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Glossary & Acronym Index

Every acronym on the site, expanded and defined in one line, with a link to the page that explains it in depth.

📚 3GPP-basedreference

This is the site-wide acronym index for 5G NR and LTE. Every important abbreviation used across the tutorials is expanded and given a one-line, 3GPP-accurate meaning here. Terms are grouped by theme and ordered alphabetically inside each group. Where an acronym has its own deep-dive page, the acronym links straight to it โ€” and remember the search box at the top of every page also jumps to full articles as you type.

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How to use this page: skim the section that matches what you are studying, or use your browser's find (Ctrl/Cmd‑F) to land on a specific acronym. Linked acronyms open the dedicated explainer; unlinked ones are defined here in one line.

Architecture & Core Network

AcronymExpansionOne-line meaning
5GC5G Core NetworkThe service-based cloud-native core for NR, replacing the EPC.
AMFAccess and Mobility Management Function5GC control node handling registration, connection and mobility (the MME's successor).
AUSFAuthentication Server Function5GC function that runs primary authentication with the UE and home network.
CUCentral UnitThe gNB part hosting RRC/PDCP (and SDAP), split from the DU over F1.
DUDistributed UnitThe gNB part hosting RLC/MAC/high-PHY, connected to the CU over F1.
eNBevolved Node BThe LTE base station terminating the radio interface toward the UE.
en-gNBE-UTRA-NR gNBAn NR node acting as secondary node under a master eNB in EN-DC (NSA).
EN-DCE-UTRA-NR Dual ConnectivityNSA mode: LTE eNB master plus NR gNB secondary, anchored on EPC.
EPCEvolved Packet CoreThe LTE core network (MME, S-GW, P-GW, HSS, PCRF).
EPSEvolved Packet SystemThe complete LTE system: E-UTRAN plus EPC.
E-UTRANEvolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access NetworkThe LTE radio access network, i.e. the collection of eNBs.
gNBnext generation Node BThe 5G NR base station connecting to the 5GC over the NG interface.
HSSHome Subscriber ServerLTE central subscriber and authentication database (UDM/UDR in 5G).
IMSIP Multimedia SubsystemThe SIP-based network that delivers VoLTE and VoNR voice/multimedia.
MMEMobility Management EntityLTE control-plane core node for attach, mobility, bearer and paging control.
MR-DCMulti-Radio Dual ConnectivityUmbrella term for dual connectivity combining LTE and NR (includes EN-DC).
N3IWFNon-3GPP Interworking Function5GC gateway that lets untrusted non-3GPP access (e.g. Wi-Fi) reach the core.
NG-RANNext Generation Radio Access NetworkThe 5G RAN made of gNBs and ng-eNBs connected to the 5GC.
ng-eNBnext generation eNBAn LTE eNB upgraded to connect to the 5GC (used in NG-RAN / Option 5, 7).
NRFNetwork Repository Function5GC registry where network functions discover and register each other.
NSANon-StandaloneNR deployed with an LTE anchor and EPC/EN-DC rather than a standalone 5GC.
NSSFNetwork Slice Selection Function5GC function that selects the serving slice(s) and AMF set for the UE.
PCFPolicy Control Function5GC policy engine for QoS and charging rules (successor to PCRF).
PCRFPolicy and Charging Rules FunctionLTE node deciding QoS and charging policy per service data flow.
P-GWPacket Data Network GatewayLTE anchor to external PDNs, doing IP allocation, charging and policy enforcement.
RURadio UnitThe gNB low-PHY/RF unit (O-RAN), connected to the DU over fronthaul.
SAStandaloneNR deployed directly on the 5GC with no LTE anchor (Option 2).
SEPPSecurity Edge Protection Proxy5GC edge proxy securing signalling between different operators' networks.
S-GWServing GatewayLTE user-plane node anchoring bearers during handover and routing to the P-GW.
SGSNServing GPRS Support NodeLegacy 2G/3G packet core node for mobility and session management.
SMFSession Management Function5GC node that sets up and controls PDU sessions and the UPF.
UDMUnified Data Management5GC subscriber-data and authentication management (HSS successor).
UDRUnified Data Repository5GC backend store holding subscription, policy and application data.
UPFUser Plane Function5GC user-plane anchor: packet routing, QoS enforcement and PDU-session gateway.

Physical Layer & Radio

AcronymExpansionOne-line meaning
BWPBandwidth PartA contiguous subset of carrier PRBs with its own numerology the UE operates within.
CACarrier AggregationCombining multiple component carriers to widen bandwidth and boost throughput.
CBGCode Block GroupA group of code blocks that can be retransmitted independently within a TB.
CPCyclic PrefixA guard copy prepended to each OFDM symbol to absorb multipath delay spread.
CQIChannel Quality IndicatorUE-reported index telling the gNB which MCS the downlink can currently sustain.
DFT-s-OFDMDFT-spread OFDMThe low-PAPR uplink waveform (transform precoding) option for PUSCH.
FDDFrequency Division DuplexDuplex mode with separate paired frequencies for uplink and downlink.
FR1Frequency Range 1NR sub-7 GHz bands (roughly 410 MHz–7.125 GHz).
FR2Frequency Range 2NR millimetre-wave bands (roughly 24.25–71 GHz).
LDPCLow-Density Parity-Check codeThe forward-error-correction code used for NR data channels.
MCSModulation and Coding SchemeIndex selecting modulation order and code rate for a transmission.
MIMOMultiple-Input Multiple-OutputUsing multiple antennas for spatial multiplexing, diversity or beamforming.
OFDMOrthogonal Frequency Division MultiplexingThe multicarrier waveform used on the NR downlink (and CP-OFDM uplink).
PMIPrecoding Matrix IndicatorUE-recommended precoder for downlink MIMO transmission.
PolarPolar codeThe FEC code used for NR control channels (PBCH, PDCCH, PUCCH).
PRGPrecoding Resource-block GroupSet of contiguous PRBs over which the same precoder is assumed.
QAMQuadrature Amplitude ModulationModulation family (QPSK, 16/64/256QAM) mapping bits to constellation points.
RBResource Block12 contiguous subcarriers in frequency, the basic scheduling unit.
RBGResource Block GroupA bundle of consecutive RBs used for type-0 frequency-domain allocation.
REResource ElementOne subcarrier over one OFDM symbol โ€” the smallest resource unit.
RIRank IndicatorUE-reported number of usable MIMO layers (spatial streams).
RIVResource Indicator ValueCompact encoding of a contiguous RB start and length in a DCI grant.
RSRPReference Signal Received PowerAverage power of the reference signals โ€” the main coverage/serving-cell metric.
RSRQReference Signal Received QualityRSRP relative to total RSSI โ€” a quality metric factoring in load/interference.
RSSIReceived Signal Strength IndicatorTotal wideband received power including signal, interference and noise.
SCSSubcarrier SpacingNR numerology parameter (15×2^μ kHz) trading bandwidth for symbol duration.
SINRSignal-to-Interference-plus-Noise RatioRatio of wanted signal to interference plus noise, driving achievable MCS.
SRSSounding Reference SignalUplink pilot the gNB uses to estimate the uplink channel and for reciprocity.
SULSupplementary UplinkAn extra low-band uplink carrier paired with a TDD downlink to extend UL coverage.
TATiming AdvanceOffset the UE applies to its uplink so bursts arrive time-aligned at the gNB.
TAGTiming Advance GroupGroup of serving cells sharing one timing-advance value in CA.
TBTransport BlockThe MAC-layer payload handed to PHY for one transmission (one HARQ process).
TBSTransport Block SizeNumber of information bits in a transport block, derived from MCS and resources.
TDDTime Division DuplexDuplex mode sharing one frequency between uplink and downlink in time.
TurboTurbo codeThe FEC code used for LTE data channels (replaced by LDPC in NR).

Channels & Signals

AcronymExpansionOne-line meaning
BCCHBroadcast Control ChannelLogical channel carrying system information (MIB/SIBs) to all UEs.
BCHBroadcast ChannelTransport channel carrying the MIB, mapped to PBCH.
CCCHCommon Control ChannelLogical channel for RRC signalling before a UE has a dedicated connection.
CRSCell-specific Reference SignalAlways-on LTE downlink pilot for demodulation and measurements (not in NR).
CSI-RSChannel State Information Reference SignalDownlink pilot the UE measures to report CQI/PMI/RI and for beam management.
DCCHDedicated Control ChannelLogical channel carrying dedicated RRC signalling to a connected UE.
DCIDownlink Control InformationControl message on PDCCH carrying scheduling grants and assignments.
DL-SCHDownlink Shared ChannelMain downlink transport channel carrying user data and most signalling, on PDSCH.
DMRSDemodulation Reference SignalPilot embedded in a channel so the receiver can coherently demodulate it.
DTCHDedicated Traffic ChannelLogical channel carrying user-plane data to/from one UE.
MIBMaster Information BlockMinimal system info on PBCH pointing the UE to SIB1.
PBCHPhysical Broadcast ChannelPhysical channel carrying the MIB inside the SSB.
PCCHPaging Control ChannelLogical channel carrying paging messages to idle UEs.
PCFICHPhysical Control Format Indicator ChannelLTE channel signalling how many symbols the PDCCH occupies (not in NR).
PCHPaging ChannelTransport channel carrying paging, mapped to PDSCH.
PDCCHPhysical Downlink Control ChannelCarries DCI: scheduling grants, assignments and power-control commands.
PDSCHPhysical Downlink Shared ChannelThe workhorse downlink channel carrying user data and signalling.
PHICHPhysical HARQ Indicator ChannelLTE channel carrying uplink HARQ ACK/NACK (replaced by DCI in NR).
PRACHPhysical Random Access ChannelUplink channel carrying the RACH preamble for initial/uplink access.
PSSPrimary Synchronisation SignalFirst sync signal in the SSB giving symbol timing and part of the PCI.
PTRSPhase Tracking Reference SignalPilot tracking phase noise/CFO, important at high frequencies (FR2).
PUCCHPhysical Uplink Control ChannelCarries UCI: HARQ feedback, scheduling requests and CSI reports.
PUSCHPhysical Uplink Shared ChannelThe main uplink channel carrying user data and some control.
RACHRandom Access ChannelTransport channel for the random-access preamble, mapped to PRACH.
SIBSystem Information BlockBroadcast blocks (SIB1, SIB2…) carrying cell access and configuration info.
SPSSemi-Persistent SchedulingPre-configured periodic resources granted without per-slot DCI.
SSBSynchronisation Signal BlockThe NR beacon bundling PSS, SSS and PBCH for cell search and beam sweep.
SSSSecondary Synchronisation SignalSecond SSB sync signal completing the physical cell ID.
UCIUplink Control InformationControl feedback (HARQ-ACK, SR, CSI) carried on PUCCH or piggybacked on PUSCH.
UL-SCHUplink Shared ChannelMain uplink transport channel carrying user data, mapped to PUSCH.

MAC / RLC / PDCP / SDAP

AcronymExpansionOne-line meaning
BSRBuffer Status ReportMAC report telling the gNB how much uplink data the UE has buffered.
COUNTPDCP COUNTThe HFN + PDCP SN value used as input to ciphering and integrity per PDU.
DRXDiscontinuous ReceptionSleep/wake cycle letting the UE power down its receiver to save battery.
HARQHybrid Automatic Repeat reQuestFast retransmission scheme combining FEC with soft-combining of retries.
HFNHyper Frame NumberThe high-order part of PDCP COUNT that extends the wrapping SN.
LCGLogical Channel GroupGrouping of logical channels used to compress buffer status reporting.
LCIDLogical Channel IDMAC subheader field identifying the logical channel or MAC CE in a PDU.
LCPLogical Channel PrioritisationMAC procedure sharing a grant across logical channels by priority.
MAC CEMAC Control ElementIn-band MAC control message (e.g. TA command, BSR, DRX command).
PDCPPacket Data Convergence ProtocolL2 layer doing ciphering, integrity, ROHC, reordering and duplication.
PDUProtocol Data UnitA protocol layer's output packet (its SDU plus that layer's header).
PHRPower Headroom ReportMAC report of how much transmit-power margin the UE still has.
RLCRadio Link ControlL2 layer providing segmentation and (in AM) ARQ retransmission.
ROHCRobust Header CompressionPDCP feature compressing IP/UDP/RTP headers to save air-interface bytes.
SDAPService Data Adaptation ProtocolNR-only L2 layer mapping QoS flows to DRBs and marking QFI.
SDUService Data UnitThe payload a layer receives from the layer above, before adding its header.
SNSequence NumberPer-PDU counter (RLC/PDCP) enabling ordering, reassembly and duplicate detection.
SRScheduling RequestMinimal uplink signal on PUCCH asking the gNB for an uplink grant.

RRC & Mobility

AcronymExpansionOne-line meaning
Cell ReselectionCell ReselectionIdle/inactive-mode procedure where the UE itself picks a better cell to camp on.
CHOConditional HandoverHandover pre-configured with trigger conditions the UE executes autonomously.
HOHandoverNetwork-controlled transfer of a connected UE from a source to a target cell.
MeasMeasurement (RSRP/RSRQ/SINR)UE radio measurements reported to drive mobility and link-adaptation decisions.
MGMeasurement GapScheduled pause in data so the UE can measure other frequencies/RATs.
NSSAINetwork Slice Selection Assistance InformationThe set of S-NSSAIs signalling which network slices the UE wants/uses.
RRCRadio Resource ControlLayer-3 protocol configuring the radio: connection, bearers, mobility, SI.
RLFRadio Link FailureDeclared when the radio link degrades beyond recovery, triggering re-establishment.
RLMRadio Link MonitoringUE monitoring of in-sync/out-of-sync on reference signals to detect RLF.
S-NSSAISingle Network Slice Selection Assistance InformationIdentifier of one slice, made of SST plus optional SD.
SDSlice DifferentiatorOptional field distinguishing multiple slices of the same SST.
SMTCSSB Measurement Timing ConfigurationThe window telling the UE when to measure neighbour SSBs.
SSTSlice/Service TypeField of an S-NSSAI naming the slice's service class (eMBB, URLLC, MIoT).

NAS & Core Procedures

AcronymExpansionOne-line meaning
APNAccess Point NameLTE name of the external packet network a PDN connection targets (DNN in 5G).
AttachEPS AttachLTE procedure by which the UE registers and gets a default EPS bearer.
DNNData Network Name5G name of the data network a PDU session connects to (APN successor).
EMMEPS Mobility ManagementLTE NAS sublayer for attach, TAU and mobility state.
ESMEPS Session ManagementLTE NAS sublayer for default/dedicated bearer setup and modification.
5GMM5GS Mobility Management5G NAS sublayer for registration, service request and mobility.
5GSM5GS Session Management5G NAS sublayer for PDU-session establishment and modification.
NASNon-Access StratumSignalling directly between UE and core (AMF/MME), transparent to the RAN.
PDU SessionProtocol Data Unit Session5G end-to-end connectivity between UE and a data network via the UPF.
Registration5GS Registration5G procedure by which the UE registers with the AMF (attach successor).
TAUTracking Area UpdateLTE procedure updating the network on the UE's tracking area / periodic check-in.

Identifiers & RNTIs

AcronymExpansionOne-line meaning
5G-GUTI5G Globally Unique Temporary IdentityTemporary UE identity assigned by the AMF to avoid exposing the SUPI.
5G-S-TMSI5G S-Temporary Mobile Subscriber IdentityShortened part of the 5G-GUTI used for paging and RACH.
C-RNTICell RNTIUnique identity of a connected UE within a cell, addressing its PDCCH.
CS-RNTIConfigured Scheduling RNTIRNTI addressing configured-grant / SPS transmissions.
ECGIE-UTRAN Cell Global IdentifierGlobally unique LTE cell identity (PLMN + 28-bit cell ID).
GUAMIGlobally Unique AMF IdentifierIdentifier of a specific AMF (PLMN + AMF region/set/pointer).
GUMMEIGlobally Unique MME IdentifierIdentifier of a specific MME (PLMN + MME group/code).
GUTIGlobally Unique Temporary IdentityLTE temporary UE identity assigned by the MME.
IMEIInternational Mobile Equipment IdentityPermanent identity of the device hardware itself.
IMSIInternational Mobile Subscriber IdentityPermanent subscriber identity stored on the SIM/USIM.
NCGINR Cell Global IdentityGlobally unique NR cell identity (PLMN + 36-bit NR cell ID).
P-RNTIPaging RNTIFixed RNTI used to scramble PDCCH scheduling paging messages.
PCIPhysical Cell IdentityOne of 1008 physical-layer cell IDs derived from PSS and SSS.
PLMNPublic Land Mobile NetworkAn operator's network, identified by MCC + MNC.
RA-RNTIRandom Access RNTIRNTI addressing the Random Access Response, derived from PRACH time/frequency.
SI-RNTISystem Information RNTIFixed RNTI used to scramble PDCCH scheduling system information.
S-TMSIS-Temporary Mobile Subscriber IdentityShortened LTE GUTI used for paging and initial access.
SUCISubscription Concealed IdentifierEncrypted (public-key concealed) form of the SUPI sent over the air.
SUPISubscription Permanent IdentifierThe permanent 5G subscriber identity (usually the IMSI).
TACTracking Area CodeCode identifying a tracking area used for paging and registration areas.
TAITracking Area IdentityGlobally unique tracking area (PLMN + TAC).
TC-RNTITemporary C-RNTIProvisional RNTI given in Msg2 before contention resolution completes.
TPC-RNTITransmit Power Control RNTIRNTI addressing group power-control commands on PDCCH.

QoS & Bearers

AcronymExpansionOne-line meaning
5QI5G QoS IdentifierScalar pointing to a standardised set of 5G QoS characteristics (QCI successor).
AMBRAggregate Maximum Bit RateCeiling on total non-GBR throughput per UE or per session.
ARPAllocation and Retention PriorityPriority governing admission and which bearers get pre-empted under congestion.
DRBData Radio BearerRadio bearer carrying user-plane data between UE and RAN.
GBRGuaranteed Bit RateQoS class with reserved, guaranteed throughput (e.g. voice).
GFBRGuaranteed Flow Bit RateThe guaranteed rate of a GBR QoS flow.
MBRMaximum Bit RateUpper throughput limit enforced on a bearer or flow.
MFBRMaximum Flow Bit RateThe maximum rate a GBR QoS flow may use.
PDBPacket Delay BudgetTarget upper bound on packet latency for a QoS class.
PERPacket Error RateTarget residual error rate for a QoS class after L2 delivery.
QCIQoS Class IdentifierLTE scalar naming a standardised QoS profile (5QI successor in 5G).
QFIQoS Flow IdentifierMarks each 5G QoS flow so SDAP/UPF can map and enforce it.
QoS FlowQuality of Service FlowFinest QoS granularity in 5G, mapped onto DRBs by SDAP.
SDFService Data FlowA set of IP flows matched by a filter and given a common QoS treatment.
SRBSignalling Radio BearerRadio bearer carrying RRC/NAS signalling (SRB0/1/2/3).
TFTTraffic Flow TemplatePacket-filter set binding IP flows to a specific EPS bearer.

Security

AcronymExpansionOne-line meaning
AKAAuthentication and Key AgreementChallenge-response protocol authenticating UE and network and deriving keys.
AVAuthentication VectorThe set of authentication parameters (RAND, AUTN, XRES, keys) from the home network.
EEAEPS Encryption AlgorithmLTE ciphering algorithm family (EEA0/1/2/3).
EIAEPS Integrity AlgorithmLTE integrity-protection algorithm family (EIA0/1/2/3).
KAMFKAMF5G key held at the AMF, root of the access-stratum and NAS key branches.
KASMEKASMELTE top-level key derived after AKA, root of the LTE key hierarchy.
KAUSFKAUSF5G key derived at UE and AUSF as the anchor for further key derivation.
KeNBKeNBLTE access-stratum key at the eNB, from which RRC/UP keys derive.
KgNBKgNB5G access-stratum key at the gNB, root of AS RRC/UP keys.
KSEAFKSEAF5G anchor key derived from KAUSF for the serving network.
KDFKey Derivation FunctionThe HMAC-SHA-256 function generating child keys in the hierarchy.
MAC-IMessage Authentication Code for IntegrityIntegrity token appended to protected messages to detect tampering.
NCCNext-hop Chaining CounterCounter driving forward key separation across handovers.
NEANR Encryption Algorithm5G ciphering algorithm family (NEA0/1/2/3).
NHNext HopDerived key material providing forward security at handover.
NIANR Integrity Algorithm5G integrity-protection algorithm family (NIA0/1/2/3).
RES / XRES(Expected) ResponseUE-computed response and network-expected response compared during AKA.
SMCSecurity Mode CommandProcedure activating ciphering and integrity for AS or NAS.

Voice (VoLTE / VoNR)

AcronymExpansionOne-line meaning
AMRAdaptive Multi-RateNarrowband speech codec family used for VoLTE/VoNR.
AMR-WBAdaptive Multi-Rate WidebandWideband ("HD Voice") variant of the AMR codec.
CSFBCircuit-Switched FallbackFalling back from LTE to 2G/3G circuit-switched for a voice call.
EPS FallbackEPS Fallback5G voice mechanism redirecting the UE to LTE/VoLTE when VoNR isn't available.
EVSEnhanced Voice ServicesSuper-wideband/full-band codec giving the best VoLTE/VoNR voice quality.
RTCPRTP Control ProtocolCompanion to RTP carrying media quality/statistics reports.
RTPReal-time Transport ProtocolTransport carrying the encoded voice media packets.
SIPSession Initiation ProtocolIMS signalling protocol that sets up, modifies and tears down voice sessions.
SRVCCSingle Radio Voice Call ContinuityHanding an in-progress VoLTE call to 2G/3G circuit-switched without a break.
VoLTEVoice over LTEIMS voice carried over LTE on a dedicated QCI-1 bearer.
VoNRVoice over NRIMS voice carried natively over 5G NR on a 5QI-1 QoS flow.

Interfaces & Transport Protocols

AcronymExpansionOne-line meaning
DiameterDiameterAAA/signalling protocol used on LTE interfaces such as S6a (MME–HSS).
E1APE1 Application ProtocolSignalling between the gNB-CU-CP and gNB-CU-UP over the E1 interface.
F1APF1 Application ProtocolSignalling between the gNB-CU and gNB-DU over the F1 interface.
GTP-CGPRS Tunnelling Protocol – ControlControl-plane tunnelling for bearer/session management in the EPC.
GTP-UGPRS Tunnelling Protocol – User planeEncapsulates user data in tunnels between RAN and core (identified by TEID).
NGAPNG Application ProtocolControl signalling between the gNB and the AMF over the NG interface.
S1APS1 Application ProtocolControl signalling between the eNB and the MME over the S1 interface.
SCTPStream Control Transmission ProtocolReliable multi-stream transport carrying RAN control signalling (NGAP/S1AP).
TEIDTunnel Endpoint IdentifierIdentifies a specific GTP tunnel endpoint for user-plane routing.
X2APX2 Application ProtocolInter-eNB signalling for LTE handover and dual connectivity over X2.
XnAPXn Application ProtocolInter-gNB signalling for NR handover and dual connectivity over Xn.

Where to go next

Now that the vocabulary is in place, follow a guided path through the topics or line up LTE against 5G side by side.