5g timers

5G (fifth-generation) cellular networks, timers play a crucial role in managing various network procedures and ensuring efficient and reliable communication. Timers are essentially software mechanisms used to track the time duration for specific events or procedures within the network. Let's dive into some of the key timers used in 5G networks:

  1. T3442 Timer:
    • This timer is used for Mobile Terminating (MT) detach procedures.
    • When a device (UE, User Equipment) loses its connection to the network, either due to mobility or other reasons, the network may initiate a detach procedure to free up resources and update its status.
    • The T3442 timer defines the duration during which the UE can re-establish its connection with the network without having to perform a new registration. If the UE reconnects within this time, it can continue the session; otherwise, it may need to undergo a new registration.
  2. T3412 Timer:
    • This timer is associated with the periodic registration of the UE.
    • UEs periodically register with the network to inform the network about their presence and maintain their registration status.
    • T3412 defines the interval after which the UE needs to send a periodic registration request to the network. If the UE fails to send a registration request within this time, the network might consider the UE as detached.
  3. T3410 Timer:
    • This timer is related to the tracking area update procedure.
    • In 5G, tracking areas (TAs) are similar to location areas in previous cellular generations. When a UE moves across different tracking areas, it needs to update its location information with the network.
    • The T3410 timer specifies the duration after which the UE should perform a tracking area update. If the UE doesn't update its location within this time, the network might take actions like paging the UE or initiating other procedures.
  4. T3324 Timer:
    • This timer is related to the user inactivity detection.
    • If the UE remains inactive for a certain period, meaning it doesn't send or receive any data, the network might consider the UE as inactive or idle.
    • The T3324 timer defines the duration after which the network should detect the UE as inactive and potentially release resources associated with the UE. Once the UE becomes active again, it may need to re-establish connections or perform certain procedures to resume communication.