4.4 Radio Protocol Architecture

38.3003GPPNRNR and NG-RAN Overall descriptionRelease 17Stage 2TS

4.4.1 User Plane

The figure below shows the protocol stack for the user plane, where SDAP, PDCP, RLC and MAC sublayers (terminated in gNB on the network side) perform the functions listed in clause 6.

Figure 4.4.1-1: User Plane Protocol Stack

4.4.2 Control Plane

The figure below shows the protocol stack for the control plane, where:

– PDCP, RLC and MAC sublayers (terminated in gNB on the network side) perform the functions listed in clause 6;

– RRC (terminated in gNB on the network side) performs the functions listed in clause 7;

– NAS control protocol (terminated in AMF on the network side) performs the functions listed in TS 23.501 [3]), for instance: authentication, mobility management, security control…

Figure 4.4.2-1: Control Plane Protocol Stack