5G Mobile Network Testing Using A Passive Network Scanner (Part 1)

I. Introduction

Fifth generation (5G) wireless radio access technology, also known as New Radio (NR), contains more flexibility in order to address different usage scenarios [1], [2], [3]. The 5G NR specification allows optimization to reduce the latency and to significantly increase the data rate. These optimizations require many new technology components including new frequency bands, beamforming support for synchronization/broadcast, and multi-connectivity in order to allow the combination of 5G network elements with 4G standard Long-Term Evolution (LTE). 5G NR supports operation in two frequency ranges: frequency range 1 (FR1) (below 7125MHz [4]) and in millimeter-wave bands (FR2), e.g. between 24250MHz and 52600MHz [5].