5g spectrum wikipedia
The term "5G spectrum" refers to the range of radio frequencies allocated for the deployment of fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication networks. Unlike previous generations (2G, 3G, and 4G), 5G is designed to operate across a wider spectrum of frequencies, including both lower and higher bands. This broad spectrum usage is intended to provide higher data rates, lower latency, and increased capacity for wireless communication.
The 5G spectrum can be divided into three main frequency bands:
- Low-Band Spectrum (Sub-1 GHz):
- Frequencies below 1 GHz are often referred to as low-band spectrum.
- These frequencies provide broad coverage and good penetration through buildings, making them suitable for wide-area coverage in both urban and rural areas.
- However, the data rates in this band are not as high as in higher frequency bands.
- Mid-Band Spectrum (1 GHz to 6 GHz):
- Frequencies between 1 GHz and 6 GHz fall into the mid-band spectrum.
- This range offers a balance between coverage and data rates, making it suitable for urban and suburban areas.
- Mid-band frequencies can support higher data rates than low-band frequencies and offer better capacity than high-band frequencies.
- High-Band Spectrum (Above 24 GHz):
- Frequencies above 24 GHz, also known as millimeter-wave (mmWave) spectrum, fall into the high-band category.
- These high-frequency bands provide extremely high data rates and low latency but have limited coverage and poor penetration through obstacles like buildings.
- High-band spectrum is typically used in dense urban environments and for specific applications like fixed wireless access.
To deploy a 5G network, telecommunication operators need to acquire licenses for specific frequency bands. The allocation of frequencies can vary between countries and regions. Additionally, the use of multiple frequency bands simultaneously, known as carrier aggregation, is a common technique in 5G to achieve higher data rates and improve network efficiency.