Differences Between 4G LTE and 5G Technology (Protocol & Parameters)

Introduction

5G builds on the foundational structure of LTE but introduces significant changes at each protocol layer to meet the requirements of enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), and URLLC. This page explores the key differences between 4G LTE and 5G NR across the following protocol layers:

• Physical Layer (PHY)

• Medium Access Control Layer (MAC)

• Radio Link Control Layer (RLC)

• Packet Data Convergence Protocol Layer (PDCP)

• Radio Resource Control Layer (RRC)

• Non-Access Stratum Layer (NAS)

• Service Data Adaptation Protocol Layer (SDAP)
  

1. Physical Layer (PHY)

The physical layer handles the actual transmission and reception of data over the radio interface.

2. Medium Access Control (MAC) Layer

The MAC layer handles scheduling, resource allocation, and hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ).

3. Radio Link Control (RLC) Layer

The RLC layer is responsible for error correction and retransmissions.

4. Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) Layer

The PDCP layer handles header compression, integrity protection, and ciphering.

5. Radio Resource Control (RRC) Layer

The RRC layer handles signaling and connection management.

6. Non-Access Stratum (NAS) Layer

The NAS layer manages authentication, security, and mobility.

7. Service Data Adaptation Protocol Layer (SDAP)

The SDAP Layer is a new protocol layer introduced in 5G NR to handle QoS flow-based data handling. It sits between the PDCP layer and the 5G core (NG-U) on the user plane and is specifically designed to handle the mapping and maintenance of QoS flows.

Below table gives the detailed protocol layer wise differences between 4G LTE and 5G NR.

Along with above changes, 5G NR also introduces several new parameters along with the extension to existing LTE parameters. Some of the important parameters gets exchanged during UE registration is shown below.

Conclusion

5G NR introduces significant advancements over 4G LTE at every protocol layer, enabling higher data rates, lower latency, and better network efficiency. The improvements in beamforming, massive MIMO, flexible subcarrier spacing, and enhanced security provide a robust foundation for next-generation wireless communication.