Understanding 5G mmWave and Sub-6GHz

Introduction

With the introduction of 5G — the 5th generation of wireless, the mobile communications devices and the data usage is skyrocketing. The 5th Gen networks are said to bring a massive change in the congestion experienced in the communication networks. The improvement of spectrum capacity in 5G networks is one of the major advancements to address this situation. The 5G networks are designed to work well in between the 1 GHz to 6 GHz ( Sub-6 GHz) and the unused band above 24 GHz( mmWave).

5G Spectrum

The 5G spectrum refers to the range of radio frequencies used to transmit data over cellular networks in the fifth-generation technology standard. These frequencies are divided into different bands, which have varying characteristics and are crucial for enabling the high speed, low latency, and massive connectivity features of 5G.

The 5G spectrum is broadly categorized into two frequency ranges:

FR1 (Frequency Range 1):

• FR1 covers the lower frequency bands from 410 MHz to 7.125 GHz. This range includes many of the bands previously used by earlier cellular technologies (such as 3G and 4G), as well as new bands designated for 5G. The frequency band from 1 GHz to 6 GHz is also known as Sub-6 GHz.

FR2 (Frequency Range 2):

• FR2 includes higher frequency bands, often referred to as millimeter wave (mmWave) bands, ranging from 24.25 GHz to 71.0 GHz.

What is Sub-6 GHz?

The range of frequencies between 1 GHz and 6 GHz on the electromagnetic spectrum is called the Sub-6 GHz frequency bands. This frequency range is also known as FR1. It has also been an important frequency range for wireless communication technologies like 2G, 3G, LTE, and Wi-Fi. As older generations of cellular networks, 2G and 3G are sunsetting, this spectrum is re-farmed for use in newer technologies like 5G NR and 5G RedCap.

What is 5G mmWave?

The 5G mmWave is also known as the millimeter wave. This high band of frequencies was earlier not used in the communication spectrum. 5G mmWave employs this range of frequencies (FR2) between 24 GHz and 71.0 GHz to deliver large quantities of spectrum and capacity over the shortest distances.

Nomenclature of 5G Frequency Bands

The nomenclature of 5G spectrum bands using an “n” prefix comes from the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), which is a collaboration between groups of telecommunications standards associations. The “n” stands for “new radio” (NR), which is the standard for 5G networks. These identifiers are prefixed to differentiate it from earlier generations of mobile technology, such as 4G LTE (where bands are usually prefixed with “B” or “LTE”).

The “n” prefix helps in distinguishing 5G bands and their corresponding frequencies and characteristics, making it easier for manufacturers, service providers, and regulators to communicate about and manage 5G technology and deployment.

Closing Notes

The integration of 5G mmWave and Sub-6 GHz technologies enables a versatile, robust network infrastructure capable of supporting a wide range of use cases, from urban to rural settings, ensuring that the diverse needs of consumers, businesses, and industries are met with unprecedented levels of wireless communication performance.

Amusing Tech Chronicles

Facts and Anecdotes Related to this Edition of Wireless By Design

Gleam v/s Laser Beam

Sub-6 GHz can be compared to sunlight passing through clouds. It spreads widely, covering a large area and is fairly consistent. Meanwhile, 5G mmWave is like a laser beam: extremely focused, very powerful, and can transmit a lot of energy (data) but only in a very narrow and direct line.

Highway System

Think of Sub-6 GHz like a series of highways with multiple lanes (broader coverage) but with a speed limit. It allows more vehicles (data) to travel at a good pace but not at the highest possible speeds. Conversely, 5G mmWave is like a separate track built for extremely high speeds.

Broadcast Radio v/s Wi-Fi Signal

Imagine Sub-6 GHz as a broadcast radio signal, it travels long distances and penetrates through buildings and reaches a wide audience. On the other hand, 5G mmWave is like a Wi-Fi signal offering high bandwidth and faster data rates but with a much shorter range and cannot easily penetrate obstacles.