5G • Spectrum
ARFCN
Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number
Global 3GPP integer numbering system representing exact carrier frequencies from 0 to 100 GHz.
Technical Explanation
In 5G NR, the RF reference frequency is mapped to an NR-ARFCN integer from 0 to 3279165. The channel raster defines step sizes of 5 kHz (0-3 GHz), 15 kHz (3-24.25 GHz), and 60 kHz (24.25-100 GHz), providing standardized channel identification across global spectrum allocations.
Key Functions
- Maps exact carrier center frequencies to standardized 3GPP integers
- Covers global spectrum from sub-1 GHz up to 100 GHz millimeter wave
- Used in RRC signaling, measurement configs, and neighbor cell lists
Specifications
3GPP TS 38.101-1, TS 38.101-2, TS 38.104
Interfaces
Uu
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