TS 38.401 – NG-RAN Architecture Description
3GPP TS 38.401 is the 3GPP Technical Specification for NG-RAN Architecture Description. Its official 3GPP title is “Architecture description”. It is published in 5 releases (Rel-15 to Rel-19); the latest version is 19.3.0 in Rel-19.
Overall architecture of NG-RAN, defining NG, Xn, F1 interfaces and their interaction with the radio interface for 5G.
Releases and versions of TS 38.401
| Release | Latest version | Links |
|---|---|---|
| Rel-19 | 19.3.0 | Read · Download (3GPP) |
| Rel-18 | 18.7.0 | Read · Download (3GPP) |
| Rel-17 | 17.10.0 | Read · Download (3GPP) |
| Rel-16 | 16.12.0 | Read · Download (3GPP) |
| Rel-15 | 15.10.0 | Read · Download (3GPP) |
Scope of TS 38.401
Category: Radio Access (Architecture). Technology generation: 5G. Network layer: RAN.
Who should read this specification?
- Network operators
- Device manufacturers
- Researchers and academics
Implementation notes
Complexity level: Advanced. Implementation difficulty: Medium.
Key technologies
Specifications referenced by TS 38.401
- TS 37.340 Overview of Multi-Connectivity Operation using E-UTRA and NR
- TS 33.501 5G Security Architecture
- TS 38.410 NG-RAN; NG General Aspects and Principles
- TS 38.420 Introduction to Xn interface specifications
- TS 38.470 F1 Interface Specification for NG-RAN
- TS 38.460 E1 Interface General Aspects and Principles
- TS 33.210 Network Domain Security for IP Networks
- TS 37.480 E1 Interface General Aspects and Principles
- TS 36.300 E-UTRAN Radio Interface Protocol Architecture
- TR 21.905 3GPP Terminology and Definitions
- TS 32.422 Trace, MDT and UE Measurement Control
- TS 37.470 W1 Interface Introduction for ng-eNB
Specifications that reference TS 38.401
- TS 23.501 5G System Architecture
- TS 33.501 5G Security Architecture
- TS 23.401 Evolved Packet System Architecture
- TS 38.300 NR and NG-RAN Overall Description
- TS 38.413 NG Application Protocol (NGAP) Specification
- TS 32.422 Trace, MDT and UE Measurement Control
- TS 28.541 5G Network Resource Model (NRM) Stage 2 and 3
- TS 36.413 S1 Application Protocol (S1AP) for E-UTRAN
- TS 23.247 5G Multicast and Broadcast Services
- TS 37.340 Overview of Multi-Connectivity Operation using E-UTRA and NR
- TS 23.700 Study on SEAL Phase 4
- TS 38.305 NG-RAN UE Positioning Stage 2
Other specifications in the 38 series
- TS 38.340 Backhaul Adaptation Protocol (BAP) Specification
- TS 38.351 Sidelink Relay Adaptation Protocol (SRAP)
- TS 38.355 Sidelink Positioning Protocol (SLPP) Specification
- TS 38.391 Ambient IoT MAC Protocol
- TS 38.410 NG-RAN; NG General Aspects and Principles
- TS 38.411 NG Interface Layer 1 Specification
- TS 38.412 NG Signalling Transport
- TS 38.413 NG Application Protocol (NGAP) Specification
Frequently asked questions
What is 3GPP TS 38.401?
3GPP TS 38.401 is the 3GPP Technical Specification for NG-RAN Architecture Description. Overall architecture of NG-RAN, defining NG, Xn, F1 interfaces and their interaction with the radio interface for 5G.
Which 3GPP releases include TS 38.401?
TS 38.401 is published in 5 releases, from Rel-15 to Rel-19. The latest version on 3GPP Explorer is 19.3.0 (Rel-19).
What category does TS 38.401 belong to?
TS 38.401 belongs to the Radio Access (Architecture) category of 3GPP specifications. It applies to 5G networks.
View the full specification with interactive table of contents, version history, and AI analysis.
Read Full Specification →