Which frequency bands does 5G NR use?
From RF Design Wiki · By the RF Design Wiki editorial team · Published · Last reviewed · How we research
3GPP defines 5G NR in two frequency ranges: FR1 from 410 MHz to 7,125 MHz and FR2, split since Release 17 into FR2-1 (24.25–52.6 GHz) and FR2-2 (52.6–71 GHz). Bands are numbered n1, n2 … (FR1) and n257, n258 … (FR2), each with defined uplink and downlink ranges and duplex mode.[1][2]
Which bands are most common?
| Band | Frequency | Duplex |
|---|---|---|
| n77 | 3300–4200 MHz | TDD |
| n78 | 3300–3800 MHz | TDD |
| n79 | 4400–5000 MHz | TDD |
| n41 | 2496–2690 MHz | TDD |
| n28 | UL 703–748 / DL 758–803 MHz | FDD |
| n258 | 24.25–27.5 GHz | TDD |
| n257 | 26.5–29.5 GHz | TDD |
| n260 | 37–40 GHz | TDD |
See TS 38.101-1/-2 for the full list and channel bandwidths.[1]
What RF challenges does 5G bring?
- Wide channels (up to 100 MHz in FR1, 400 MHz in FR2 in early releases) stress PA linearity, DPD and ADC bandwidth.
- High-order QAM (256QAM) tightens EVM and phase-noise budgets.
- FR2 uses phased arrays with beamforming; requirements are specified over the air (EIRP, EIS).
- Many band combinations for carrier aggregation complicate front-end filtering.
How are TDD and FDD handled in hardware?
FDD bands need duplexers for simultaneous Tx/Rx; TDD bands use switches. Most new mid-band and mmWave 5G spectrum is TDD.
Frequently asked questions
What is FR1?
5G NR frequency range 1, 410–7125 MHz.
What is FR2?
Millimeter-wave ranges from 24.25 GHz; FR2-1 to 52.6 GHz and FR2-2 to 71 GHz.
Why is n78 popular?
It is widely available globally in the 3.3–3.8 GHz range.
See also
References
Online sources accessed October 21, 2026; printed works cited by edition. See all sources.
- “3GPP TS 38.101-1: NR; User Equipment (UE) radio transmission and reception; Part 1: Range 1 Standalone”. 3GPP. Release 17 and later.
- “3GPP TS 38.104: NR; Base Station (BS) radio transmission and reception”. 3GPP. Release 17 and later.
Categories: Standards and bands