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nr 5g bands

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Here's a technical breakdown of some of the key 5G NR bands:

  1. Low Band (Sub-6 GHz)
    • Frequency Range: This typically includes frequency bands below 6 GHz.
    • Characteristics: Low-band 5G offers broader coverage compared to higher frequency bands. It provides a balance between coverage and capacity.
    • Example Bands:
      • 600 MHz (Band n71)
      • 700 MHz (Band n28)
      • 850 MHz, 900 MHz
      • 1.4 GHz (Band n78)
  2. Mid-Band (Sub-6 GHz)
    • Frequency Range: This includes frequencies from about 2.5 GHz to 6 GHz.
    • Characteristics: Mid-band 5G offers a blend of coverage and capacity. It can offer faster speeds than low-band but may not have the same range.
    • Example Bands:
      • 2.5 GHz (Band n41)
      • 3.5 GHz (Band n77)
      • 3.7-3.8 GHz (Band n78)
      • 4.5 GHz
  3. High Band (mmWave)
    • Frequency Range: This includes frequencies above 24 GHz, often in the millimeter-wave range.
    • Characteristics: High-band 5G offers the highest speeds but has the shortest range. It's well-suited for dense urban areas and specific use cases like stadiums, campuses, and other high-traffic areas.
    • Example Bands:
      • 28 GHz (Band n261)
      • 39 GHz (Band n260)
      • 60 GHz (Band n259)

Technical Aspects:

  • Bandwidth: The amount of bandwidth available within a particular frequency band determines how much data can be transmitted. Higher bandwidth generally allows for faster data rates.
  • Propagation: Lower frequency bands (like sub-6 GHz) have better propagation characteristics, meaning they can travel longer distances and penetrate obstacles like walls more effectively. In contrast, mmWave frequencies have high propagation losses and require line-of-sight or close proximity to work efficiently.
  • Deployment Strategy:
    • Low Band: Used for wide-area coverage, especially in rural areas or suburban regions.
    • Mid-Band: Suitable for urban and suburban areas, providing a balance between coverage and capacity.
    • High Band: Deployed in dense urban areas or specific high-demand locations.
  • MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output): 5G networks, especially in mid and high bands, often utilize advanced MIMO technologies with multiple antennas to enhance performance, capacity, and efficiency.