Evaluating the Impact of 5G NR Interference on Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Ranging Systems

FR-1 and FR-3 are candidate bands for emerging5G-NR and 6G technologies, presenting new opportunities forhigher data rates and enhanced network capacity. However,these bands are already utilised for Ultra-Wideband (UWB)applications, leading to potential interference issues. This paperinvestigates the impact of 5G-NR cellular communications onUWB systems, specifically examining how UWB ranging isaffected by cellular signals in the FR-1 and FR-3 bands. Throughexperimental setups, we systematically evaluate the interferenceeffects, revealing significant disruptions in UWB communication.This paper contributes with an examination of over-the-airinterference from 5G-NR on UWB ranging. The main findingsindicate a high ranging error rate (RER) above 90 %, undercomparable 5G channel powers as measured. Additionally, atlower 5G-NR channel power levels of -60 dBm, RER below 20 %at distances up to 300 cm were observed. The findings underscorethe need for strategic spectrum management and careful planningas 5G-NR/6G technologies are developed and implemented.