3gpp 5g bands

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is a collaboration between telecommunications standards organizations to develop global standards for mobile communication technologies, including 5G. 5G, or the fifth generation of mobile networks, introduces several key features such as higher data rates, lower latency, and increased device connectivity. 3GPP has defined multiple frequency bands for 5G to accommodate these advancements.

Here is a technical explanation of some of the 5G frequency bands specified by 3GPP:

  1. Frequency Range 1 (FR1):
    • Frequency Range: 450 MHz to 6000 MHz
    • Sub-6 GHz Bands: FR1 is also known as the Sub-6 GHz frequency range, and it includes bands from 450 MHz to 6000 MHz. Sub-6 GHz bands are crucial for providing extensive coverage and better penetration through obstacles like buildings.
  2. Frequency Range 2 (FR2):
    • Frequency Range: 24250 MHz to 52600 MHz
    • Millimeter Wave Bands (mmWave): FR2, also known as the millimeter-wave range, includes higher frequency bands from 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz. Millimeter-wave bands enable very high data rates but have limited coverage and are susceptible to atmospheric absorption and obstacles like buildings.
  3. Bands in FR1:
    • Band n1: 2100 MHz
    • Band n2: 1900 MHz
    • Band n3: 1800 MHz
    • Band n5: 850 MHz
    • Band n7: 2600 MHz
    • Band n8: 900 MHz
    • Band n12: 700 MHz
    • Band n20: 800 MHz
    • Band n28: 700 MHz
    • Band n38: 2600 MHz
    • Band n40: 2300 MHz
    • Band n41: 2500 MHz
    • Band n66: 1700 MHz
  4. Bands in FR2:
    • Band n257: 28 GHz
    • Band n258: 26 GHz
    • Band n260: 39 GHz
    • Band n261: 28 GHz

These bands are part of the global 5G standard, and their availability may vary by region. Different bands serve different purposes, such as providing wide coverage, high capacity, or a balance between the two. The use of both Sub-6 GHz and mmWave bands allows 5G networks to achieve a combination of coverage and high data rates, making 5G suitable for various applications ranging from enhanced mobile broadband to critical IoT (Internet of Things) communications.