What is DL – Downlink?
Downlink (DL) is the transmission direction from the base station (gNB in 5G) to the User Equipment (UE). It is the path through which the network delivers data, video content, voice, and control information to the mobile device. In 5G NR, downlink capacity typically exceeds uplink capacity in both FDD and TDD configurations.
How Does DL – Downlink Work?
In 5G NR, the downlink uses CP-OFDM waveform with flexible numerology (subcarrier spacings of 15, 30, 60, 120 kHz). The gNB schedules downlink transmissions by sending Downlink Control Information (DCI) on the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), then delivers data on the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH). Massive MIMO and MU-MIMO increase downlink throughput through spatial multiplexing.
Use Cases
Video streaming, web browsing, app downloads, software updates, push notifications — any data flowing from network to device.
3GPP / Standards Reference
3GPP TS 38.211 (Physical Channels), TS 38.214 (Physical Layer Procedures for Data)
Related Terms
UL | gNB | UE | OFDM | FDD | TDD | Massive MIMO
Learn More
This glossary entry is part of the 5GWorldPro Complete 5G Glossary. To go deeper into 5G architecture and technology, explore our 5G Training courses.
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