#3GPP | NXG Connect

RLC Protocol in 5G NR

1. Introduction: Why RLC Still Matters in 5G NR When discussions around 5G performance arise, attention usually gravitates toward massive MIMO, beamforming, or spectrum efficiency. Yet, in real networks, user experience often degrades due to issues far removed from PHY or antennas. One of the most common root causes lies in the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer. In 5G NR, RLC sits between PDCP and MAC, just like LTE. But assuming it is “unchanged from LTE” is a mistake. While t

Venkateshu Kamarthi

2 days ago14 min read

LDPC Coding in 5G NR

1. Introduction Channel coding is one of the most fundamental building blocks of the 5G NR physical layer. It directly determines: Block Error Rate (BLER) Throughput at high MCS Latency predictability UE power consumption Hardware scalability in gNB and UE Unlike LTE, which relied almost exclusively on Turbo codes, 5G NR deliberately replaced Turbo codes with Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codes for data channels and Polar codes for control channels. LDPC Coding Chain in 5

Venkateshu Kamarthi

Jan 159 min read

RRC_INACTIVE State in 5G NR

1. Introduction The RRC_INACTIVE state represents a fundamental architectural innovation in 5G New Radio (NR), introduced to address critical latency and signaling overhead challenges that plagued LTE networks. In LTE, frequent transitions between RRC_IDLE and RRC_CONNECTED states created substantial network signaling load and introduced latency penalties during service resumption, particularly problematic for modern smartphone usage patterns characterized by frequent sm

Venkateshu Kamarthi

Nov 29, 202511 min read

3GPP Release 16 - RAN features

3GPP Release 16 , finalized in June 2020 , represents 5G Phase 2 , refining the foundation laid by Release 15. It broadens 5G NR capabilities beyond enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), addressing industrial automation , ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) , V2X , non-public networks (NPN) , and integrated access and backhaul (IAB) . The RAN1–RAN5 workgroups each contributed critical enhancements, detailed below with their technical implications, implementati

Venkateshu Kamarthi

Oct 18, 20254 min read