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UTRAN Protocol Model
The general protocol model for UTRAN Interfaces is shown below. The structure is based on the principle that the layers and planes are logically independent of each other. Therefore, as and when required, the standardisation body can easily alter protocol stacks and planes to fit future requirements.
General Protocol Model for UTRAN Interfaces
Horizontal Layers
The Protocol Structure consists of two main layers, Radio Network Layer, and Transport Network Layer. All UTRAN related issues are visible only in the Radio Network Layer, and the Transport Network Layer represents standard transport technology that is selected to be used for UTRAN, but without any UTRAN specific requirements.
Vertical Planes
The Control Plane Includes the Application Protocol, i.e. RANAP, RNSAP or NBAP, and the Signalling Bearer for transporting the Application Protocol messages. Among other things, the Application Protocol is used for setting up bearers for (i.e. Radio Access Bearer or Radio Link) in the Radio Network Layer.
The User Plane Includes the Data Stream(s) and the Data Bearer(s) for the Data Stream(s). The Data Stream(s) is/are characterised by one or more frame protocols specified for that interface.
The Transport Network Control Plane does not include any Radio Network Layer information, and is completely in the Transport Layer. It includes the ALCAP protocol(s) that is/are needed to set up the transport bearers (Data Bearer) for the User Plane. It also includes the appropriate Signalling Bearer(s) needed for the ALCAP protocol(s).
The Transport Network Control Plane is a plane that acts between the Control Plane and the User Plane. The introduction of Transport Network Control Plane is performed in a way that the Application Protocol in the Radio Network Control Plane is kept completely independent of the technology selected for Data Bearer in the User Plane. Indeed, the decision to actually use an ALCAP protocol is completely kept within the Transport Network Layer.
Iur Interface Protocol Structure
Iur layers
Further Reading:
Iur specification numbers
Protocol layering specification numbers
More further reading: 3GPP TS 25.401, 25.420
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