What is the LTE eNodeB?

One of the biggest differences between LTE networks and legacy 3G mobile communication
systems is the base station. In 3G systems, there is an intelligent and centralizing node like the RNC
(Radio Network Controller), and it needs to control all the radio resources and mobility over multiple
NodeBs (3G base stations) underneath it in a hieratical radio access network (Figure 1). All NodeBs
need to do is behave exactly according to commands from the RNC sent over the Iub interface. In
LTE, on the other hand, eNBs (evolved NodeBs) as base stations have to manage radio resource
and mobility in the cell and sector to optimize all the UE’s communication in a flat radio network
structure (Figure 2). Therefore, the performance of an LTE eNB depends on its radio resource
management algorithm and its implementation.
Figure 1  :  3G Radio Access Network (UTRAN) Architecture

Figure 2  :  E-UTRAN Architecture