the range of 8 to 12. This modulation scheme is widely used in digital television and cable modem applications because it can effectively transmit large amounts of data over a limited bandwidth.

QAM works by varying both the amplitude of two carrier waves that are out of phase with each other. This allows multiple bits to be transmitted per symbol, increasing the overall data capacity. Depending on the specific type of QAM being used, such as 16-QAM, 64-QAM, or 256-QAM, the number of channels can vary. However, in the practical context of channel accommodations within a given frequency band, aiming for around 8 to 12 is a standard expectation.

Other ranges mentioned, such as 4-6, 6-8, or 12-16, generally do not reflect typical QAM applications. They may apply to different constraints or technologies but do not accurately depict the greater capacity and flexibility of QAM in most broadband applications.