3GPP and ITU Tutorial

Carlos_Alberto · May 12, 2020, 11:12am

Perfect link list to 3GPP 5G NR standards documents

Rafael_Caixeta · June 6, 2020, 4:34pm

The enhancements in the 3GPP releases 16 and 17 of 5G New Radio include both extensions to existing features as well as features that address new verticals and deployment scenarios. Operation in unlicensed spectrum, intelligent transportation systems, Industrial Internet of Things, and non-terrestrial networks are just a few of the highlights.

This Ericsson Technology Review article summarizes the most notable new developments in releases 16 and 17. This analysis and our insights about the future beyond Release 17 is an important component of our work to help mobile network operators and other stakeholders better understand and plan for the many new 5G NR opportunities that are on the horizon:

RFSpecialist · June 10, 2020, 2:16pm

The standards set by 3GPP closely correspond with IMT-2020. Some of the key points for the 5G definition are:

Peak data rate – 5G will offer very fast data speeds. Theoretically, data rates can hit 20 Gbps downlink and 10 Gbps uplink.
Real-world speeds – While the theoretical rates are very impressive, real-world 5G internet speed will not be the same. The specification calls for user download speeds of 100Mbps and upload speeds of 50Mbps.
Latency – Latency should be at 4 milliseconds in ideal circumstances and at one millisecond for Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC).
Efficiency - Ideally, a radio should be able to switch into a low-energy state within 10 milliseconds when no longer in use.
Spectral efficiency - 5G should have a slightly improved spectral efficiency over 4G, coming at around 30bits/Hz uplink and 15bits/Hz downlink.
Mobility - With 5G cellular networks, base stations should support movement from 0 to 310 mph. This means the base station should work across a range of antenna movements — even on a high-speed train.
Connection density - 5G should be able to support many more connected devices than 4G. The standard states that the 5G network map should be able to support 1 million connected devices per square kilometre.

RFSpecialist · July 17, 2020, 8:39pm

What was just frozen:

Historical release 16 timeline:

What’s expected for the next year or two:

ran_core_consultant · July 17, 2020, 8:40pm

Summary of all the main features in each release is now documented in special document: 21.914 (Rel-14), 21.915 (Rel-15) and 21.916 (Rel-16)

rahul079 · July 17, 2020, 8:41pm

This doesn’t seem true, there are NSA networks which has been upgraded to Rel 16 already

ran_core_consultant · July 17, 2020, 8:42pm

Really?
I don’t know if any major vendor even support Rel-16 spec.

rahul079 · July 17, 2020, 8:43pm

Yes, Huawei.

marcelofb · August 25, 2020, 4:48pm

This is an amazing site with 3GPP Releases summary:

Tech Invite via telecomHall

Stanis · October 6, 2020, 3:16pm

This is also a very informative article about 5G: The complicated relationship between ITU and 3GPP.

Pritam.Nandy · October 16, 2020, 10:02pm

I’m curious in knowing or rather understanding as to why 3GPP decided to have two related flags, i.e., RF (Re-segmentation Flag) and FI (Frame Indicator).
When both of them indicate the same thing [according to me]?

Can any one of you please help to understand it from a 3GPP design perspective?

AlexB · January 23, 2021, 3:36pm

3GPP Release 17 timeline agreed

5G Networks

Nitin · June 8, 2021, 5:27pm

Demystifying 3GPP and the essential role of Qualcomm in leading the mobile ecosystem expansion

Old (September 2018) but good 3gpp overview.

Also, a blog: Understanding 3GPP – starting with the basics | Qualcomm

samohiuddin · July 24, 2021, 2:52pm

A brief guide on how to read 3GPP Specifications.
Let me know if you have any useful tips to share !

vinod_081 · August 8, 2021, 11:31pm

Useful information, thanks @samohiuddin!

marcelofb · March 22, 2022, 9:33pm

5G Relase 18 (all in one page)

AlexB · October 3, 2022, 8:21pm

3GPP Release15, 3GPP Release16, 3GPP Release17, 3GPP Release18

3GPP meets four times a year at the end of each quarter to plan and develop new releases, which improve upon past releases and provide new standardized functionalities. The four releases already slated for 5G are Releases 15, 16, 17 and 18, although 3GPP may add more as technology and user needs evolve over time.

3GPP Release 15 was to establish 5G NR technology foundation
3GPP Release 16 with Enhancement of existing features and expanding to new use cases and industries
3GPP Release 17 with Continued expansion and enhancements
3GPP Release 18 New wave of 5G innovations

RFGirl · October 22, 2022, 1:47pm

Learn about 3GPP and the basic process of how 5G standards are defined:

TechRadar · September 21, 2023, 4:39pm

Do you refer 3GPP Release documents?

Do you know who prepares those documents?!

3GPP Technical Specification Groups (TSGs) prepare, approve and maintain the 3GPP Technical Specifications (TS) and Technical Reports (TR), under the chair-ship of an elected leadership.

The three 3GPP Technical Specification Groups are:

Core Network & Terminals (CT)
Radio Access Networks (RAN)
Services & Systems Aspects (SA)

CT TSG has 4 Working Groups:

CT WG1 - User Network to Core Network Protocols
CT WG3 - Interworking with external networks & Policy and Charging Control
CT WG4 - Core Network Protocols
CT WG6 - Smart Card Application Aspects

RAN TSG has 6 Working Groups:

RAN WG1 - Radio Layer 1
RAN WG2 - Radio Layer 2 and Radio Layer 3
RAN WG3 - UTRAN/E-UTRAN/NG-RAN architecture and related network interfaces
RAN WG4 - Radio Performance and Protocol Aspects
RAN WG5 - Mobile terminal conformance testing
RAN AH1 - ITU Adhoc

SA TSG has 6 Working Groups:

SA WG1 - Services
SA WG2 - System Architecture and Services
SA WG3 - Security and Privacy
SA WG4 - Multimedia Codecs, Systems and Services
SA WG5 - Management, Orchestration and Charging
SA WG6 - Application Enablement and Critical Communication Applications

TSG leadership is responsible for the allocation of resources within each group.

The responsibilities include:

Preparation of a detailed time frame and management of each Release.
Proposal and approval of work items within the agreed scope and terms of reference of the TSG.
Management of work items.
Technical Co-ordination.
Recommending, to PCG (Project Coordination Group), an appropriate approach to work outside the scope of the 3GPP, but where a common global solution is desired.
Maintenance of the TSG voting list of Individual Members.

Credits:

Nitin_Gupta1 · November 10, 2023, 4:09pm

3GPP Technical Specification Groups (TSGs)

3GPP Overview:

The 3GPP, or 3rd Generation Partnership Project, is an umbrella term for several standards organizations that develop protocols for mobile telecommunications. These organizations come together to establish unified, global specifications for mobile systems, particularly in the realm of cellular technologies like 3G, 4G, and now 5G.

2. Technical Specification Groups (TSGs):

These are specialized groups within 3GPP responsible for different aspects of mobile technology standards.

Meetings & Leadership: TSGs hold regular meetings to discuss and approve work. They are led by a chairperson and leadership elected from the member organizations.

Technical Specification Groups (TSGs):

TSG CT (Core Network & Terminals):CT WG1 focuses on the protocols between user equipment (like smartphones) and the core network. This includes how devices connect and communicate with the network.
CT WG3 deals with how the 3GPP network interfaces with external networks and manages policies and charging control mechanisms.
CT WG4 is dedicated to protocols within the core network, ensuring efficient and secure data transfer and management.
CT WG6 handles aspects related to smart card applications, which are crucial for mobile security and identity management.

TSG RAN (Radio Access Network):RAN WG1 works on the physical layer of radio communication (Layer 1), which includes aspects like signal processing and modulation.
RAN WG2 handles the data link (Layer 2) and network (Layer 3) layers, focusing on resource control and allocation.
RAN WG3 is responsible for the overall architecture and interface specifications of the radio access network.
RAN WG4 addresses performance and protocol issues related to radio communication.
RAN WG5 ensures mobile terminals meet the conformance standards set by 3GPP.

TSG SA (Service & System Aspects):SA WG1 is focused on defining services provided over the 3GPP network.
SA WG2 develops the overall system architecture and services, essential for network operation and interoperability.
SA WG3 emphasizes security and privacy, crucial in today’s digital age.
SA WG4 works on multimedia codecs and systems, enabling various multimedia services over mobile networks.
SA WG5 manages aspects of network management, orchestration, and charging.
SA WG6 looks at applications enabling critical communication and other applications.

Responsibilities of TSG Leadership:

Leaders in each TSG are responsible for setting detailed timeframes and managing each release of new or updated standards.
They oversee the proposal and approval of new work items, ensuring they align with the group’s scope and objectives.

4 The 5G Standard:

A significant focus of 3GPP is developing and refining the global standards for 5G technology. This includes defining the technical specifications for infrastructure, devices, and services that will operate on 5G networks.

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