Network Architecture and Protocols | LTE for 4G

The LTE network architecture is designed with the goal of supporting packet-switched traffic with seamless mobility, quality of service (QoS) and minimal latency. A packet-switched approach allows for the supporting of all services including voice through packet connections. The result in a highly simplified flatter architecture with only two types of node namely evolved Node-B (eNB) and mobility management entity/gateway (MME/GW). This is in contrast to many more network nodes in the current hierarchical network architecture of the 3G system. One major change is that the radio network controller (RNC) is eliminated from the data path and its functions are now incorporated in eNB. Some of the benefits of a single node in the access network are reduced latency and the distribution of the RNC processing load into multiple eNBs. The elimination of the RNC in the access network was possible partly because the LTE system does not support macro-diversity or soft-handoff.

We discuss network architecture designs for both unicast and broadcast traffic, QoS architecture and mobility management in the access network. We also briefly discuss layer 2 structure and different logical, transport and physical channels along with their mapping.

All the network interfaces are based on IP protocols. The eNBs are interconnected by means of an X2 interface and to the MME/GW entity by means of an S1 interface as shown in Figure 1. The S1 interface supports a many-to-many relationship between MME/GW and eNBs.

Figure 1: Network architecture.

Figure 1: Network architecture.

The functional split between eNB and MME/GW is shown in Figure 2. Two logical gateway entities namely the serving gateway (S-GW) and the packet data network gateway (P-GW) are defined. The S-GW acts as a local mobility anchor forwarding and receiving packets to and from the eNB serving the UE. The P-GW interfaces with external packet data networks (PDNs) such as the Internet and the IMS. The P-GW also performs several IP functions such as address allocation, policy enforcement, packet filtering and routing.

Figure 2.2: Functional split between eNB and MME/GW.

Figure 2.2: Functional split between eNB and MME/GW.

The MME is a signaling only entity and hence user IP packets do not go through MME. An advantage of a separate network entity for signaling is that the network capacity for signaling and traffic can grow independently. The main functions of MME are idle-mode UE reachability including the control and execution of paging retransmission, tracking area list management, roaming, authentication, authorization, P-GW/S-GW selection, bearer management including dedicated bearer establishment, security negotiations and NAS signaling, etc.

Evolved Node-B implements Node-B functions as well as protocols traditionally implemented in RNC. The main functions of eNB are header compression, ciphering and reliable delivery of packets. On the control side, eNB incorporates functions such as admission control and radio resource management. Some of the benefits of a single node in the access network are reduced latency and the distribution of RNC processing load into multiple eNBs.

The user plane protocol stack is given in Figure 3. We note that packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) and radio link control (RLC) layers traditionally terminated in RNC on the network side are now terminated in eNB.

Figure 3: User plane protocol.

Figure 3: User plane protocol.

Figure 4 shows the control plane protocol stack. We note that RRC functionality traditionally implemented in RNC is now incorporated into eNB. The RLC and MAC layers perform the same functions as they do for the user plane. The functions performed by the RRC include system information broadcast, paging, radio bearer control, RRC connection management, mobility functions and UE measurement reporting and control. The non-access stratum (NAS) protocol terminated in the MME on the network side and at the UE on the terminal side performs functions such as EPS (evolved packet system) bearer management, authentication and security control, etc.

Figure 4: Control plane protocol stack.

Figure 4: Control plane protocol stack.

The S1 and X2 interface protocol stacks are shown in Figures 5 and 6 respectively. We note that similar protocols are used on these two interfaces. The S1 user plane interface (S1-U) is defined between the eNB and the S-GW. The S1-U interface uses GTP-U (GPRS tunneling protocol – user data tunneling) on UDP/IP transport and provides non-guaranteed delivery of user plane PDUs between the eNB and the S-GW. The GTP-U is a relatively simple IP based tunneling protocol that permits many tunnels between each set of end points. The S1 control plane interface (S1-MME) is defined as being between the eNB and the MME. Similar to the user plane, the transport network layer is built on IP transport and for the reliable transport of signaling messages SCTP (stream control transmission protocol) is used on top of IP. The SCTP protocol operates analogously to TCP ensuring reliable, in-sequence transport of messages with congestion control . The application layer signaling protocols are referred to as S1 application protocol (S1-AP) and X2 application protocol (X2-AP) for S1 and X2 interface control planes respectively.

Figure 5: S1 interface user and control planes.

Figure 5: S1 interface user and control planes.

Figure 6: X2 interface user and control planes.

Figure 6: X2 interface user and control planes.