5G mmWave vs. Sub-6: A Comparative Study of Two 5G Frequency Bands
John Gieske
Director of Technology
The fifth generation or 5G wireless cellular technology offers unprecedented speeds, enhanced reliability, and expanded capacity compared to its predecessor, 4G. It comes in two sets of frequency bands: sub-6 GHz (FR1) and mmWave (FR2). In this blog, I will discuss 5G mmWave vs. Sub-6 to understand their significance.
In short, mmWave has frequencies above 24GHz and below 52GHz. It is also called frequency range two or FR2. Alternatively, the Sub-6 GHz means the band frequency is below 6 GHz. Any LTE or 5G frequency band under the 6GHz range is known as frequency range one or FR1.
Different wavelengths and frequency bands on the spectrum offer different performance. However, mmWave and Sub-6 both work as 5G, yet they have some differences, which you will learn about in this blog. So, I suggest you read the whole post.
According to Cavli Wireless, the “n” prefix used for naming 5G spectrum bands was introduced by the 3GPP, a group responsible for setting telecommunications standards. This “n” stands for “new radio,” which is the technology behind 5G networks.
By using “n”, 5G bands are easily distinguished from previous generations like 4G (which uses “B” or “LTE” prefixes). This clear labeling system helps manufacturers, network providers, and government agencies understand and manage 5G technology and its deployment.
Nomenclature of FR1 Bands
| Band | Duplex Mode | ƒ (MHz) | Common Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| n1 | FDD | 2100 | IMT |
| n2 | FDD | 1900 | PCS |
| n3 | FDD | 1800 | DCS |
| n5 | FDD | 850 | CLR |
| n7 | FDD | 2600 | IMT-E |
| n8 | FDD | 900 | Extended GSM |
| n12 | FDD | 700 | Lower SMH |
| n14 | FDD | 700 | Upper SMH |
| n18 | FDD | 850 | Lower 800 (Japan) |
| n20 | FDD | 800 | Digital Dividend (EU) |
| n25 | FDD | 1900 | Extended PCS |
| n28 | FDD | 700 | APT |
| n29 | SDL | 700 | Lower SMH |
| n30 | FDD | 2300 | WCS |
| n34 | TDD | 2100 | IMT |
| n38 | TDD | 2600 | IMT-E |
| n39 | TDD | 1900 | DCS-IMT Gap |
| n40 | TDD | 2300 | S-Band |
| n41 | TDD | 2500 | BRS |
| n48 | TDD | 3500 | CBRS (US) |
| n50 | TDD | 1500 | L-Band |
| n51 | TDD | 1500 | L-Band Extension |
| n65 | FDD | 2100 | Extended IMT |
| n66 | FDD | 1700 | Extended AWS |
| n70 | FDD | 2000 | AWS-4 |
| n71 | FDD | 600 | Digital Dividend (US) |
| n74 | FDD | 1500 | Lower L-Band (Japan) |
| n75 | SDL | 1500 | L-Band |
| n76 | SDL | 1500 | Extended L-Band |
| n77 | TDD | 3700 | C-Band |
| n78 | TDD | 3500 | C-Band |
| n79 | TDD | 4700 | C-Band |
| n80 | SUL | 1800 | DCS |
| n81 | SUL | 900 | Extended GSM |
| n82 | SUL | 800 | Digital Dividend (EU) |
| n83 | SUL | 700 | APT |
| n84 | SUL | 2100 | IMT |
| n86 | SUL | 1700 | Extended AWS |
| n89 | SUL | 850 | CLR |
| n90 | TDD | 2500 | BRS |
In this table, FDD, TDD, SDL, and SUL are acronyms.
- FDD – Frequency Division Duplex
- TDD – Time-Division Duplexing
- SDL – Supplementary Downlink
- SUL – Supplementary Uplink
Nomenclature of FR2 Bands
| Frequency Range 2 | ||
| Band | ƒ (GHz) | Common Name |
|---|---|---|
| n257 | 26 GHz and 29 GHz | LMDS (Local multipoint distribution service) |
| n258 | 24.25-27.5 GHz | K-band |
| n260 | 39 GHz | Ka-band |
| n261 | 28 GHz | Ka-band |
Countries and Their 5G Frequency Bands
| Frequency Range 2 | ||
| Country | Frequency Bands | |
|---|---|---|
| North America | n71, n66, n2, n41, n5, n12, n25, n48, n78, n258, n260, n261 | |
| Canada | Multiple bands in commercial deployment such as 600 MHz, 3.5 GHz, and other mobile bands using DSS. Looking to open 3.9 GHz band and 26, 28, and 38 GHz bands for exclusive use. Above 95 GHz bands for unlicensed operations. | |
| Europe | n78, n28A, n8, n20, n38, n1, n3, n7, n75/76, n257, n258 | |
| UK | 3.4-3.8, 3.8-4.2 for private networks. 26 GHz, 40 GHz authorization framework under definition. | |
| Germany | 3.4-3.7 GHz, 3.7-3.8 GHz for private networks. 26 GHz licenses issued on demand on a local basis. | |
| France | 3.4-3.8 GHz. Test licenses for 26 GHz band. | |
| Italy | 3.4-3.8 GHz and 26 GHz. | |
| China | 41+, 79, 1, 3, 78. | |
| South Korea | n78, n257. | |
| Japan | n77, n78, n79, n1, n3, n257. | |
| India | Assigned spectrum across all bands for 5G, including 600, 700 MHz, 3.4-3.67 MHz, and 26 GHz. 800, 900 MHz, 1.8, 2.1, 2.3, and 2.5 GHz bands currently used for 4G, but expected to become 5G bands. | |
| Australia | 3.4-3.7 GHz. 3.7-4.2 GHz, 4.4-4.5 GHz, 4.8-5.0 GHz under ongoing consultation. 26 GHz mmWave band for local licensing and wide-area allocation. | |
What is 5G mmWave?
As I said, 5G supports a broader frequency spectrum than its predecessor. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) gives licenses for spectrum bands to different wireless carriers or network operators for their 5G networks.
- High band (mmWave): 24GHz to higher
- Mid band: 1-6GHz
- Low band: lower than 1GHz
Now, 5G mmWave or “millimeter wave” utilizes high-frequency radio waves in the millimeter wave spectrum that range from 24GHz to 52GHz. However, the upper limit (52GHz) is not specific as many people consider it 40-47GHz; some may consider it up to 100GHz.
Technically, mmWave is defined as the Extremely High Frequency (EHF) range from 30GHz to 300GHz, as Digital Trends says. So, the naming of this band is logical since the wavelengths get as short as one millimeter.
FCC redefined the lower end of the mmWave range in the US to begin in the upper range of the Super High Frequency (SHF) zone. It starts at 24GHz, crossing over into EHF on the way to 47GHz. It is currently the top end of the spectrum allocated for 5G.
Key Characteristics of 5G mmWave
High Speed
Offers incredibly fast data transfer speeds (up to 1.6 Gbps on average), while the peak rate can reach up to 20 Gbps.
Higher Spectral Efficiency
Offers the highest spectral efficiency than other existing bands.
Low Latency
Provides extremely low response times (1ms) which makes it ideal for real-time applications like online gaming, augmented reality, and autonomous vehicles.
Short Range
Coverage is typically limited to shorter distances than lower frequency bands due to the nature of mmWave signals.
High Capacity
Supports a high density of connected devices, which is suitable for dense urban environments and the Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
Network Architecture
Uses massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) and beamforming antennas.
High Bandwidth
Allows for transmission of large amounts of data to increase network speeds and capacity for the wide bandwidth.
Benefits of 5G mmWave
5G mmWave offers many advantages which are changing the way we connect and interact with technology.
Enhanced Speeds
FR2 or mmWave is considered the “Rising star” to reveal the 10 Gigabit speed limits in 5G. Nokia has said it has achieved sustained average downlink speeds of over 2 Gbps using mmWave spectrum and 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) over 10.86 kilometers.
Ultra-Low Response Times
mmWave technology features like short wavelengths, beamforming, large bandwidth, and support for real-time applications make it well-suited for achieving ultra-low latency.
Higher Capacity
Wide frequency bands and unique short wavelengths enable mmWave to provide up to 1000MHz bandwidth.
Convenient Deployment
Millimeter wave antennas are smaller and lighter, which makes deployment more convenient.
Coverage Expansion
Small cell coverage expansion allows organizations to expand their mmWave capabilities through a network of small cells.
Improved User Experience
mmWave reduces lag and buffering which provides a smoother and more responsive connection.
Challenges of 5G mmWave
Besides all these benefits, 5G mmWave has some limitations.
Limited Coverage
mmWave signals are easily blocked by obstacles like buildings and trees, requiring more base stations for widespread coverage.
Susceptible to Interference
External factors like rain and weather can impact signal quality.
Higher Cost
Implementing mmWave technology can be more expensive than traditional 5G networks.
What is 5G Sub-6?
Sub-6GHz encompasses the spectrum below 6GHz. This contrasts with 5G mmWave, which operates at much higher frequencies. This frequency range is categorized under FR1. It includes bands that were previously utilized by earlier generations of mobile technology but have been expanded and optimized for 5G capabilities.
Sub-6 is divided into low-band and mid-band categories.
The mid-band segment, ranging from 1 GHz to 6 GHz, represents a sweet spot for 5G deployments. It offers a unique balance between coverage and capacity.
Even many countries have chosen this mid-band as the primary spectrum for rolling out 5G services to the masses. For instance, India plans to auction spectrums within the 3.3–3.6 GHz and 5.2–5.9 GHz ranges.
The mid-band frequencies support higher data speeds compared to low-band frequencies while still maintaining decent coverage areas. They are ideal for dense urban environments where the demand for high-speed internet access is significant.
The low-band segment of sub-6 GHz operates between 600 MHz and 2.4 GHz, closely aligning with the operational range of 4G LTE networks. This similarity facilitates a smoother transition from 4G to 5G. It allows telecommunications companies to upgrade existing infrastructure while maintaining compatibility with current devices and services.
Low-band frequencies are particularly effective at providing broad coverage due to their ability to travel long distances and penetrate obstacles like buildings and trees.
Key Characteristics of 5G Sub-6
Better Penetration
Penetrates walls and other obstacles more effectively, which mmWave cannot do.
Network Architecture
Uses a non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA) architecture (NSA for 4G, both for 5G) to co-locate with the 4G network.
Better Coverage
Travels farther distances compared to higher frequency bands.
Lower Latency
Offers improved latency compared to 4G for faster response times for applications like online gaming and video conferencing.
High speeds
Offers lower speeds than mmWave but still significantly faster than 4G, typically ranging from 100 to 700 Mbps.
Lower deployment costs
Less expensive to deploy compared to mmWave to make it more accessible for network operators.
Increased capacity
Handles more devices and data simultaneously compared to previous generations.
Benefits of 5G Sub-6
Sub-6GHz offers multiple benefits, such as a higher spectrum of 5G or mmWave.
Broader Coverage
Sub-6 GHz frequencies, especially those in the low-band range, offer extensive coverage capabilities. They are suitable for rural and suburban areas where population density is lower.
Improved Penetration
These frequencies exhibit superior penetration abilities than mmWave. Signals can pass through obstacles such as walls and foliage more effectively. This characteristic enhances indoor and outdoor connectivity experiences.
Enhanced Connection Density
Sub-6 GHz 5G networks support significantly more connected devices per square kilometer than 4G. So, it is suitable for more efficient IoT deployments and smart city applications.
Seamless Transition
Given the overlap with existing 4G LTE bands, sub-6 GHz frequencies facilitate a seamless transition to 5G. It allows operators to leverage their current infrastructure while introducing new 5G services.
Improved User Experience
Sub-6 is faster and more reliable than LTE and enhances user experience. Users can communicate, stream, download, and upload faster and save more time than previous generations of cellular networks.
Challenges of 5G Sub-6
Spectrum sharing
Sharing spectrum with other wireless services can lead to interference and performance degradation.
Lower Capacity
Sub-6 falls short of the potential capacity of mmWave, especially in densely populated areas.
Increased Interference
The wider use of wireless devices can lead to increased interference that impacts network performance.
5G mmWave vs. Sub-6 Comparison Chart
| Feature | 5G mmWave | Sub-6 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency Range | Above 24 GHz (typically 24 GHz to 100 GHz) | Below 6 GHz |
| Bandwidth | Very high (up to several GHz) | Lower (tens to hundreds of MHz) |
| Data Transfer Rates | Up to 1 Gbps | 100-700 Mbps |
| Coverage Area | Short range; typically, less than a kilometer | Wider area; can cover several kilometers |
| Penetration & Propagation | Poor (struggles with buildings, rain, etc.) | Better (can penetrate walls and buildings) |
| Deployment | Urban areas, stadiums, and indoor environments | Urban, suburban, and rural areas |
| Capacity | Very high (supports high user density) | Moderate (lower than mmWave) |
| Use Cases | High-speed broadband, AR/VR | Mobile broadband, IoT, wide-area coverage |
| Infrastructure Requirement | Dense network of small cells | Less dense, traditional cell towers |
| Latency | Very low | Low (but typically higher than mmWave) |
| Cost | High (due to dense infrastructure needs) | Lower (due to wider coverage per cell) |
| Device Compatibility | Limited (not all devices support mmWave) | Widespread (most modern devices support Sub-6 GHz) |
| Standardization | More complex due to higher frequencies | More mature and widely adopted |
| Security | Potentially more vulnerable to signal interference | Generally, less susceptible to interference |
Frequently Asked Questions
The main difference lies in their frequency ranges. 5G mmWave operates above 24 GHz (typically 24 GHz to 100 GHz), offering very high bandwidth and ultra-fast data transfer rates but with a short range and poor penetration through obstacles. Conversely, Sub-6 GHz operates below 6 GHz, providing wider area coverage and better penetration capabilities, though with lower bandwidth and data transfer rates compared to mmWave.
5G mmWave has a very short range, typically less than a kilometer, due to its high frequency and poor penetration capabilities. This makes it suitable for dense urban areas and indoor environments. Sub-6 GHz, however, can cover several kilometers, offering wider area coverage for its lower frequency bands’ ability to travel longer distances and penetrate obstacles more effectively.
5G mmWave is ideal for applications requiring ultra-fast data rates and low latency, such as high-speed broadband, augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), and other services in densely populated urban settings and large venues like sports stadiums. Sub-6 GHz is good for mobile broadband, Internet of Things (IoT) deployments, and wide-area coverage applications, including smart cities, healthcare, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and services where consistent connectivity across varied environments is essential.
Final Words: 5G mmWave vs. Sub-6
mmWave and Sub-6 GHz are both frequency bands of 5G. Both FR1 and FR2 are now becoming popular worldwide. However, there are significant differences in coverage, data rates, penetration capabilities, and applications. For instance, the mmWave or FR2 range starts at 24 GHz while the sub-6 range remains under 6 GHz.
Throughout the discussion, I have explained how we can define both 5G bands. You have also learned the nomenclature of FR1 and FR2 bands.
Thank you for reading this blog. We welcome you to read other blogs on our website.