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5G-NR Protocol Stack
5G-NR Protocol Stack
The 5G New Radio (NR) protocol stack efficiently handles both signaling messages and user
data, each taking its own dedicated path.
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Key layers
➢ Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP): Optimizes user data for efficient transmission.
➢ User Plane Function (UPF): Handles user data processing and forwarding.
The 5G RRC layer, residing within the network layer (Layer 3), plays a critical role in the magic
of 5G communication. But what exactly does it do? Think of it as the brains behind the
scenes, constantly ensuring your calls connect, data flows smoothly, and you stay seamlessly
connected even on the move.
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Here's a breakdown of its key functions, with some added insights:
1. Setting the Stage: Broadcasting System Information
The RRC layer broadcasts essential network information to both the Non-Access Stratum
(NAS) and Access Stratum (AS), acting as a shared knowledge base for efficient
communication.
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For a more intricate understanding, refer to the provided resources on 5G NR UE RRC States
and RRC Information Elements. These delve deeper into the technical details and
specifications that make the RRC layer function.
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2. Random Access Procedure: Enables your device to efficiently join the network.
3. Mapping and Multiplexing: Translates different data types and combines them for
efficient transmission.
4. Scheduling: Determines which devices transmit when, optimizing resource allocation.
5. HARQ Error Correction: Ensures reliable data delivery by retransmitting lost packets.
6. Priority Handling: Prioritizes critical data (e.g., voice calls) for a seamless experience.
7. Transport Format Selection: Chooses the most efficient way to pack data based on
channel conditions.
8. Padding: Adjusts data size to match transmission requirements, further optimizing
resource utilization.
The Radio Link Control (RLC) sublayer, residing in Layer 2, bridges the gap between upper
layer data and the MAC layer, ensuring reliable and efficient delivery over the air interface.
Here's a summary of its key functions:
1. Transfers Data: Carries data packets received from upper layers towards the MAC.
2. Corrects Errors (AM mode only): Re-transmits lost or corrupted data packets for
guaranteed delivery.
3. Reorders Data (UM & AM modes): Ensures data arrives in the correct order, even after
retransmissions.
4. Detects Duplicates (UM & AM modes): Prevents redundant data delivery.
5. Manages Buffers: Optimizes data flow to avoid overwhelming the MAC layer.
6. Adapts to Needs: Operates in different modes (TM, UM, AM) based on data type and
reliability requirements.
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5. Timer-Based Discard (Uplink): Removes outdated data exceeding a specific time limit in
the uplink direction.
6. Ciphering and Deciphering: Encrypts user data for secure transmission and decrypts it
upon arrival (AES is mandatory).
7. Integrity Protection and Verification: Adds and verifies integrity checks to safeguard data
from tampering.
8. Transfer of Control Plane Data: Also handles the transfer of control plane data (signaling
messages) for network management.
• PDCP operates independently for UP and control plane data, offering tailored security
and efficiency.
• Ciphering and integrity protection are mandatory for UP data, while optional for
control plane data based on security needs.
• PDCP interacts closely with RLC and MAC for seamless data flow and delivery.
1. Traffic Translator: Matches diverse service needs (voice, video, etc.) to dedicated
network channels (DRBs) for optimal flow.
2. Priority Manager: Embeds QoS Flow IDs (QFIs) in data packets, guiding the network on
how to handle each stream based on its importance.
3. Flexible Adaptor: Works in both downlink and uplink, ensuring priority treatment even
for data originating from your device.
4. Slicing Enabler: Plays a crucial role in network slicing, allowing creation of virtual
networks with tailored QoS for specific needs.
5. Efficiency Booster: Reduces congestion and maximizes resource utilization by guiding
data through the most appropriate channels.
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infrastructure, ensuring efficient and reliable data transmission. Here's a breakdown of its
key functions:
1. Error Detection & Correction: Acts as a vigilant inspector, identifying and correcting
errors that might occur during transmission using powerful Forward Error Correction
(FEC) encoding/decoding. Think of it like adding backup copies and checksums to your
data for error-free delivery.
2. Rate Matching & Channel Mapping: Adjusts the data rate to precisely fit the capacity of
available physical channels and maps it efficiently, like a skilled architect optimizing space
on the highway.
3. Modulation & Demodulation: Transforms digital data into radio signals for transmission
and back again upon reception, acting as the translator between the digital and physical
worlds.
4. Frequency & Time Synchronization: Ensures all devices are in perfect sync, like an
orchestra conductor coordinating musicians, minimizing interference and maximizing
efficiency.
5. MIMO Antenna Processing: Utilizes multiple antennas to create stronger, more reliable
signals, comparable to having multiple lanes on the highway to increase traffic flow.
6. Transmit Diversity: Sends the same data through multiple antennas, like building
redundant routes, to ensure it reaches its destination even if one path encounters
obstacles.
7. Beamforming: Focuses radio signals towards specific users, akin to directing headlights
for clear communication and reduced interference.
8. Radio Characteristics Measurements: Continuously monitors channel conditions (signal
strength, interference) and reports them to higher layers, like sending real-time traffic
updates to optimize data flow.
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