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5G Network Reference Point Architecture: NG1 to NG15 Interfaces

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This page describes the 5G network reference point architecture, outlining the various reference points or interfaces (NG1, NG2, NG3, NG4, NG5, NG6, NG7, NG8, NG9, NG10, NG11, NG12, NG13, NG14, NG15) used between the functional blocks of a 5G NR network.

Introduction

“5G” stands for the 5th generation of wireless technology. It follows the 3GPP roadmap, from which LTE (i.e., 4th generation wireless technology) and LTE-Advanced have been developed.

5G NR Overall architecture

Figure 1 depicts the 5G NR overall architecture, as defined in the 3GPP TS 38.300 specification.
A gNB node provides NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE and is connected via the NG interface to the 5GC.
An ng-eNB node provides E-UTRA user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE and is connected via the NG interface to the 5GC.

5G NG1 to NG15 Interfaces | 5G NG1 to NG15 Reference Points

5G NR Reference Point Architecture

Figure 2 depicts the 5G reference point architecture.

The following table describes the functions of the 5G NG1 to NG15 Reference Points or interfaces:

5G reference points or 5G interfaces	Function description
NG1	Between UE and AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function)
NG2	Between RAN (Radio Access Network) or gNB (i.e., 5G base station) and AMF
NG3	Between RAN or gNB (i.e., 5G base station) and UPF (User Plane Function)
NG4	Between SMF (Session Management Function) and UPF
NG5	Between PCF (Policy Control Function) and AF (Application Function).
NG6	Between UPF and DN (Data Network)
NG7	NG7 is a reference point between SMF and PCF. NG7r is a reference point between vPCF and hPCF.
NG8	Between Unified Data Management (UDM) and AMF
NG9	Between two core UPFs
NG10	Reference point between UDM and SMF
NG11	Between SMF and SMF
NG12	Between AMF and AUSF (Authentication Server Function)
NG13	Between UDM and AUSF
NG14	Between two AMFs
NG15	• Between PCF and AMF (in Non-roaming scenario) • Between V-PCF and AMF (in Roaming scenario)
NG16	Between two SMFs (Roaming between V-SMF and H-SMF)

Reference: 3GPP specification

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