Analysis of Spectrum Refarming Methods for 5G Network Deployment

Spectrum refarming refers to the repurposing of spectrum bands for existing spectrum resources according to the needs of different system standards in the evolution of technology. The aim is to effectively reduce network and system construction, operation and maintenance costs for network operators. Nowadays, most operators use the higher frequency bands of sub-6G and even millimeter wave to deploy 5G. However, the coverage capability is worse than that of lower frequency bands. So it needs to consider refarming lower band to support 5G. This paper firstly introduces the similar resource grid between 4G and 5G, which provides an opportunity for spectrum refarming. Next, a series of spectrum refarming methods for 5G deployment have been investigated on the conditions of China Telecom 2.1GHz. Finally, a suitable strategy for 5G network refarming solution is developed based on the field test results analysis, and is provided as a reference for the industry.