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fr1 band frequency range

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The term "FR1" refers to the Frequency Range 1, which is associated with the 5G New Radio (NR) specifications as defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). When we talk about FR1, we're referring to the frequency range for 5G that operates below 6 GHz. This is distinct from FR2, which operates in higher frequency bands, particularly above 24 GHz.

Here's a technical breakdown of the FR1 band frequency range:

FR1 Frequency Range:

  1. Frequency Band Division:
    • The FR1 band is further divided into several sub-bands or frequency ranges. These sub-bands help in accommodating various regional spectrum allocations and requirements.
  2. Frequency Spectrum:
    • The FR1 band encompasses frequencies from about 450 MHz to 6000 MHz (or 6 GHz). Within this broad spectrum, there are specific sub-bands that are defined for various use cases and geographical considerations.
  3. Specific Sub-bands (Examples):
    • 600-900 MHz: This range is often referred to as the "low-band" spectrum. It provides wide coverage and good penetration through buildings, making it suitable for rural areas and providing indoor coverage.
    • 1.4-1.5 GHz and 1.7-2.2 GHz: These are considered as mid-band frequencies. They offer a balance between coverage and capacity. Mid-band frequencies can provide a good blend of coverage area and data throughput, making them suitable for urban and suburban areas.
    • 3.3-3.8 GHz: This is another crucial sub-band, often termed as the "mid-band" spectrum for 5G. It's particularly vital in many regions because of its balance between coverage and capacity, allowing for both broad coverage and high data rates.
  4. Key Considerations:
    • Propagation Characteristics: Frequencies in the FR1 band generally exhibit better coverage and propagation characteristics compared to higher frequencies in the FR2 band. They can travel longer distances and penetrate obstacles like buildings and walls more effectively.
    • Interference and Spectrum Sharing: Given the range of services and applications that utilize this frequency range, managing interference and ensuring efficient spectrum sharing mechanisms become critical. Regulatory bodies and standards organizations work to allocate specific bands for different uses (e.g., mobile communication, satellite services, etc.) and implement technologies to mitigate interference.
  5. Applications and Usage:
    • The FR1 band is foundational for 5G deployments worldwide. It's crucial for providing widespread coverage, especially in areas where deploying higher frequency (FR2) solutions might not be feasible due to technical or economic constraints.
    • Mobile network operators leverage various sub-bands within FR1 to provide a mix of coverage, capacity, and performance based on regional needs and infrastructure considerations.