Description
FR2-NTN is a technical specification within 3GPP that adapts the existing 5G New Radio (NR) Frequency Range 2 (FR2), also known as millimeter-wave (mmWave) spectrum, for operation in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). NTN encompasses communication platforms like geostationary (GEO) and low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, high-altitude platform stations (HAPS), and air-to-ground networks. The core architectural principle involves modifying the NR physical layer and higher-layer protocols defined for terrestrial networks to compensate for the unique challenges of the NTN environment, primarily the significantly larger propagation delays, substantial Doppler shifts due to satellite motion, and the vast cell coverage areas. Key technical components specified for FR2-NTN include enhanced timing advance mechanisms to handle the long round-trip time, advanced Doppler pre-compensation and tracking algorithms in both the user equipment (UE) and the satellite/gateway, and adaptations to random access procedures to accommodate the delay. The radio interface operates within the FR2 bands as defined in TS 38.101-5, which specifies the specific frequency bands, channel bandwidths, and transmission power requirements suitable for satellite links. The role of FR2-NTN in the network is to provide a standardized, high-throughput wireless backhaul link for NTN gateways (connecting the satellite to the terrestrial core network) and, in some deployment scenarios, to enable direct high-data-rate access to user devices, complementing terrestrial 5G coverage in remote, maritime, and aerial regions.
Purpose & Motivation
FR2-NTN was created to integrate high-capacity satellite links into the 5G ecosystem, addressing the limitation of terrestrial networks which cannot provide ubiquitous global coverage. Prior to 3GPP standardization, satellite communication operated in proprietary silos, preventing seamless service continuity with terrestrial mobile networks. The motivation stems from growing demand for global connectivity for IoT, enterprise, government, and consumer applications, where terrestrial infrastructure is economically or physically impractical. FR2, with its large available bandwidth, is essential for delivering the multi-gigabit data rates envisioned for 5G, even via satellite. FR2-NTN standardizes how this spectrum is used for NTN, solving problems of interoperability between satellite operators and terrestrial network equipment vendors, and enabling device manufacturers to build single devices that can connect to both terrestrial and satellite networks using the same radio technology.
Classification
Detected Changes Across Releases
from 3GPP Change RequestsSpecific changes extracted from the „Change history“ tables of 3GPP specifications (34 CRs across 5 releases). Complements the general historical overview above with the evidence-based evolution of this function.
In Release 15, the FR2-NTN function was introduced, defining Frequency Range 2 for Non-Terrestrial Networks as a distinct operational mode alongside terrestrial FR2. This included specific provisions for satellite access RF and performance requirements, as well as dedicated configurations for procedures like random access preamble generation and PRACH transmission occasions tailored for FR2-NTN and paired spectrum.
In Release 16, the FR2-NTN function was newly defined as Frequency Range 2 for Non-Terrestrial networks, establishing specific technical foundations such as distinct random access configurations for FR2-NTN in paired spectrum. This release also introduced corrections for intra-slot frequency hopping procedures for both PUCCH and PUSCH, which are applicable to these new NTN operations.
- Introduction of NR-DC in same Frequency Range and of Cross-carrier Scheduling with Different Numerologies TS 38.213CR0077
- Correction on intra-frequency DAPS handover TS 38.213CR0151
- Correction on frequency hopping for PUCCH TS 38.213CR0265
- Correction on frequency hopping for PUSCH and SRS TS 38.214CR0220
In Release 17, the FR2-NTN function introduced specific operational procedures for Non-Terrestrial Networks in Frequency Range 2, including distinct random access configurations for FR2-NTN in paired spectrum. The release also defined corrections and enhancements for key physical layer procedures in this context, such as detailed specifications for intra-slot frequency hopping for PUSCH and SRS, and clarifications on PRACH transmission occasion mapping within resource block sets.
- Introduction of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) TS 38.211CR0082
- Introduction of non-terrestrial network operation in NR TS 38.213CR0274
- Introduction of solutions for NR to support non-terrestrial networks (NTN) TS 38.214CR0231
- Corrections to NR in the 52.6 – 71 GHz range TS 38.211CR0089
- Corrections on non-terrestrial network operation in NR TS 38.213CR0300
- Corrections on non-terrestrial network operation in NR TS 38.213CR0328
+ 8 more changes
In Release 18, the FR2-NTN (Frequency Range 2 for Non-Terrestrial Networks) function was newly introduced, extending NTN operation into the millimeter wave bands. This required defining specific procedures and configurations for FR2-NTN, including updates to physical layer specifications for random access, reference signals, and resource grids to accommodate the unique characteristics of satellite links in this frequency range. The work also involved corrections to existing mechanisms like SRS frequency hopping for positioning to ensure proper operation within the FR2-NTN context.
- CR for TS 38.211 for introduction of FR2-NTN TS 38.211CR0129
- CR for TS 38.213 for introduction of FR2-NTN TS 38.213CR0648
- CR for TS 38.214 for introduction of FR2-NTN TS 38.214CR0590
- Correction on bandwidth part for SRS frequency hopping for positioning TS 38.211CR0135
- Correction on staircase pattern for SRS frequency hopping for positioning TS 38.211CR0136
- Correction on the frequency resource of a resource pool for SL-U TS 38.213CR0627
+ 3 more changes
In Release 19, the new FR2-NTN function introduced specific random access configurations for paired spectrum, as detailed in new tables for FR2-NTN, and defined procedures for intra-slot frequency hopping for channels like PUSCH within this satellite context. This phase also involved corrections and extensions to existing NTN specifications, including for positioning reference signals. The release formally established FR2-NTN as a defined frequency range for non-terrestrial networks within the NR specifications.
- Introduction of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) for NR Phase 3 TS 38.213CR0712
- TEI19 Extension of SRS frequency hopping for positioning to non-RedCap UEs [Pos_SRSHop] TS 38.214CR0683
- Corrections on Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) for NR Phase 3 TS 38.213CR0723
- Corrections on Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) for NR Phase 3 TS 38.213CR0746
- Correction to aperiodic SRS with frequency hopping TS 38.214CR0699
Explore further
Broader topics and technologies where FR2-NTN plays a role.
Defining Specifications
3GPP specifications that define or reference FR2-NTN, with the latest known release. Sourced from the 3GPP document catalog — see methodology.
| Specification | Title | Release |
|---|---|---|
| TS 38.211 vj10 | NR Physical Channels and Modulation | Rel-19 |
| TS 38.213 vj10 | NR Physical Layer Control Procedures | Rel-19 |
| TS 38.214 vj10 | NR Physical Layer Procedures for Data | Rel-19 |