5G TERMS AND ACRONYMS

NEF – Network exposure function

A function of the 3GPP core network architecture that provides a means to securely expose capabilities and events. NEF stores the received information as structured

NEF (Network Exposure Function)

What is NEF? The NEF is the 5G Core network function that acts as a secure, controlled gateway for exposing 5GC capabilities and events to

NEMs – Network equipment manufacturers

What is NEMs? NEMs (Network Equipment Manufacturers) are companies that design, manufacture, and sell the hardware and software infrastructure used by mobile network operators to

Network Slicing

What is Network Slicing? Network Slicing is one of the defining capabilities of 5G — it allows a single physical network infrastructure (RAN + transport

NFTF – Near-field to far-field transform

What is NFTF? NFTF (Near-Field to Far-Field Transform) is an OTA test methodology that measures the electromagnetic field radiated by a device in the near-field

NG (Next Generation)

Typically referring to the new 5G systems or specifications.

ng-eNB

What is ng-eNB? An ng-eNB is an evolved LTE eNodeB that connects to the 5G Core network (5GC) via the NG interface, providing E-UTRA (LTE)

NGC (Next Generation Core)

What is NGC? NGC (Next Generation Core), also referred to as 5GC (5G Core), defines the core network architecture for 5G mobile systems. The NGC

NGC/NGCN – Next Generation Core / Next Generation Core Network

What is NGC/NGCN? NGC/NGCN (Next Generation Core / Next Generation Core Network) refers to the 5G core network that provides services to mobile subscribers through

NLOS – Non-line of sight

What is NLOS? NLOS (Non-Line of Sight) refers to a radio propagation condition where the direct path between transmitter and receiver is obstructed by physical

NR – New Radio

Shorthand for “5G NR.” 5G NR is the standard for a new OFDM-based air interface designed to support 5G devices, services, deployments, and spectrum. NR

NR (New Radio)

What is NR? New Radio (NR) is the 5G air interface standard defined by 3GPP from Release 15 onwards. It is the successor to LTE

NRF – Network repository function

What is NRF? The NRF is the 5G Core’s service registry and discovery function — essentially the directory service for the entire 5GC. Every Network

NSA (5G Non-Standalone Architecture)

What is NSA? 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) is the first-wave 5G deployment architecture where the 5G NR gNB (Secondary Node) operates in conjunction with an existing

NSA NR – Non-standalone NR

What is NSA NR? NSA NR (Non-Standalone New Radio) is a 5G deployment option where the 5G NR radio operates under the control of the

NSSF – Network slice selection function

What is NSSF? The NSSF is the 5G Core function responsible for determining which network slice instance(s) should serve a UE, based on the UE’s

Numerology

What is Numerology? In 5G NR, numerology refers to the set of OFDM waveform parameters — primarily subcarrier spacing (SCS) and cyclic prefix duration —

NV IOT – Network vendor interoperability testing

What is NV IOT? NV IOT (Network Vendor Interoperability Testing) is a testing process where different network equipment vendors verify that their hardware and software