5G • 5G-Advanced (Rel-18)
Sidelink Unlicensed (NR-U SL)
3GPP Rel-18 Sidelink Operation in Unlicensed 5 GHz & 6 GHz Spectrum
Extends direct device-to-device communications into unlicensed 5 GHz and 6 GHz spectrum, bypassing cellular operator subscription requirements.
Technical Explanation
Dedicated ITS 5.9 GHz spectrum for vehicular safety is congested and restricted. Release 18 standardizes Sidelink in Unlicensed Spectrum (NR-U SL) across the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands. Incorporating Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) clear channel assessment, UEs establish direct multi-gigabit peer-to-peer data pipes without needing cellular SIM subscriptions.
Key Functions
- Enables direct peer-to-peer device communication in unlicensed 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands
- Implements Listen-Before-Talk (LBT) mechanisms to coexist fairly with Wi-Fi 6E/7 networks
- Delivers high-bandwidth direct video sharing, gaming, and file transfers between devices
- Operates independently without requiring cellular operator SIM card subscriptions
Specifications
3GPP TS 38.300, TR 38.887 (Rel-18)
Interfaces
PC5 (Unlicensed)
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