5G • RAN
F1-C Interface
F1 Control Plane Interface
Control plane interface between gNB-CU (Centralized Unit) and gNB-DU (Distributed Unit) running F1AP.
Technical Explanation
In a disaggregated gNodeB architecture (3GPP Option 2 Higher Layer Split), F1-C connects the centralized RRC and PDCP stack in the CU to the distributed RLC, MAC, and physical layers in the DU. It runs F1AP over SCTP/IP, controlling cell activation, system information broadcast, and radio bearer establishment.
Key Functions
- Connects gNB-CU control plane (RRC) to gNB-DU lower layer stack
- Carries F1AP signaling for cell setup, UE context management, and paging
- Enables centralized RRC intelligence controlling multiple distributed radio units
Specifications
3GPP TS 38.470, TS 38.473
Interfaces
F1F1-C
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