5G NR Base Station Classes

- 5G NR Base Station Classes

5G NR (New Radio) is a new radio access technology (RAT) developed by 3GPP for the 5G (fifth generation) mobile network. 3GPP specification for 5G NR defines the three classes for base station namely, Wide Area Base Station, Medium Range Base Station and Local Area Base Station.  These classes are corresponding to the Macro cell, Micro cell and Pico cell very well know cell types deployments. 3GPP has specified these classes to make sure that certain radio characteristics are in limits and suitable for specified deployment. These radio characteristics can be maximum allowed transmit power, minimum receiver sensitivity minimum distance between UE (User Equipment) and or minimum coupling loss support.

As per 3GPP specification TS 38.104, the NR Base Station can be classified in following categories considering conducting (cabled) and radiating (OTA) requirement reference points: Base Station type 1-C, Base Station type 1-H, Base Station type 1-O and Base Station type 2-O. These requirements are specified for radio conformance or verification of radio transceivers.

These types of base station also classified as Wide Area, Medium range and Local Area based on the minimum distance in meters between base stations and User Equipment (UE).  Following is the minimum distance requirement between base station and User Equipment (UE): Wide Area Base Station - 35m, Medium Range Base Station - 5m, and Local Area Base Station - 2m.

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