In wireless communication, what does increasing the modulation index lead to?

Increasing the modulation index in wireless communication enhances the distinctiveness of the signal levels. The modulation index determines how much the carrier signal varies in accordance with the information signal. A higher modulation index means that the changes in frequency or amplitude of the carrier wave are more pronounced, which allows the receiver to better differentiate between the various states of the transmitted signal. This results in improved signal clarity and reliability because the receiver can more easily distinguish between different encoded information levels.

For instance, in frequency modulation (FM), a higher modulation index translates to a greater frequency deviation from the carrier frequency, which improves the demodulation process and minimizes the likelihood of misinterpreting signal states. This distinguishes the transmitted signals more effectively, allowing for better performance in terms of noise resistance and overall reception quality.