6GHz, the future of 5G!

Dec 19,2024
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The allocation of 6GHz spectrum has been confirmed!

Recently, the WRC-23 (World Radio Conference) organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) concluded in Dubai. The conference aims to coordinate the use of spectrum globally.

The attribution of 6GHz is the focus of attention.

The meeting decided to use the 6.425-7.125GHz frequency band (with a total bandwidth of 700M) for mobile services, namely 5G mobile communication.

What is 6GHz?

6GHz refers to the frequency range of 5925MHz to 7125MHz, with a bandwidth of 1.2G.

Previously, the mid to low frequency spectrum available for mobile communication had already been well known, except for the unclear purpose of 6GHz.

The upper limit of Sub6GHz originally defined by 5G is 6GHz, and above that is millimeter wave. In the current situation where the expected lifespan of 5G is extended and the commercial prospects of millimeter wave are bleak, officially including 6GHz is the key to the next development of 5G.

3GPP has standardized the upper half of 6GHz, i.e. 6425-7125MHz, in R17 version, also known as U6G, with the frequency band code n104.

There is also Wi Fi competing for 6GHz. In Wi Fi 6E, 6GHz has also been included as a standard. From the figure below, it can be seen that with 6GHz, the frequency band of Wi Fi will be expanded from 600M bandwidth at 2.4GHz and 5GHz to 1800M, with a maximum support of 320M bandwidth per single carrier at 6GHz.

In a report released, it was mentioned that Wi Fi currently provides the majority of network capacity, and 6GHz is the future of Wi Fi. There is still a lot of unused spectrum in mobile communication, and the requirement for 6GHz is unreasonable.

In recent years, there are three opinions in the industry regarding the attribution of 6GHz: the first is to allocate it entirely to Wi Fi, the second is to allocate it entirely to mobile communication (5G), and the third is to allocate it equally to both.

On the Wi Fi Alliance website, it can be seen that most countries in the Americas allocate all 6GHz to Wi Fi, while Europe tends to allocate the lower range of 6GHz to Wi Fi. The remaining high segment is naturally 5G.

The decision of WRC-23 can be regarded as a confirmation of the facts, which can be described as a win-win situation for 5G and Wi Fi after mutual competition and compromise.

Although this decision may not affect the US market, it does not prevent 6GHz from becoming a global universal frequency band. And the frequency of this frequency band is relatively low, making it easy to achieve outdoor coverage similar to 3.5GHz. 5G will usher in the second wave of construction peak.

This wave of 5G construction, according to GSMA's prediction, will begin in 2025, which is the second half of 5G: 5G-A. Looking forward to the surprises that 5G-A will bring us.