Understanding 4G and 5G Radio Network Technology: A Deep Dive into LTE and 5G Frequency Bands

event 22.05.2025 person Admin

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As mobile technology continues to evolve, the transition from 4G LTE to 5G has revolutionized wireless communication across the globe. A key component of this transformation lies in the LTE bands, 5G bands, and the broader 5G spectrum. Understanding the differences, frequency ranges, and use cases of these technologies is essential for telecom professionals, enthusiasts, and consumers alike.

What Are LTE and 5G Frequency Bands?

In mobile communications, "bands" refer to specific ranges of radio frequencies used to transmit data wirelessly. These frequency bands are standardized and allocated by regulatory authorities to enable efficient and interference-free communication.

LTE Frequency Bands

LTE frequency bands are part of the 4G standard, offering high-speed mobile internet and improved network efficiency over 3G. These bands vary across regions but are crucial for delivering consistent 4G services.

Some commonly used LTE bands include:

Band 3 (1800 MHz): Widely used across Europe and Asia.
Band 7 (2600 MHz): Offers high capacity, suitable for urban areas.
Band 20 (800 MHz): Ideal for rural coverage due to its long-range propagation.
Band 28 (700 MHz): Gaining popularity for its coverage benefits in various countries.

The availability and deployment of LTE bands can affect network performance, especially in areas where multiple bands are aggregated for improved speed and capacity.

LTE on TDD and FDD Bands

LTE can be deployed in two duplexing modes: Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) and Time Division Duplexing (TDD).

FDD (Frequency Division Duplexing): Uses separate frequency bands for uplink and downlink, providing simultaneous two-way communication. Commonly used in traditional LTE deployments.
TDD (Time Division Duplexing): Uses a single frequency band for both uplink and downlink, alternating the time slots. This mode is particularly efficient for asymmetric traffic and is widely used in high-density urban areas.

Popular LTE TDD bands include:

Band 38 (2600 MHz)
Band 40 (2300 MHz)
Band 41 (2500 MHz)

TDD technology allows for more flexible spectrum usage, making it ideal for regions with fluctuating demand.

What Is the 5G Spectrum?

5G spectrum refers to the set of frequency bands designated for fifth-generation mobile networks. Unlike 4G, which primarily uses low to mid-band frequencies, 5G utilizes a broader range, including high-band millimeter waves (mmWave). The 5G frequency range is typically categorized into three tiers:

Low-band 5G (Sub-1 GHz): Includes bands like n71 (600 MHz) and n28 (700 MHz), offering broad coverage and better indoor penetration.
Mid-band 5G (1–6 GHz): Encompasses bands such as n41 (2.5 GHz), n77/n78 (3.5 GHz), balancing coverage and speed. These are the most commonly deployed bands in current 5G rollouts.
High-band 5G (24 GHz and above): Known as mmWave, includes n260 (39 GHz) and n261 (28 GHz), delivering ultra-fast speeds with low latency but limited range.

These 5G frequency bands are pivotal for delivering the promise of next-gen mobile experiences — including real-time gaming, 4K streaming, autonomous driving, and smart city infrastructure.

Comparing LTE and 5G Frequency Ranges

The LTE frequency bands generally lie between 600 MHz and 2600 MHz, ideal for balancing coverage and speed. In contrast, 5G frequency bands extend this range significantly — from low-band below 1 GHz to mmWave bands above 24 GHz.

Technology	Duplexing Mode	Frequency Range	Example Bands	Use Case
LTE	FDD	600 MHz – 2600 MHz	Band 3, 7, 20, 28	Mobile broadband, VoLTE, IoT
LTE	TDD	2300 MHz – 2600 MHz	Band 38, 40, 41	Dense urban areas, high traffic load
5G Low-Band	FDD/TDD	<1 GHz	n71, n28	Rural coverage, deep indoor signal
5G Mid-Band	FDD/TDD	1 – 6 GHz	n41, n77, n78	Urban and suburban high-speed data
5G mmWave	TDD	24 GHz – 100 GHz	n260, n261	Dense urban areas, industrial use

The deployment of 5G on top of existing LTE networks (known as Non-Standalone or NSA architecture) allows operators to leverage existing infrastructure while gradually expanding 5G spectrum availability.

Why 5G Frequency Bands Matter

Understanding the 5G frequency band allocation is essential for device compatibility and network planning. Devices must support specific 5G bands to access the benefits of 5G networks. Similarly, telecom providers must optimize their spectrum strategy by balancing coverage, capacity, and cost.

High-band 5G frequencies offer lightning-fast speeds and minimal latency, but they’re easily blocked by obstacles and have a shorter reach. Mid-band frequencies provide a balance, while low-band ensures that 5G can reach rural and indoor areas efficiently.

Final Thoughts

The shift from LTE to 5G is more than a speed upgrade — it’s a technological leap that depends heavily on how the 5G frequency range is utilized. With the expansion of 5G bands, both mobile operators and end-users stand to benefit from faster, more reliable, and more responsive connectivity.

Whether you're researching LTE frequency bands for legacy support or looking to understand how 5G spectrum innovations are shaping the future, a solid grasp of radio network technologies and frequency band dynamics is key to staying ahead in the mobile communications landscape.