As the world continues to embrace the advancements in 5G technology, understanding the core specifications and standards that define its functionality becomes crucial. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) plays a pivotal role in setting these standards. This article delves into the essential 3GPP specifications applicable to New Radio (NR) and the 5G System, highlighting their significance and providing a comprehensive overview.
Introduction to 3GPP Specifications In 5G Systems
3GPP specifications are divided into several series, each focusing on different aspects of mobile communication technologies. For 5G, the '38' series is primarily concerned with NR radio technology. Many specifications have titles similar to their counterparts in the '25' series for UMTS and '36' series for LTE, indicating a structured progression in technological evolution.
Key Series and Specifications
'38' Series: New Radio (NR) Technology
TS 38.101-1: NR, UE Radio Transmission and Reception, Part 1: Range 1 Standalone
TS 38.101-2: NR, UE Radio Transmission and Reception, Part 2: Range 2 Standalone
TS 38.101-3: NR, UE Radio Transmission and Reception, Part 3: Range 1 and Range 2 Interworking with other Radios
TS 38.104: NR, Base Station Radio Transmission and Reception
TS 38.133: NR, Requirements for support of Radio Resource Management
TS 38.211: NR, Physical Channels and Modulation
TS 38.212: NR, Multiplexing and Channel Coding
TS 38.213: NR, Physical Layer Procedures for Control
TS 38.214: NR, Physical Layer Procedures for Data
TS 38.215: NR, Physical Layer Measurements
TS 38.300: NR, Overall Description; Stage-2
TS 38.304: NR, UE Procedures in Idle Mode and in RRC Inactive State
TS 38.306: NR, UE Radio Access Capabilities
TS 38.321: NR, Medium Access Control (MAC) Protocol Specification
TS 38.322: NR, Radio Link Control (RLC) Protocol Specification
TS 38.323: NR, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) Specification
TS 38.331: NR, Radio Resource Control (RRC) Protocol Specification
TS 38.401: NG-RAN, Architecture Description
TS 38.413: NG-RAN, NG Application Protocol (NGAP)
TS 38.415: NG-RAN, NG User Plane Protocol
TS 38.423: NG-RAN, Xn Application Protocol (XnAP)
TS 38.425: NG-RAN, NR User Plane Protocol
TS 38.463: NG-RAN, E1 Application Protocol (E1AP)
TS 38.473: NG-RAN, F1 Application Protocol (F1AP)
TS 37.340: NR, Multi-Connectivity, Overall description
TS 37.324: E-UTRA and NR, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) specification.
'29' Series: Core Network Functions
TS 29.500: 5G System, Technical Realization of Service Based Architecture
TS 29.502: 5G System, Session Management Services
TS 29.503: 5G System, Unified Data Management Services
TS 29.510: 5G System, Network Function Repository Services
TS 29.518: 5G System, Access and Mobility Management Services
Other Relevant Specifications
TS 24.501: Non-Access-Stratum (NAS) protocol for 5G System (5GS)
TS 23.003: Numbering, Addressing and Identification
TS 23.501: System Architecture for the 5G System
TS 23.502: Procedures for the 5G System
Detailed Analysis of Selected Specifications
TS 38.101-1 to TS 38.101-3: NR, UE Radio Transmission and Reception
These specifications detail the requirements for user equipment (UE) regarding radio transmission and reception across different frequency ranges. They ensure interoperability and performance consistency across devices and networks.
TS 38.211 to TS 38.215: Physical Layer Specifications
These documents outline the fundamental aspects of the physical layer, including channels, modulation, multiplexing, channel coding, control procedures, data procedures, and measurements. They form the backbone of NR technology, enabling efficient data transmission and reception.
TS 38.300: NR, Overall Description; Stage-2
This specification provides a comprehensive overview of the NR system architecture and its components, describing how they interact to deliver the desired services and functionalities.
TS 38.401 to TS 38.473: NG-RAN Specifications
These specifications cover the next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) architecture and protocols, detailing how different network elements communicate and manage user sessions.
Accessing the Specifications
These specifications are publicly available and can be downloaded from the 3GPP website: www.3gpp.org. For those involved in the development, implementation, and research of 5G technologies, these documents are invaluable resources.
Conclusion
Understanding the 3GPP specifications for 5G NR and the 5G System is essential for professionals in the telecommunications field. These specifications ensure that 5G networks are robust, interoperable, and capable of supporting the myriad of applications that define modern connectivity. By adhering to these standards, the industry can achieve a seamless and efficient rollout of 5G technologies, paving the way for future innovations.
By providing a thorough overview of the key 3GPP specifications for 5G NR and the 5G System, this article serves as a useful guide for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of the technical foundations of 5G technology.
References
3GPP. (n.d.). TS 38.101-1 V15.2.0: NR; User Equipment (UE) radio transmission and reception; Part 1: Range 1 Standalone. Retrieved from 3GPP
3GPP. (n.d.). TS 38.211 V15.2.0: NR; Physical channels and modulation. Retrieved from 3GPP
3GPP. (n.d.). TS 38.213 V15.2.0: NR; Physical layer procedures for control. Retrieved from 3GPP
3GPP. (n.d.). TS 38.300 V15.2.0: NR; NR and NG-RAN Overall Description; Stage 2. Retrieved from 3GPP
3GPP. (n.d.). TS 29.500 V15.2.0: 5G System; Technical Realization of Service Based Architecture. Retrieved from 3GPP
3GPP. (n.d.). TS 23.501 V15.2.0: System Architecture for the 5G System. Retrieved from 3GPP
For further reading and access to the complete list of specifications, visit the 3GPP website at www.3gpp.org.