5G NR Spectrum

Band n38 (5G NR, 2600 MHz TDD)

Q: What is the 2600 MHz TDD center gap?

The 2600 MHz band (2500-2690 MHz) is divided into three parts: Band 7 FDD uplink (2500-2570 MHz), the TDD center gap (2570-2620 MHz, Band 38/n38), and Band 7 FDD downlink (2620-2690 MHz). The 50 MHz center gap was allocated for TDD operation in most countries. Operators holding both Band 7 FDD and Band 38 TDD licenses can aggregate them for combined FDD+TDD capacity. The TDD portion can be configured for asymmetric downlink-heavy traffic, providing supplemental capacity when DL demand exceeds UL.

Q: How is Band n38 used in 5G NR?

Band n38 provides 50 MHz of supplemental TDD capacity at 2.6 GHz. Operators deploy n38 alongside n7 (FDD at 2600 MHz) via NR carrier aggregation, combining 20 MHz FDD + 40-50 MHz TDD for aggregate throughput exceeding 1.5 Gbps. The TDD nature allows asymmetric DL/UL allocation (typically 70-80% DL) to match data-heavy traffic patterns. Band n38 is deployed in Europe, Asia, and parts of Latin America.

Q: How does Band n38 differ from Band n41?

Band n38 (2570-2620 MHz, 50 MHz TDD) is a subset of Band n41 (2496-2690 MHz, 194 MHz TDD). In countries that allocate the entire 2.5-2.7 GHz range as TDD (China, India, US), Band n41 is used. In countries that use the FDD+TDD mixed allocation (Europe, Latin America), the FDD portions are Band n7 and the TDD center gap is Band n38. The same physical spectrum is involved; the distinction is regulatory. A device supporting n41 covers n38 frequencies, but not vice versa.

/band en-THIR-tee-ayt/

The 5G NR equivalent of LTE Band 38, spanning 2570 to 2620 MHz (50 MHz TDD). Located in the center gap between Band 7 FDD uplink and downlink, Band n38 provides supplemental TDD capacity for asymmetric downlink-heavy traffic. Combined with Band n7 via carrier aggregation for aggregate FDD+TDD throughput exceeding 1.5 Gbps. A subset of the wider Band n41 allocation.

Range: 2570 – 2620 MHz

Duplex: TDD (50 MHz)

Position: Band 7 center gap

Understanding Band n38

Band n38 occupies a unique position in the 2.6 GHz spectrum: the 50 MHz gap between Band 7's FDD uplink and downlink. While Band 7 provides reliable FDD capacity with symmetric uplink and downlink, Band n38 adds TDD flexibility with configurable DL/UL ratios (typically 70 to 80% DL). Operators holding both allocations combine them for maximum throughput.

The distinction between n38 and n41 is purely regulatory. In mixed FDD+TDD countries (Europe, Latin America), the FDD portions are Band n7 and the TDD center gap is n38. In TDD-only countries (US, China, India), the entire 2.5 to 2.7 GHz range is Band n41. A device supporting n41 can operate on n38 frequencies, but n38-only devices cannot use the wider n41 allocation.

Band n38 Technical Parameters

2600 MHz Band Structure:
B7 UL (FDD): 2500 – 2570 MHz (70 MHz)
n38 (TDD): 2570 – 2620 MHz (50 MHz)
B7 DL (FDD): 2620 – 2690 MHz (70 MHz)
Total: 190 MHz

NR Configuration:
SCS: 30 kHz | Max channel: 40 MHz
DL/UL ratio: 7:3 typical (70% DL)

Aggregate (n7 + n38):
FDD 20 MHz + TDD 40 MHz = 1.5+ Gbps peak

2.6 GHz Band Comparison

Band	Mode	Range	BW	Used In
n7	FDD	2500-2570/2620-2690	70 MHz paired	EU, LATAM, Asia
n38	TDD	2570-2620	50 MHz	EU, LATAM (center gap)
n41	TDD	2496-2690	194 MHz	US, China, India

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 2600 MHz TDD center gap?

50 MHz between Band 7 FDD UL (2500 to 2570 MHz) and DL (2620 to 2690 MHz). Allocated for TDD in most countries. Operators holding both B7 FDD and n38 TDD aggregate them for combined capacity. TDD allows asymmetric DL-heavy configuration (70 to 80% DL).

How is Band n38 used in 5G NR?

50 MHz supplemental TDD capacity alongside n7 FDD. NR CA combines 20 MHz FDD + 40 to 50 MHz TDD for 1.5+ Gbps aggregate. Deployed in Europe, Asia, and Latin America by operators with mixed FDD+TDD 2.6 GHz allocations.

How does Band n38 differ from Band n41?

n38 (50 MHz TDD) is a subset of n41 (194 MHz TDD). In FDD+TDD countries (Europe): n7 + n38. In TDD-only countries (US, China): n41 covers the entire range. n41 devices cover n38 frequencies, not vice versa. Same physical spectrum, different regulatory allocation.

Related Terms

← Band n3 Band n40 →

5G Infrastructure

Waveguide for 5G Test Systems

RF Essentials provides precision terminations and waveguide assemblies for 5G NR base station test equipment across all FR1 frequency bands.

Request a Quote