Like any wireless transmission system, 5G – the fifth-generation mobile communication network also requires to use the frequency spectrum to transmit data. In order to support higher bandwidth, 5G requires a high-frequency range of sub 6 GHz and millimeter waves. What are the radio frequency bands used in 5G communication system?
Why does 5G require a high-frequency spectrum?
Conventional GSM and LTE network uses a frequency range below 4 GHz range. It has limitations due to bandwidth. A significant increase in bandwidth is necessary to support an enhanced mobile broadband experience. At higher frequency ranges, such as millimeter waves, many unused spectrums can be utilized efficiently with higher bandwidth.
Relationship between Frequency and Bandwidth
Technologies like 5G have to support higher data rate requirements which traditional GSM or LTE network is not capable of. The bandwidth of a transmitting signal is the distance between the lower and upper cut-off frequency. If a higher frequency is used, wider bandwidth can be utilized for data transmission.
In 5G systems, service providers are planning to use bandwidth of 500MHz to even up to 1-2 GHz.
Sub 6GHz spectrum
Sub 6GHz spectrum is the candidate for early deployment of 5G networks globally. It will use unused spectrum below the 6GHz range; it can support higher bandwidth than LTE frequency bands.
Advantages of sub-6GHz spectrum
Compared to the millimeter wave spectrum, frequency below 6GHz is less complex in infrastructure development, deployment, and future network enhancements. Modifying existing systems at lower frequencies (700MHz or 3GHz range) is possible for earlier deployments of 5G systems.
Moreover, the unlicensed spectrum doesn’t require authorities’ approval (in many countries). Network operators can quickly develop, test and deploy unlicensed spectrum more efficiently than costly GSM/LTE bands.
5G – NR (New Radio)
5G NR – new radio is a new standard for ultra-fast 5G networks. It will make use of unlicensed spectrum below 6 GHz and above 6 GHz (millimeter range). 5G NR is designed to support a highly scalable network capable of future enhancements.
5G frequency bands are categorized into two groups based on the frequency spectrum.
FR1: Sub 6GHz range of the radio frequency spectrum is known as frequency range 1 (FR1). Any LTE/5G frequency band under the 6GHz range is categorized under the FR1 group.
FR2: frequency bands in the millimeter wave (above 24GHz) spectrum are categorized under FR2. Due to the higher bandwidth of millimeter waves, these bands can achieve gigabits per second speed on a 5G network.
Find: What is 5G-NR (New Radio) and how it works?
5G Frequency Bands
Radio Frequency bands used in the 5G system are subdivided into three groups according to their frequencies:
Low Band 5G Spectrum
A usable frequency spectrum below 1GHz is known as Low Band in 5G. Low-frequency spectrum provides more comprehensive coverage and can penetrate obstacles better. Service providers are familiar with these bands since the introduction of 2G networks, and they are commonly used globally.
Common Low Bands used in 5G
| NR Operating Band | Uplink | Downlink | Duplex Mode | ||
| Low | High | Low | High | ||
| n71 | 663 MHz | 698 MHz | 617 MHz | 652 MHz | FDD |
| n28 | 703 MHz | 748 MHz | 758 MHz | 803 MHz | FDD |
| n5 | 824 MHz | 849 MHz | 869 MHz | 894MHz | FDD |
| n8 | 880 MHz | 915 MHz | 925 MHz | 960 MHz | FDD |
Mid Band 5G Spectrum
The mid-band frequency is a good choice for both urban and suburban areas because it provides a balance between coverage and capacity. Mid bands were commonly used in earlier 5G deployments due to their higher bandwidth to provide higher data rates than low bands.
Common Mid Bands used in 5G
| NR Operating Band | Uplink | Downlink | Duplex Mode | ||
| Low | High | Low | High | ||
| n1 | 1920 MHz | 1980 MHz | 2110 MHz | 2170 MHz | FDD |
| n2 | 1850 MHz | 1910 MHz | 1930 MHz | 1990 MHz | FDD |
| n3 | 1710 MHz | 1785 MHz | 1805 MHz | 1880 MHz | FDD |
| n80 | 1710 MHz | 1785 MHz | N/A | N/A | SUL |
| n40 | 2300 MHz | 2400 MHz | 2300 MHz | 2400 MHz | TDD |
| n41 | 2496 MHz | 2690 MHz | 2496 MHz | 2690 MHz | TDD |
| n7 | 2500 MHz | 2570 MHz | 2620 MHz | 2690 MHz | FDD |
| n78 | 3300 MHz | 3800 MHz | 3300 MHz | 3800 MHz | TDD |
| n77 | 3300 MHz | 4200 MHz | 3300 MHz | 4200 MHz | TDD |
| n79 | 4400 MHz | 5000 MHz | 4400 MHz | 5000 MHz | TDD |
High Band 5G Spectrum
High-frequency bands provide fast data transfer and quick response times, but their coverage is limited and mainly utilized in crowded cities. High band spectrum operates in the millimeter wave frequency range, suitable for higher bandwidth applications for ultrafast data.
Common High Bands used in 5G
| NR Operating Band | Uplink | Downlink | Duplex Mode | ||
| Low | High | Low | High | ||
| n257 | 26.5 GHz | 29.5 GHz | 26.5 GHz | 29.5 GHz | TDD |
| n258 | 24.25 GHz | 27.5 GHz | 24.25 GHz | 27.5 GHz | TDD |
| n260 | 37 GHz | 40 GHz | 37 GHz | 40 GHz | TDD |
| n261 | 27.5 GHz | 28.35 GHz | 27.5 GHz | 28.35 GHz | TDD |
The FCC is driving key spectrum initiatives to enable 5G across Low-band, Mid-band, and High-Band
In many countries, 5G systems are still in trial, and frequency bands are yet to be finalized. We will update once each country/region officially announces its 5G network deployment spectrum.
