RFUnderstanding CBRS: Citizens Broadband Radio Service
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CBRS, short for Citizens Broadband Radio Service, is a wireless communication system gaining traction in the EU, Japan, and the United States. In the US, it leverages the 3550 MHz to 3700 MHz frequency band, designated as CBRS band 48 for LTE networks.
Originally, this spectrum was primarily used by military radar systems. However, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) recognized its potential for broader commercial applications and shared private use, paving the way for its adoption in modern wireless networks.
CBRS utilizes bands 42 and 48 in the frequency spectrum for 4G LTE and band n48 for 5G NR (New Radio) cellular technologies.
CBRS Band 42 Parameters for LTE
Here are the specifications for LTE CBRS networks in the EU and Japan:
| LTE Parameters | Description |
|---|---|
| Band No | 42 |
| Duplex mode | TDD |
| Frequency Range (MHz) | 3400 to 3600 |
| Channel Bandwidths | 5, 10, 15, 20 MHz |
CBRS Band 48 Parameters for LTE
The following parameters are used for LTE CBRS networks in the USA:
| LTE Parameters | Description |
|---|---|
| Band No | 48 |
| Duplex mode | TDD |
| Frequency Range (MHz) | 3550 to 3700 |
| Channel Bandwidths | 5, 10, 15, 20 MHz |
CBRS Band n48 Parameters for 5G NR (New Radio)
Below are the parameters used for 5G CBRS networks in the North American (NAM) region:
| 5G Parameters | Description |
|---|---|
| Band No | n48 |
| Center Frequency (MHz) | 3500 |
| Frequency Range (MHz) | 3550 to 3700 |
| Bandwidth (Allocated) in MHz | 150 |
| Region | NAM |
| Used by operator | PAL, GAA |
CBRS has garnered significant attention due to its potential to unlock additional spectrum resources for a variety of wireless communication services, including both 4G and 5G cellular networks.
Furthermore, it’s finding application in private wireless networks tailored for enterprises and industrial settings. It achieves efficient spectrum utilization through a combination of licensed and unlicensed access mechanisms.
