TS 38.420 – Introduction to Xn interface specifications
3GPP TS 38.420 is the 3GPP Technical Specification for Introduction to Xn interface specifications. It is published in 5 releases (Rel-15 to Rel-19); the latest version is 19.1.0 in Rel-19.
Defines the Xn interface for interconnecting NG-RAN nodes, supporting signaling, data forwarding, mobility, and dual connectivity in 5G.
Releases and versions of TS 38.420
| Release | Latest version | Links |
|---|---|---|
| Rel-19 | 19.1.0 | Read · Download (3GPP) |
| Rel-18 | 18.1.0 | Read · Download (3GPP) |
| Rel-17 | 17.2.0 | Read · Download (3GPP) |
| Rel-16 | 16.0.0 | Read · Download (3GPP) |
| Rel-15 | 15.2.0 | Read · Download (3GPP) |
Scope of TS 38.420
Category: Radio Access (RAN Interfaces). Technology generation: 5G. Network layer: RAN.
Who should read this specification?
- Network operators
- Device manufacturers
- Researchers and academics
Implementation notes
Complexity level: Intermediate. Implementation difficulty: Medium.
Key technologies
Specifications referenced by TS 38.420
- TS 38.415 PDU Session User Plane Protocol
- TS 29.281 GTPv1-U Protocol Specification
- TR 21.905 3GPP Terminology and Definitions
- TS 38.401 NG-RAN Architecture Description
- TS 38.421 Xn Interface Layer 1 Specification
- TS 38.422 Xn Signalling Transport Specification
- TS 38.423 NG-RAN Xn Application Protocol
- TS 38.424 Xn Interface User Plane Transport Protocol
- TS 38.425 NR User Plane Protocol Specification
- TS 38.300 NR and NG-RAN Overall Description
- TS 37.340 Overview of Multi-Connectivity Operation using E-UTRA and NR
Specifications that reference TS 38.420
Other specifications in the 38 series
- TS 38.412 NG Signalling Transport
- TS 38.413 NG Application Protocol (NGAP) Specification
- TS 38.414 NG Interface User Plane Protocol
- TS 38.415 PDU Session User Plane Protocol
- TS 38.421 Xn Interface Layer 1 Specification
- TS 38.422 Xn Signalling Transport Specification
- TS 38.423 NG-RAN Xn Application Protocol
- TS 38.424 Xn Interface User Plane Transport Protocol
Related glossary terms
Related topics
Related technologies
Frequently asked questions
What is 3GPP TS 38.420?
3GPP TS 38.420 is the 3GPP Technical Specification for Introduction to Xn interface specifications. Defines the Xn interface for interconnecting NG-RAN nodes, supporting signaling, data forwarding, mobility, and dual connectivity in 5G.
Which 3GPP releases include TS 38.420?
TS 38.420 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 38.420 belong to?
TS 38.420 belongs to the Radio Access (RAN Interfaces) category of 3GPP specifications. It applies to 5G networks.
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