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) user plane and control plane protocol terminations toward the UE. Unlike the traditional eNB (which connects to the 4G EPC), the ng-eNB is part of the NG-RAN architecture and can interwork with gNBs via the Xn interface. It enables operators to provide 5G Core services (network slicing, SBA) to LTE users, and is a key element in the 4G-to-5G migration path.
How Does ng-eNB Work?
The ng-eNB uses the same LTE air interface (E-UTRA) as a traditional eNB but connects to 5GC network functions: AMF via NG-C (control plane) and UPF via NG-U (user plane). This allows the ng-eNB to support 5GC features including registration with AMF, PDU session establishment via SMF, network slicing via NSSF, and policy control via PCF. The ng-eNB can serve as master node in NR-DC (NR Dual Connectivity) with a gNB as secondary node, or as a standalone NG-RAN node. It interoperates with gNBs via the Xn interface for mobility and dual connectivity. The key difference from an eLTE eNB is architectural: the ng-eNB is a native NG-RAN node, while the eLTE eNB is an upgraded EPC node.
Use Cases
4G-to-5G migration leveraging existing LTE radio sites, 5GC service delivery to LTE-capable UEs, NG-RAN deployment combining LTE and NR coverage, NR Dual Connectivity (NR-DC) with gNB secondary node, and gradual network evolution without full radio replacement.
3GPP / Standards Reference
3GPP TS 38.401 (NG-RAN architecture), 3GPP TS 37.340 (Multi-connectivity), 3GPP TS 36.413 (NG-C interface for ng-eNB)
Related Terms
eLTE eNB | eNB | gNB | EN-DC | SA
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