What is FR2?
FR2 is the millimeter wave frequency range for 5G NR, covering 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz (extended to 71 GHz in Release 17 as FR2-2). It offers extremely wide bandwidths — up to 400 MHz per component carrier, and up to 2 GHz with carrier aggregation — enabling multi-Gbps peak rates, at the cost of much shorter range compared to FR1.
How Does FR2 Work?
FR2 uses subcarrier spacings of 60 and 120 kHz to handle the higher phase noise at mmWave frequencies. High path loss, rain attenuation, and poor diffraction are countered by high-gain beamforming from phased array antennas. All FR2 UE and base station testing must be performed over-the-air (OTA) as integrated antenna arrays cannot use RF cable connections.
Use Cases
Ultra-high-speed hotspots (stadiums, airports, train stations), gigabit fixed wireless access (FWA) in dense areas, private 5G industrial campuses, dense urban capacity offloading.
3GPP / Standards Reference
3GPP TS 38.101-2 (NR UE Radio Transmission and Reception; Frequency Range 2), TR 38.900
Related Terms
FR1 | mmWave | Beamforming | EIRP | OTA | FWA
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.
