5G technology

5G New Radio (NR) uses a broad frequency spectrum to meet different requirements for coverage, capacity, and data rates. A fundamental distinction is made between Frequency Range 1 (FR1) and Frequency Range 2 (FR2).

FR1 covers low- and mid-band frequencies. Due to their propagation characteristics, lower frequencies typically provide greater range and better building penetration. Higher frequencies within FR1, on the other hand, enable wider channel bandwidths and therefore greater capacity. In Germany, the mid-band spectrum around 3.6 GHz plays a particularly important role in high-performance 5G networks. Frequencies in the 3.7 to 3.8 GHz range are also available for private, non-public 5G networks, known as campus networks.

FR2 covers significantly higher frequencies and, thanks to the large channel bandwidths available, enables particularly high data rates and capacities. However, due to higher propagation loss, the range is shorter, making these frequencies particularly suitable for local applications and high-capacity requirements within limited areas. In Germany, frequencies in the 24.25 to 27.5 GHz range can be applied for local broadband applications.

The performance a 5G network actually achieves therefore depends largely on the frequency band used, the available channel bandwidth, radio coverage, and network load. Combining different frequency ranges makes it possible to tailor 5G networks to specific requirements such as wide-area coverage, high capacity, or high data rates.

When the first 5G networks were deployed, 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) was predominantly used. In this architecture, 5G New Radio (NR) is integrated into an existing LTE network architecture. LTE handles key signaling and connectivity functions, while 5G NR provides additional radio capacity for data transmission. This approach enabled a rapid 5G rollout because existing 4G infrastructure could continue to be used. Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) enables LTE and 5G to share frequency resources.

5G Standalone (SA), by contrast, does not rely on LTE infrastructure as its technical foundation. 5G NR connects directly to a standalone 5G Core. Its service-based architecture provides greater separation between network functions and enables flexible control of the Control Plane and User Plane. This makes advanced Quality-of-Service mechanisms, Network Slicing, and optimized communication paths possible.

The transition from NSA to SA is therefore more than an upgrade to the radio interface: it affects the entire mobile network architecture – from the Radio Access Network and Core Network to the provisioning and management of network services.

5G is continuously evolving through successive 3GPP releases. 3GPP Release 18 marks the beginning of 5G-Advanced and expands existing 5G radio and network capabilities in areas including efficiency, MIMO, positioning, and the integration of AI/ML and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). This optimizes 5G for an increasingly broad range of applications.

An important development for IoT and industrial applications is 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap). Not every end device requires high gigabit data rates, wide channel bandwidths, or complex antenna systems. RedCap therefore deliberately reduces certain features and hardware requirements of 5G devices, including channel bandwidth and the number of antennas. This enables more compact, energy-efficient, and cost-effective 5G devices for applications such as sensors, wearables, and industrial use cases.