TS 38.323 – PDCP Protocol Specification
3GPP TS 38.323 is the 3GPP Technical Specification for PDCP Protocol Specification. Its official 3GPP title is “Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) specification”. It is published in 5 releases (Rel-15 to Rel-19); the latest version is 19.1.0 in Rel-19.
Defines PDCP for NR, covering header compression, security, data transfer, and multi-path support.
This specification describes the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) for 5G NR. It covers PDCP architecture, functions including header compression (ROHC, EHC), security (ciphering/integrity protection), data transfer, and discard procedures. It also defines support for dual connectivity, multi-path operation, and MBS delivery. PDCP is essential for efficient and secure data transmission over the radio interface.
Releases and versions of TS 38.323
| Release | Latest version | Links |
|---|---|---|
| Rel-19 | 19.1.0 | Read · Download (3GPP) |
| Rel-18 | 18.5.0 | Read · Download (3GPP) |
| Rel-17 | 17.5.0 | Read · Download (3GPP) |
| Rel-16 | 16.8.0 | Read · Download (3GPP) |
| Rel-15 | 15.8.0 | Read · Download (3GPP) |
Key technologies
Excerpt from TS 38.323
1 Scope
The present document provides the description of the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP).
Excerpt from the official 3GPP document (Rel-19). Read the full specification with interactive table of contents.
Specifications referenced by TS 38.323
- TS 36.321 E-UTRA MAC Protocol Specification
- TS 23.287 5G V2X Architecture Enhancements
- TS 33.536 5G V2X Security for NR PC5
- TS 24.587 V2X Services Protocols for 5G System
- TS 33.401 EPS Security Architecture
- TS 23.304 5G Proximity Services (ProSe) Stage 2
- TR 21.905 3GPP Terminology and Definitions
- TS 38.351 Sidelink Relay Adaptation Protocol (SRAP)
- TS 23.501 5G System Architecture
- TS 38.300 NR and NG-RAN Overall Description
- TS 38.331 NR Radio Resource Control (RRC)
- TS 38.321 NR MAC Protocol Specification
Specifications that reference TS 38.323
- TS 33.501 5G Security Architecture
- TS 36.331 E-UTRA Radio Resource Control (RRC) Protocol
- TS 38.300 NR and NG-RAN Overall Description
- TS 36.300 E-UTRAN Radio Interface Protocol Architecture
- TS 38.331 NR Radio Resource Control (RRC)
- TS 24.501 5GS NAS Protocol Specification
- TS 24.301 EPS NAS Mobility and Session Management
- TS 37.340 Overview of Multi-Connectivity Operation using E-UTRA and NR
- TS 38.321 NR MAC Protocol Specification
- TS 29.281 GTPv1-U Protocol Specification
- TS 36.321 E-UTRA MAC Protocol Specification
- TS 38.401 NG-RAN Architecture Description
Other specifications in the 38 series
- TS 38.307 Release-Independent NR UE Requirements
- TS 38.314 NR Performance Measurements Specification
- TS 38.321 NR MAC Protocol Specification
- TS 38.322 NR Radio Link Control (RLC) Protocol Specification
- TS 38.331 NR Radio Resource Control (RRC)
- TS 38.340 Backhaul Adaptation Protocol (BAP) Specification
- TS 38.351 Sidelink Relay Adaptation Protocol (SRAP)
- TS 38.355 Sidelink Positioning Protocol (SLPP) Specification
Related glossary terms
Related topics
Related technologies
Frequently asked questions
What is 3GPP TS 38.323?
3GPP TS 38.323 is the 3GPP Technical Specification for PDCP Protocol Specification. This specification describes the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) for 5G NR. It covers PDCP architecture, functions including header compression (ROHC, EHC), security (ciphering/integrity protection), data transfer, and discard procedures. It also defines support for dual connectivity, multi-path operation, and MBS delivery. PDCP is essential for efficient and secure data transmission over the radio interface.
Which 3GPP releases include TS 38.323?
TS 38.323 is published in 5 releases, from Rel-15 to Rel-19. The latest version on 3GPP Explorer is 19.1.0 (Rel-19).
What category does TS 38.323 belong to?
TS 38.323 belongs to the Radio Access (Layer 2 Protocols) category of 3GPP specifications. It applies to 5G networks.
View the full specification with interactive table of contents, version history, and AI analysis.
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