Sign in Subscribe

5g nr frequencies

Last updated on 


5G New Radio (NR) frequencies refer to the frequency bands allocated for 5G cellular communication in the New Radio standard. 5G NR is the global standard for a unified, more capable 5G wireless air interface.

5G NR Frequency Bands:

  1. Frequency Range 1 (FR1):
    • This is also known as sub-6 GHz frequency range. It covers frequencies below 6 GHz and is particularly important because it offers a balance between coverage and capacity.
    • Spectrum:
      • Low Band (600 MHz - 1 GHz): This is often used for wide-area coverage. The lower frequencies allow signals to travel longer distances and penetrate buildings better.
      • Mid Band (1 GHz - 6 GHz): This spectrum provides a balance between coverage and capacity. It can deliver faster speeds than low bands and still offers decent coverage.
    • Applications: This range is suitable for urban and suburban areas where a mix of coverage and high data rates is required.
  2. Frequency Range 2 (FR2):
    • This is the mmWave (millimeter wave) frequency range. It covers frequencies above 24 GHz and offers ultra-high speeds but with shorter range due to higher propagation losses.
    • Spectrum:
      • High Band (24 GHz - 40 GHz): The higher frequencies in this range allow for significantly increased data rates compared to FR1. However, they are more affected by obstacles such as buildings and trees, limiting their effective range.
      • mmWave (Above 40 GHz): Frequencies above 40 GHz are often referred to as mmWave bands. These offer extremely high data rates but are highly susceptible to attenuation by obstacles and atmospheric conditions.
    • Applications: mmWave bands are ideal for dense urban environments, stadiums, and other high-capacity venues. They can deliver multi-gigabit speeds but typically require a dense network of small cells due to their limited coverage area.

Technical Considerations:

  1. Propagation Characteristics:
    • FR1: Lower frequencies have better coverage and can penetrate obstacles like walls. However, they might be more prone to interference from other radio signals.
    • FR2: Higher frequencies provide more bandwidth, enabling higher data rates. However, they suffer from increased attenuation due to atmospheric absorption and obstacles.
  2. Antenna Technology:
    • FR1: Traditional cellular antennas are suitable for FR1. MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology can enhance performance by using multiple antennas to transmit and receive signals.
    • FR2: Due to the shorter wavelengths at mmWave frequencies, massive MIMO and beamforming techniques become essential. These technologies help direct signals more precisely to users and mitigate propagation challenges.
  3. Device Compatibility:
    • Devices need to support the specific frequency bands to access 5G NR networks. Many modern smartphones and devices are now multi-band, supporting both FR1 and some FR2 bands.
  4. Regulatory and Licensing:
    • Different countries have different regulatory bodies that allocate and license spectrum. Operators need to secure licenses to operate in specific frequency bands.

5G NR frequencies are divided primarily into two ranges: FR1 (sub-6 GHz) for a balance of coverage and capacity and FR2 (mmWave) for ultra-high-speed applications in dense environments. Each range has its technical considerations, advantages, and challenges, driving the need for a mix of frequency bands to meet diverse 5G use cases.