Which communication mode is considered the most common today?

The most common communication mode today is single-sideband (SSB) modulation. This method is a refinement of amplitude modulation (AM), which effectively allows for the transmission of information with increased efficiency and reduced bandwidth requirements. Single-sideband is particularly valuable because it transmits only one of the sidebands and eliminates the carrier wave, which means that it requires less power and allows for clearer transmission over long distances. This makes SSB particularly suitable for voice communications in radio and for various digital signal processing applications.

In sectors where bandwidth is at a premium, such as marine and aviation communications, the efficiency of single-sideband becomes an even greater advantage. SSB enables more channels to fit into the same frequency spectrum, thus supporting a higher density of communication with improved audio quality and range. These attributes contribute to the widespread use of single-sideband modulation in modern communication systems, especially in scenarios involving long-distance communication, including amateur radio and maritime operations.

While frequency modulation (FM) and amplitude modulation (AM) still have their respective applications, particularly in broadcasting, single-sideband modulation has taken precedence in areas where communication efficiency is crucial. This is especially evident in the context of voice over radio waves, making SSB the most common mode of communication today.