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5g nr layer mapping

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5G New Radio (NR) is the global standard for a new generation of mobile networks, providing higher data rates, lower latency, and improved reliability compared to its predecessors. To understand 5G NR layer mapping, let's delve into the technical aspects of the 5G NR protocol stack and its layer structure.

5G NR Protocol Stack Layers

The 5G NR protocol stack consists of various layers, each responsible for specific functionalities. These layers can be broadly categorized into the following:

  1. Physical Layer (PHY)
  2. Medium Access Control Layer (MAC)
  3. Radio Link Control Layer (RLC)
  4. Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP)
  5. Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP)
  6. Radio Resource Control Layer (RRC)

5G NR Layer Mapping

When we refer to layer mapping in the context of 5G NR, it typically pertains to how these protocol stack layers are mapped onto the physical layer for transmission and reception over the air interface. Let's focus on the mapping of higher layers onto the physical layer:

  1. Physical Layer (PHY): This is the lowest layer responsible for the actual transmission and reception of data over the air interface. The 5G NR PHY includes various functionalities like modulation/demodulation, channel coding/decoding, and multiplexing/demultiplexing.
  2. Medium Access Control (MAC) Layer: The MAC layer is responsible for managing the access to the physical layer resources. In 5G NR, the MAC layer provides functionalities like scheduling, prioritization, and multiplexing/demultiplexing of MAC protocol data units (PDUs) onto the physical layer.
  3. Radio Link Control (RLC) Layer: The RLC layer is responsible for ensuring reliable transmission of data between the source and destination by providing functionalities like segmentation, reordering, and error correction. In 5G NR, RLC PDUs are mapped onto the MAC layer, which in turn maps them onto the physical layer for transmission.
  4. Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) Layer: The PDCP layer is responsible for functions like header compression, encryption/decryption, and integrity protection. PDCP PDUs are mapped onto the RLC layer, which further maps them onto the MAC and physical layers for transmission.
  5. Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) Layer: The SDAP layer is responsible for QoS (Quality of Service) control and mapping of application-level QoS requirements to the lower layers. SDAP PDUs are mapped onto the PDCP layer and subsequently onto the RLC, MAC, and physical layers.
  6. Radio Resource Control (RRC) Layer: The RRC layer is responsible for control signaling related to radio resource management, mobility management, and connection establishment/management. RRC messages are encapsulated within PDCP PDUs and are mapped onto the RLC, MAC, and physical layers for transmission.

Conclusion

5G NR layer mapping involves the hierarchical mapping of higher-layer protocol data units (PDUs) onto the lower layers, eventually leading to the transmission and reception of data over the 5G NR air interface. This layered approach ensures efficient utilization of resources, scalability, and flexibility in supporting various services and applications in 5G networks.