Detailed Architecture
Simple Architecture
EUTRAN NodeB
› Also known as Evolved Node B, (abbreviated as eNodeB or eNB) is the element in E-UTRA of LTE that is the
evolution of the element Node B in UTRA of UMTS.
› It is the hardware that is connected to the mobile phone network that communicates directly with mobile handsets
(UEs), like a base transceiver station (BTS) in GSM networks.
› The eBN sends and receives radio transmissions to all the mobiles using the analogue and digital signal processing
functions of the LTE air interface.
› The eNB controls the low-level operation of all its mobiles, by sending them signalling messages such as handover
commands.
System Information
RACH Preamble Has UE Provided Y
RACH Preamble Response the GUTI?
RRC Connection Request
N
RRC Connection Request Is GUTI Known?
RRC Connection Setup Complete
N Y
Attach Request
Identity Request MME to
Authenticate?
Identity Request (IMSI)
Auth/Security? Y N
Update Location Req
Update Location Answer
Create session Request
Create session Response
Initial Context Setup Request
Security Mode Command Attach Accept
Security Mode Complete
UE Capability Inquiry
UE Capability Info
UE Capability Info Indication
RRC Connection Reconfig
RRC Connection Reconfig Complete
Initial COntext Setup Response
UL Info Transfer
Attach Complete UL NAS Transport
Attach Complete
Modify Bearer Request
Modify Bearer Response
UL/DL data Payload
Source eNB uses X2 interface to initiate handover with target eNB. Process is somewhat similar to S1
based handover with difference that Handover request, data forwarding, End marker messages etc. are
exchanged over X2 interface directly between Source and Target eNBs.