What is mmWave?
Millimeter wave (mmWave) refers to radio frequencies between 30 GHz and 300 GHz, where the wavelength is measured in millimeters. In 5G NR, mmWave specifically refers to FR2 frequencies (24.25–52.6 GHz), which offer very wide available bandwidths but face severe propagation challenges including high path loss, atmospheric absorption, rain attenuation, and near-zero diffraction around obstacles.
How Does mmWave Work?
These propagation challenges are addressed in 5G through highly directional beamforming from phased array antennas (which also provide high antenna gain to compensate for path loss), dense small cell deployment, and advanced beam management (beam sweeping, tracking, failure recovery). All mmWave testing is conducted over-the-air (OTA) due to integrated antenna designs.
Use Cases
Gigabit hotspots in stadiums, airports, convention centres, and transport hubs; fixed wireless access (FWA) in dense urban areas; private 5G industrial campuses requiring very high throughput.
3GPP / Standards Reference
3GPP TS 38.101-2 (FR2 UE Requirements), TR 38.900 (Channel Modelling for Frequencies above 6 GHz)
Related Terms
FR2 | FR1 | Beamforming | EIRP | OTA | eMBB
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.
