What is the purpose of measuring the Carrier to Noise Ratio (CNR)?

Measuring the Carrier to Noise Ratio (CNR) is essential in telecommunications to evaluate the quality of a signal. The CNR specifically compares the level of the desired signal, known as the carrier, to the level of background noise within the communication system. This measurement indicates how much stronger the signal is compared to the noise interference, which directly affects the clarity and integrity of the transmitted data. A higher CNR suggests better signal quality, potentially leading to fewer errors in data transmission and improved performance.

In contrast, assessing system latency pertains to time delays in signal processing rather than the quality of the signal itself. Comparing signal levels of different channels does not directly involve the assessment of noise impact on signal quality. Similarly, determining bandwidth availability focuses on the capacity of the communication medium rather than the relationship between the carrier signal and noise. Therefore, the primary purpose of measuring CNR specifically targets the evaluation of signal quality in the presence of noise.