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James, Jr. Network Engineer

Hi, I was researching frequency bands used in cellular wireless communications and I came across several bands and classifications. Can you educate me on this?

Adam, Network Engineer

Sure, let’s get into understanding the frequency bands. Different frequencies in the EM spectrum are used for different applications around us. For example, telecommunications, FM/AM, and satellite communications all utilize the frequency spectrum spread from 3 kHz to 300 GHz.

 
 

James, Jr. Network Engineer

When dealing with the frequency spectrum, there is a mention of different sections in radio frequencies from 3 Hz to 3 THz. Can you explain this classification?

Adam, Network Engineer

RF is the low frequency spectrum used for wireless communication systems. It is divided into various bands namely- Extremely low frequency (ELF), Super low frequency (SLF), Ultra-low frequency (ULF), Very low frequency (VLF), Low frequency (LF), Medium frequency (MF), High frequency (HF), Very high frequency (VHF), Ultra high frequency (UHF), Super high frequency (SHF), Extremely high frequency (EHF), and Terahertz high frequency (THF).

 
 

James, Jr. Network Engineer

Great. Now when stepping into the Cellular IoT connectivity domain, what frequencies are used specifically for IoT devices?

Adam, Network Engineer

Cellular IoT connectivity taps into the UHF (300 MHz to 3 GHz) and SHF (3 GHz to 30 GHz) RF spectrum bands. GSM standards traditionally operate between 900 and 1800 MHz for IoT. Meanwhile, 4G LTE covers from 600 MHz to 2.6 GHz, and next-gen 5G networks extend to 30 GHz using millimeter-wave bands.

 

As Adam still has questions in his quiver, you would also be curious to demystify what frequencies are used in your IoT devices and how it is changing with the intervention of new network generations. In this blog let's talk about LTE cellular frequency bands and how they aid IoT connectivity.

Exploring Cellular Frequency Bands in Modern Connectivity: Understanding the Radio Spectrum

In the late 19th century, Heinrich Rudolf Hertz demonstrated the existence of the electromagnetic spectrum, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of communication. Today, cellular IoT leverages these cellular frequency bands to enable seamless communication between countless connected devices within a connected network.

frequency-bands.webp

Later in the 1990s, cellular network technologies such as 2G (GSM, GPRS) became widespread. They were used for the earliest types of IoT applications, by utilizing 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands in many parts of the world.

In Mid-2000s with the advent of 3G, higher data rates became available, enhancing capabilities for more data-intensive IoT applications. Frequencies around 2.1 GHz (part of the UHF band) started being used more extensively for IoT, enabling better transmission of real-time data and supporting more sophisticated applications in healthcare, logistics, and smarter cities.

The rollout of 4G LTE in the 2010s marked a significant boost in IoT connectivity with even higher data rates and lower latency. LTE cellular bands like 600 MHz to 2.6 GHz offered enhanced efficiency and reliability, ideal for emerging IoT technologies in smart homes, industrial automation, and more complex city infrastructure management.

Learn More: 7 IoT Applications in 2024 

The Backbone of Wireless Connectivity: Understanding Cellular Frequency Bands for IoT

Cellular frequency bands are specific parts of the radio spectrum allocated for cellular network use in telecommunications, enabling communication between mobile devices and cell towers. They carry voice and data across cellular networks, facilitating phone calls, text messages, internet browsing, and streaming services on mobile devices.

Of course, Gen-Z reading this may be astonished to hear that manually tuning TV antennas is a thing of the past.

 

Just as we once adjusted TV antennas to capture specific channels, now cellular networks use designated frequency bands to power IoT applications. Each cellular frequency band ensures optimal performance for specific IoT devices and applications. For example, 4G LTE Band 20 (around 800 MHz) is a low-frequency band used in Europe for wide coverage in rural areas. In contrast, Band 1 (2100 MHz) is a higher-frequency LTE band that provides more capacity and speed in dense urban areas. These band numbers correspond to specific frequency ranges allocated to carriers, and they illustrate how different bands serve different coverage needs.

The radio spectrum, divided into bands, is identified by a number or a name, and managed by national and international regulatory bodies like FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and ITU (International Telecommunication Union). These authorities allocate spectrum for various services, like cellular communications and interference management to ensure compatibility.

How Cellular Frequency Bands and Network Technologies Power IoT Connectivity

Cellular frequency bands and cellular network technologies are correlated as they work on these designated ranges of radio frequencies for cellular communication.

  • Low-band Spectrum

    To start with, earlier generations such as legacy 2G and 3G networks used low-band frequencies to provide wide coverage. Typically below 1 GHz, these frequencies offer better range and signal penetration, making them ideal for achieving broader network coverage. However, the data speeds were relatively low, offering only a few Mbps in real-world scenarios, which was sufficient for basic services like voice calls and text messaging.

    With advancements in technology, 4G LTE networks began utilizing low-band frequencies such as 700 MHz and 800 MHz. These frequencies provided data speeds of up to 50 Mbps in LTE Category 4 and up to 100 Mbps in LTE Category 6.

  • Mid-band Spectrum

    The next generation 5G network operates in the FR1 frequency range, from 1 GHz to 6 GHz (Sub-6 GHz), which falls under the mid-band spectrum. This range offers a balance between coverage and data speed, providing broader coverage than the high-band spectrum.

    The 5G network using mid-band frequencies is theoretically capable of delivering maximum data speeds of 2 Gbps to 5 Gbps with advanced 5G features like carrier aggregation, 4x4 MIMO, and 256-QAM.

To learn further about the Sub-6 GHz range and other 5G features, refer to our blog on 5G NR 

  • High-band Spectrum or Millimeter Wave (mmWave)

    It is commonly used in 5G networks and is known as the 5G mmWave spectrum. The 5G network is designed to work on millimeter waves (FR 2) above 6 GHz. These frequencies offer the highest data speeds but have a shorter range and require more infrastructure like small cells to provide seamless coverage to urban areas effectively. The theoretical peak data rate of 5G NR mmWave is up to 20 Gbps. However, these mmWave frequency bands – essentially the 5G high-frequency bands above ~24 GHz – have a much shorter range and limited signal penetration. As a result, many more small cells or base stations are required to provide coverage using these 5G waves compared to lower-frequency bands.

    To know more about these 5G frequencies, refer to our blog on 5G mmWave and Sub-6 GHz 

    Note : The specific cellular bands can vary by country and operator, depending on the spectrum licenses they hold and the technologies they deploy (e.g., 3G, 4G LTE, 5G).

     

How Low Band LTE Frequencies Enable Global IoT Connectivity and Efficiency

LTE bands refer to the specific radio frequencies allocated for the Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, which is a standard for wireless broadband communication. LTE is used worldwide for internet access and is an essential part of modern telecommunications. These bands allow mobile phones, tablets, and other connected IoT devices to communicate with mobile networks.

LTE frequency bands are crucial in various cellular technologies like

  • 4G Networks is synonymous with Long Term Evolution, providing high-speed data and voice communications. It supports streaming, browsing, and downloading at much faster speeds compared to 3G networks.
  • NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) operating on LTE bands, focuses on indoor coverage, low cost, long battery life, and high connection density.
  • LTE-M is designed for machine-to-machine communication, a low power wide area technology which operates within the LTE bands. It is used in IoT devices that require long battery life and wide coverage.

Understanding LTE Communication: TDD vs FDD and Their Role in IoT Connectivity

The LTE frequency bands can be categorized into two types: TDD (Time Division Duplex) and FDD (Frequency Division Duplex)

TDD LTE Bands

Consider a traditional walkie-talkie, operating on a single channel for both talking and listening. It switches modes using a technique called "push-to-talk" (PTT), preventing the signals from interfering with each other.

TDD LTE bands similarly use a single frequency band for both uplink and downlink but allocate different time intervals for each direction. This type is more flexible in managing asymmetric traffic, where download and upload demands differ significantly.

FDD LTE Bands

Now imagine using two walkie-talkies, set to different channels: one for talking and one for listening. This separation prevents the signals from interfering with each other.

This method is known as Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD). It allows communication to occur in both directions at the same time without interference. FDD separates frequencies for uplink and downlink to allow simultaneous communication.

These bands use paired spectrum allocations, with separate frequencies for uplink (transmitting from the device to the tower) and downlink (transmitting from the tower to the device). Most of the global LTE network deployments use FDD because it efficiently uses spectrum for symmetric traffic.

tdd-and-fdd.webp

TDD LTE Frequency Bands

LTE Band NumberFrequencyBandwidth (MHz)
LTE Band 331900 - 1920 MHz20
LTE Band 342010 - 2025 MHz15
LTE Band 351850 - 1910 MHz60
LTE Band 361930 - 1990 MHz60
LTE Band 371910 - 1930 MHz20
LTE Band 382570 - 2620 MHz50
LTE Band 391880 - 1920 MHz40
LTE Band 402300 - 2400 MHz100
LTE Band 412496 - 2690 MHz194
LTE Band 423400 - 3600 MHz200
LTE Band 433600 - 3800 MHz200
LTE Band 44703 - 803 MHz100
LTE Band 451447 – 1467 MHz20
LTE Band 465150 – 5925 MHz775
LTE Band 475855 – 5925 MHz70
LTE Band 483550 – 3700 MHz150
LTE Band 501432 – 1517 MHz85
LTE Band 511427 – 1432 MHz5
LTE Band 523300 – 3400 MHz100
LTE Band 532483.5 – 2495 MHz11.5
LTE Band 541670 – 1675 MHz5

FDD LTE Frequency Bands

LTE Band NumberUplink Band (MHz)Downlink Band (MHz)Band Width (MHz)
LTE Band 11920 - 19802110 - 217060
LTE Band 21850 - 19101930 - 199060
LTE Band 31710 - 17851805 - 188075
LTE Band 41710 - 17552110 - 215545
LTE Band 5824 - 849869 - 89425
LTE Band 6830 - 840875 - 88510
LTE Band 72500 - 25702620 - 269070
LTE Band 8880 - 915925 - 96035
LTE Band 91749.9 - 1784.91844.9 - 1879.935
LTE Band 101710 - 17702110 - 217060
LTE Band 111427.9 - 1452.91475.9 - 1500.920
LTE Band 12698 - 716728 - 74618
LTE Band 13777 - 787746 - 75610
LTE Band 14788 - 798758 - 76810
LTE Band 151900 - 19202600 - 262020
LTE Band 162010 - 20252585 - 260015
LTE Band 17704 - 716734 - 74612
LTE Band 18815 - 830860 - 87515
LTE Band 19830 - 845875 - 89015
LTE Band 20832 - 862791 - 82130
LTE Band 211447.9 - 1462.91495.5 - 1510.915
LTE Band 223410 - 35003510 - 360090
LTE Band 232000 - 20202180 - 220020
LTE Band 241625.5 - 1660.51525 - 155934
LTE Band 251850 - 19151930 - 199565
LTE Band 26814 - 849859 - 89430 / 40
LTE Band 27807 - 824852 - 86917
LTE Band 28703 - 748758 - 80345
LTE Band 29 (SDL)-717 - 72811
LTE Band 302305 - 23152350 - 236010
LTE Band 31452.5 - 457.5462.5 - 467.55
LTE Band 32 (SDL)-1452 - 149644
LTE Band 651920 - 20102110 - 220090
LTE Band 661710 - 17802110 - 220070/90
LTE Band 67 (SDL)-738 - 75820
LTE Band 68698 - 728753 - 78330
LTE Band 69 (SDL)-2570 - 262050
LTE Band 701695 - 17101995 - 202015/25
LTE Band 71663 - 698617 - 65235
LTE Band 72451 - 456461 - 4665
LTE Band 73450 - 455460 - 4655
LTE Band 741427 - 14701475 - 151843
LTE Band 75 (SDL)-1432 - 151785
LTE Band 76 (SDL)-1427 - 14325
LTE Band 85698 - 716728 - 74618
LTE Band 87410 - 415420 - 4255
LTE Band 88412 - 417422 - 4275
LTE Band 103787 - 788757 - 7581
LTE Band 106896 - 901835 - 8405

NB-IoT Frequency Bands

There are 26 NB-IoT frequency bands in total, and the NB-IoT spectrum does not include Time Division Duplex (TDD) bands. NB-IoT deployments are mainly done in three bands: Standalone, Guard band and In-band.

NB-IoT-deployments.webp

Standalone

A standalone deployment uses a dedicated frequency band that is not shared with LTE or other cellular technologies.

Guard Band

Guard Band deployment utilizes the unused spectrum between two frequency bands, known as the guard band, to minimize interference between those bands.

In-Band

In-Band deployment means it is integrated within an existing frequency band that is already in use by another cellular technology, like LTE.

So for NB-IoT, in-band deployment involves using resource blocks within the LTE frequency band, allowing both types of technology to coexist efficiently on the same frequency band without interfering with each other.

NB-IoT BandUplink BandDownlink BandBand WidthDuplex Mode
B11920 - 1980 MHz2110 - 2170 MHz60 MHzHD-FDD
B21850 - 1910 MHz1930 - 1990 MHz60 MHzHD-FDD
B31710 - 1785 MHz1805 - 1880 MHz75 MHzHD-FDD
B41710 - 1755 MHz2110 - 2155 MHz45 MHzHD-FDD
B5824 - 849 MHz869 - 894 MHz25 MHzHD-FDD
B8880 - 915 MHz925 - 960 MHz25 MHzHD-FDD
B111427.9 - 1447.9 MHz1475.9 - 1495.9 MHz20 MHzHD-FDD
B12699 - 716 MHz729 - 746 MHz17 MHzHD-FDD
B13777 - 787 MHz746 - 756 MHz10 MHzHD-FDD
B14788 - 798 MHz758 - 768 MHz10 MHzHF-FDD
B17704 - 716 MHz734 - 746 MHz12 MHzHD-FDD
B18815 - 830 MHz860 - 875 MHz15 MHzHD-FDD
B19830 - 845 MHz875 - 890 MHz15 MHzHD-FDD
B20832 - 862 MHz791 - 821 MHz30 MHzHD-FDD
B251850 - 1915 MHz1930 - 1995 MHz65 MHzHD-FDD
B26814 - 849 MHz859 - 894 MHz35 MHzHD-FDD
B28703 - 748 MHz758 - 803 MHz45 MHzHD-FDD
B31452.5 - 457.5 MHz462.5 - 467.5 MHz5 MHzHD-FDD
B661710 - 1780 MHz2110 - 2200 MHz70/90 MHzHD-FDD
B701695 - 1710 MHz1995 - 2020 MHz25 MHzHD-FDD
B71633 - 698 MHz617 - 783 MHz65 MHzHD-FDD
B72451 - 456 MHz461 - 466 MHz5 MHzHD-FDD
B73450 - 455 MHz461 - 466 MHz5 MHzHD-FDD
B741427 - 1470 MHz1475 - 1518 MHz43 MHzHD-FDD
B85698 - 716 MHz728 - 746 MHz10 MHzHD-FDD

Closing Notes: The Evolution of Cellular Networks and Frequency Bands in IoT

The evolution of cellular networks has led to the development of diverse frequency allocation strategies, including FDD and TDD approaches, each tailored to meet specific needs for uplink and downlink transmission. Coordinated efforts by organizations like the 3GPP have standardized these bands globally, enabling interoperability and facilitating seamless connectivity for users worldwide.

As the demand for mobile data continues to surge, the efficient management and utilization of cellular frequency bands will remain critical to ensuring optimal performance and expanding the reach of wireless networks in the future.

Visit us to learn more on Cellular IoT Connectivity and IoT modules.

Amusing Tech Chronicles

Facts and Anecdotes related to this edition of Wireless By Design


 

 musical-notes.webp

Musical Notes

Think of cellular frequency bands as musical notes on a musical instrument. Each note represents a specific frequency, and just as different notes create different melodies, different frequency bands facilitate different types of communication services.

traffic-light.webp

Traffic Lights

Cellular frequency bands can be likened to traffic lights at intersections. Different bands serve different purposes, much like traffic lights control the flow of vehicles from different directions. Each light (band) operates independently to ensure smooth and organized communication.

water-pipe.webp

Water Pipes

Imagine cellular frequency bands as different pipes carrying water of varying sizes. Each pipe represents a band, and the size of the pipe (frequency range) determines how much data can flow through it at once. Just as larger pipes allow more water to flow, wider frequency bands accommodate higher data transfer rates.

 

Go Beyond and Explore

1.

Which is the frequency band for 4G LTE ?

LTE, or Long-Term Evolution is designed to function across a range of frequency bands. Different cellular network operators hold licenses to operate in specific frequency bands and the main band for LTE in your area will depend on the service provider. LTE works on E-UTRA operating bands ranging from 450 MHz up to 3.8GHz.

2.

What is Cellular IoT? Is it different from Mobile IoT?

Cellular IoT is a technology involved in IoT connectivity allowing physical objects to connect to the internet using the same infrastructure as cellular mobile devices. On the other hand, Mobile IoT refers to connecting specific IoT devices with standardized 3GPP low power wide area networks using licensed spectrum. LPWA networks are specially designed for IoT applications that demand low data rates and elongated battery lifespan.

3.

What are the 5G frequency bands?

5G frequency bands or the 5G Spectrum utilizes the unused frequency bands in the spectrum. It is divided into 3 sections: Low-band (less than 1 GHz) , Mid-band (1 GHz to 6 GHz),and High band(24 GHz and above). The Frequency Range 1 (FR1) covers sub-6 GHz frequencies, ranging from 410 MHz up to 7125 MHz. Frequency Range 2 (FR2) encompasses millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies, which range from 24.25 GHz to 71.0 GHz.

4.

What are LTE Bands and How Do They Affect IoT Connectivity?

LTE bands refer to specific ranges of frequencies used for cellular communication in LTE networks. These bands vary by region and operator. For IoT applications, the most commonly used LTE bands range from 700 MHz to 2.6 GHz, enabling high-speed data transfer with low latency, ideal for connecting IoT devices efficiently.
5.

How Does 5G Frequency Band Differ from LTE Bands?

5G frequency bands offer much higher data rates and lower latency compared to LTE. While LTE operates primarily in the sub-3 GHz range, 5G utilizes both sub-6 GHz (FR1) and mmWave frequencies (FR2) that can extend up to 71 GHz, offering faster speeds, more capacity, and improved connectivity for next-gen IoT applications.
6.

What is the Role of Frequency Bands in Cellular IoT Devices?

Cellular IoT devices use specific frequency bands to communicate over mobile networks, ensuring reliable data transmission. Bands like LTE-M and NB-IoT operate in licensed spectrum, ensuring low interference, longer coverage, and extended battery life, making them suitable for wide-ranging IoT applications such as smart cities and industrial automation.
7.

How Do Frequency Ranges Impact 5G IoT Applications?

The frequency range in 5G directly impacts its performance for IoT applications. Low-band 5G offers extensive coverage, while mid-band 5G provides a balance of coverage and speed. High-band (mmWave) offers ultra-fast speeds but is limited by range, making it ideal for high-density IoT use cases such as autonomous vehicles and smart manufacturing.

Author

Author

Drishya Manohar

Sr. Associate - Content Marketing

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