Band n90 is a 5G NR (New Radio) frequency band defined by the 3GPP standards for use in mobile telecommunications.
It operates in the 2496 MHz to 2690 MHz frequency range, making it part of the sub-6 GHz spectrum (also known as Frequency Range 1, or FR1).
Band n90 uses Time Division Duplexing (TDD), which means the same frequency is used for both uplink and downlink, alternating in time.
Contents
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 2496 MHz – 2690 MHz |
| Duplex Mode | TDD (Time Division Duplex) |
| Maximum Bandwidth | Up to 194 MHz |
| Channel Bandwidths | 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 90, 100 MHz |
| 3GPP Designation | Band n90 |
| Spectrum Category | Sub-6 GHz (FR1) |
Key Features
- Mid-Band 5G: Band n90 is part of the mid-band spectrum, offering a balance between coverage and capacity. It provides faster speeds than low-band 5G, while still maintaining reasonable coverage and building penetration compared to high-band (mmWave) frequencies.
- TDD Operation: The use of TDD allows flexible allocation of resources between uplink and downlink, which can be optimized based on network traffic patterns.
- Wide Bandwidth: With up to 194 MHz of available spectrum, Band n90 supports high data rates and efficient carrier aggregation, enabling enhanced mobile broadband experiences.
Applications and Usage
- Mobile Broadband: Band n90 is well-suited for delivering high-speed 5G data services in urban, suburban, and even some rural areas.
- Carrier Deployment: This band is used globally, and in some regions, it overlaps with legacy 4G/LTE bands (notably Band 41). This allows for smoother migration from LTE to 5G and supports dynamic spectrum sharing in some network deployments.
- Device Support: Many modern 5G smartphones, routers, and IoT devices are designed to support Band n90, ensuring broad compatibility.
Comparison with Similar Bands
| Band | Frequency Range (MHz) | Duplex Mode | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| n41 | 2496 – 2690 | TDD | 5G mid-band |
| n90 | 2496 – 2690 | TDD | 5G mid-band |
| n78 | 3300 – 3800 | TDD | 5G C-band |
| n77 | 3300 – 4200 | TDD | 5G C-band |
Band n90 and n41 share the same frequency range but are defined separately to support different network configurations and regulatory requirements.
Advantages of Band n90
- Balanced Performance: Offers a strong combination of speed, capacity, and coverage.
- Flexible Deployment: TDD operation enables dynamic adjustment of uplink and downlink capacity.
- Global Adoption: Supported by many operators and device manufacturers worldwide.
Summary
Band n90 is a mid-band 5G NR frequency band operating from 2496 MHz to 2690 MHz using TDD. It is designed to deliver high-speed, high-capacity wireless connectivity while maintaining good coverage and building penetration. Its wide bandwidth and global support make it a cornerstone for 5G deployments, especially in areas where a balance between speed and coverage is essential