EARFCN (E-UTRA Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number) is a unique integer that identifies a specific carrier frequency in 4G LTE networks. Each EARFCN maps directly to a centre frequency and band, enabling unambiguous frequency identification across all LTE deployments worldwide.
What is EARFCN?
E-UTRA Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number: the universal identifier for LTE carrier frequencies.
Detailed explanation
In 4G LTE, each carrier frequency is assigned a unique EARFCN number rather than being identified by its frequency in MHz. This numbering system provides a compact, unambiguous way to reference frequencies in signalling messages, measurement reports and network configuration. The EARFCN range from 0 to 65535 covers all defined LTE frequency bands.
The conversion between EARFCN and frequency follows a linear formula defined in 3GPP TS 36.101. Each band has a starting EARFCN offset (N_Offs_DL) and a starting frequency (F_DL_low). The centre frequency is calculated as: Frequency = F_DL_low + 0.1 x (EARFCN - N_Offs_DL). Separate EARFCN ranges exist for downlink and uplink.
During field measurements, the EARFCN is essential for identifying which frequency band the device is connected to. Combined with the PCI (Physical Cell Identity), it uniquely identifies a cell sector. Engineers use EARFCN to verify band deployment, diagnose inter-frequency handover issues and validate Carrier Aggregation configurations.
In 5G NR, the equivalent NR-ARFCN system uses a finer frequency raster (5 kHz global, with 15 kHz and 60 kHz options) and extends to 100 GHz to support mmWave bands. The NR-ARFCN range is 0 to 3,279,165, reflecting the much wider spectrum coverage of 5G deployments.
Common EARFCN ranges in Europe
| Band | EARFCN range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Band 20 | 6150 - 6449 | 791 - 821 MHz |
| Band 3 | 1200 - 1949 | 1805 - 1880 MHz |
| Band 1 | 0 - 599 | 2110 - 2170 MHz |
| Band 7 | 2750 - 3449 | 2620 - 2690 MHz |
How HiCellTek identifies EARFCN
The RF Monitor module in HiCellTek displays the EARFCN (LTE) and NR-ARFCN (5G) for the serving cell and all detected neighbours in real time. The EARFCN is automatically converted to frequency and band for immediate readability. Combined with PCI, it enables complete cell identification during Drive Test and indoor campaigns.
Frequently asked questions
What is EARFCN in LTE?
How do you convert EARFCN to frequency?
What is the 5G equivalent of EARFCN?
Related terms
See also
HiCellTek displays EARFCN, NR-ARFCN, band and frequency for all cells on Android smartphones with GPS precision.