ALLPCB
Background
5G is the fifth-generation mobile communication technology. It introduced millimeter-wave frequency bands as part of the radio spectrum used for wireless transmission. Before discussing how many hertz millimeter-wave 5G can support, it is useful to review basic concepts.
A hertz (Hz) is the SI unit of frequency and indicates the number of periodic events per second. In wireless communication, frequency affects data rate and capacity. Higher frequencies generally enable faster data rates and larger capacity.
Millimeter-wave Bands in 5G
In 5G, in addition to low and mid bands (as low as 600 megahertz (MHz) and up to about 3.7 gigahertz (GHz)), millimeter-wave bands extend into much higher frequencies. Millimeter-wave refers to frequencies above 30 GHz, and commonly cited allocations include 24 GHz, 28 GHz, 37 GHz, 39 GHz, and 47 GHz.
Compared with low and mid bands, millimeter-wave bands offer higher frequencies, which can provide much higher data rates and greater capacity. However, millimeter waves have shorter propagation distances and are more susceptible to blockage and weather effects due to increased atmospheric absorption and scattering.
Regional Allocation and Examples
Specific frequency allocations for 5G millimeter-wave vary by country and region. For example, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) auctioned several millimeter-wave bands, including 24 GHz, 28 GHz, 37 GHz, 39 GHz, and 47 GHz. The bandwidths available in these bands typically range from about 400 megahertz (MHz) up to around 3.8 gigahertz (GHz).
Major operators have deployed millimeter-wave services using bands such as 28 GHz and 39 GHz. These deployments confirm that millimeter-wave 5G can operate in those bands, while other regions may use different specific bands depending on national allocation and regulation.
Other Factors Affecting Performance
Beyond nominal frequency, other key parameters influence millimeter-wave 5G performance, including available bandwidth and antenna design. Bandwidth determines the amount of spectrum available for transmission and is critical to achieving high data rates. Antenna design at millimeter-wave frequencies must support high gain and narrow beams to mitigate short-range propagation limitations and to improve link reliability.
Summary
Millimeter-wave 5G generally refers to frequencies above 30 GHz and commonly includes bands such as 24 GHz, 28 GHz, 37 GHz, 39 GHz, and 47 GHz. Exact band usage depends on regional spectrum allocation. In addition to frequency, bandwidth and antenna design are essential factors that determine the overall capability of millimeter-wave 5G systems.
