5G NR
Understanding 5G NR
5G NR represents the most significant evolution in cellular wireless technology. Unlike previous generations that operated primarily below 6 GHz, 5G NR extends into millimeter-wave bands to unlock massive bandwidth. The flexible air interface supports diverse use cases from enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) to ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) and massive machine-type communications (mMTC).
Frequency Ranges
- FR1 (Sub-6 GHz): 410 MHz to 7.125 GHz. Channel bandwidths from 5 to 100 MHz. Provides wide-area coverage with moderate capacity.
- FR2 (mmWave): 24.25 to 52.6 GHz. Channel bandwidths from 50 to 400 MHz. Provides extreme capacity in dense urban areas with limited range.
Key Technologies
- Massive MIMO: Base stations with 64-256 antenna elements enabling spatial multiplexing and beamforming.
- Beamforming: Electronic beam steering directs energy toward individual users, increasing range and capacity.
- Flexible numerology: Subcarrier spacing of 15, 30, 60, 120, or 240 kHz adapts to different frequency bands and latency requirements.
- OFDM-based waveform: CP-OFDM for both downlink and uplink, with DFT-s-OFDM option for uplink coverage.
| Parameter | FR1 | FR2 |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 410 MHz - 7.125 GHz | 24.25 - 52.6 GHz |
| Max BW | 100 MHz | 400 MHz |
| Subcarrier spacing | 15/30/60 kHz | 60/120/240 kHz |
| Peak rate (DL) | ~2 Gbps | ~20 Gbps |
| Typical range | 1-10 km | 100-300 m |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 5G NR?
5G NR (New Radio) is the air interface standard for fifth-generation cellular networks, defined by 3GPP. It supports sub-6 GHz and mmWave frequency bands, massive MIMO antennas, and flexible channel bandwidths up to 400 MHz to deliver multi-gigabit data rates.
What is the difference between FR1 and FR2?
FR1 covers sub-6 GHz frequencies with up to 100 MHz bandwidth per carrier, providing wide-area coverage. FR2 covers mmWave frequencies (24-52 GHz) with up to 400 MHz bandwidth, delivering extreme capacity over shorter distances.
What frequencies does 5G use?
5G NR uses two ranges: FR1 includes bands from 600 MHz to 6 GHz (n71, n77, n78, n79). FR2 includes mmWave bands at 24.25-29.5 GHz (n257, n258) and 37-43.5 GHz (n260, n261). The most widely deployed bands are n77/n78 (3.3-4.2 GHz) and n257/n258 (26-29.5 GHz).