Q: What are the benefits of 5G?

A: Faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, greater capacity, and supports new use
cases like autonomous vehicles, remote surgery, and virtual and augmented reality.

Q: What technologies are used in 5G?

A: 5G uses advanced technologies such as millimeter waves, massive MIMO, beamforming, and
small cell networks.

Q: What is latency in 5G?

A: Latency in 5G is as low as 1 millisecond (ms), which means there is very little delay in
transmitting data over the network.

Q: What is network slicing?

A: Network slicing in 5G is a technology that creates virtual networks with customized
performance characteristics to meet the needs of different users or applications.

Q: What is beamforming ?
A: Beamforming in 5G is a technique that focuses the wireless signal in a specific direction,
improving coverage and reducing interference.

Q: How does 5G use small cell networks?

A: 5G uses small cell networks to improve coverage and capacity in areas where there is high
demand for wireless connectivity, such as urban centers.

Q: What is EN-DC?
A: EN-DC (E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity) is a technology used in 5G networks that allows for
simultaneous connections to both 4G and 5G networks.

Q: What are the benefits of EN-DC?

A: The benefits of EN-DC include improved coverage, reduced latency, and faster data speeds, as
well as the ability to use 5G-specific features and applications.

Q: What is the maximum data speed supported by EN-DC?

A: EN-DC can support data speeds of up to 2 Gbps, depending on network conditions and device
capabilities.

Q: What is the role of the 4G LTE network in EN-DC?

A: The 4G LTE network in EN-DC provides the control plane signaling and anchor point for the
dual connectivity with the 5G NR network.

Q: Can EN-DC work with other technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
A: Yes, EN-DC can work in conjunction with other wireless technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth,
allowing for seamless connectivity across different networks and devices.
Q: What are the different deployment models for 5G architecture?
A: The different deployment models for 5G architecture include non-standalone (NSA) and
standalone (SA) modes. NSA mode uses existing 4G LTE networks for certain functions, while SA
mode is a completely independent 5G network.

Q: What is the role of network slicing in 5G architecture?

A: Network slicing is a key feature of 5G architecture that allows network operators to divide the
network into virtualized slices, each with its own unique characteristics and capabilities. This
allows operators to tailor the network to specific use cases and applications.

Q: What is the role of edge computing in 5G architecture?

A: Edge computing is a key feature of 5G architecture that enables data processing and storage
to occur closer to the end user, reducing latency and improving overall network performance.

Qns:1) How many types of EPS-FB(Evolved Packet Switched-Fall Back) Implementations across the
network?
Ans: There are three types of EPS-FB.
1) EPS-FB with Handover.
2) EPS-FB with Redirection and without LTE measurement.
3) EPS-FB with Redirection and with LTE measurement.
Qns:2) What are the UE Capability indicators for VONR & EPS-FB?
Ans:
1) voiceFallbackIndicationEPS-r16
2) voiceOverEUTRA-5GC
3) voiceOverNR
4) voiceOverSCG-BearerEUTRA-5GC

5G Interview Questions and Answers

Question -1: What is 5G NR (New Radio) ?

Answer -1: 5G stands for Fifth Generation and NR stands for New Radio. This technology is
evolution to LTE-advanced and LTE-advanced Pro. The standard is published with 3GPP release
15 and above.

Question -2: What is the difference between 5G NR and 4G (LTE) ?

Answer -2: 4G LTE and LTE-advanced follows 3GPP Rel.8 and Rel.12 respectively. 5G follows Rel
15 and above. 4G operates below 6 GHz where as 5G NR operates at various frequency bands viz.
Sub-1 GHz, 1 to 6 GHz, above 6 GHz in mm wave bands (28 GHz, 40 GHz etc.). 5G supports
higher data rate than 4G. 5G delivers about 10 Gbps where as LTE-a pro delivers 3 Gbps. 5G
offers latency of less than 1 ms where as LTE-adv pro delivers less than 2 ms.

Question -3: Explain 5G NR network architecture, its elements and its network interfaces ?
Answer -3: There are three elements in 5G NR architecture viz. UE (User Equipment), RAN and
Core Network. NG RAN houses gNB radio (i.e. base station), Control Unit and data Unit. Here
AMF stands for Access and Mobility Management Function and UPF stands for User Plane
Function.

Question -4: Explain difference between TDD and FDD in 5G NR ?

Answer -4: In FDD mode, both uplink and downlink can transmit at the same time at different
spectrum frequencies. In TDD mode, both uplink and downlink use the same spectrum
frequencies but at different times. 5G FDD is used where both uplink and downlink data rates are
symmetrical. Interference is less in FDD topology where as it is more in TDD topology. 5G TDD is
used where both uplink and downlink data rates are asymmetrical.

Question -5: Define use cases of 5G NR viz. eMBB, mMTC and URLLC.
Answer -5: This 5G FAQ judge knowledge of 5G QoSs such as eMBB, mMTC and URLLC. eMBB
refers to Enhanced Mobile Broadband which is used to support peak data rate of 10 to 20 Gbps.
mMTC refers to Machine Type Communications which is used to support low data rates (1 to 100
Kbps) in M2M applications. URLLC refers to Ultra Reliability and Low Latency Communcations
which is used for ultra responsive connections with latency of less than 1 ms. URLLC offers low to
medium data rates.

Question -6: What are the different types of handover in 5G NR? Explain each in brief.
Answer -6: There are two types of 5G NR handovers viz. network controlled and UE controlled.
The other types mentioned in the standard are 5G NR Inter gNB handover and 5G NR intra RAN
handover (C-Plane Handling).

Question -7: What are the functions of MIB and SIB in 5G ?

Answer -7: 5G Master Information Block (MIB) includes system information transmitted on xBCH
transport channel and xBCCH logical channel. The IE (Information Element)
XSystemInformationBlock contains RRC (radio resource configuration) information which is
common for all UEs. It is transmitted on xBCCH logical channel and xBCH transport channel.

5G NR: MAC PDU Formats and Parameters related to RA procedure📦

5G NR (New Radio) is the latest generation of mobile communication technology, which brings
significant improvements in data rates, latency, and network efficiency.

In this explanation, we will focus on the 5G NR Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, specifically
the MAC Protocol Data Unit (PDU) formats and the parameters related to the Random Access
(RA) procedure.

1. MAC PDU Formats 📦:

The MAC PDU formats define the structure of the data transmitted and received in the MAC
layer. In 5G NR, there are three main MAC PDU formats:

a. DL-SCH (Downlink Shared Channel) 📥: Used for downlink data transmission from the network to
the user equipment (UE). It contains a MAC header, subheaders, and MAC SDUs (Service Data
Units).

b. UL-SCH (Uplink Shared Channel) 📤: Used for uplink data transmission from the UE to the
network. It is similar to the DL-SCH format but in the opposite direction.

c. RAR (Random Access Response) 📢: Sent by the network in response to a RA request from the
UE. It contains a backoff indicator and timing advance information.c

2. Random Access Procedure 📶:

The RA procedure helps a UE to establish an initial connection with the network for various
purposes, such as requesting resources or reporting a change in its status. It consists of four
steps:

a. Preamble Transmission 🚀: The UE sends a random access preamble, a short sequence of bits, to
the network.

b. Preamble Detection 🔍: The network detects the preamble and sends a RAR message to the UE,
which includes uplink resource grants and a temporary cell identity (TC-RNTI).

c. RRC Connection Request 📝: The UE sends a RRC (Radio Resource Control) connection request,
including the purpose of the RA and its identity, using the UL-SCH format.

d. RRC Connection Setup : The network sends an RRC connection setup message, containing the
necessary configuration for the UE, using the DL-SCH format.

3. Key Parameters related to RA Procedure :

Some important parameters related to the RA procedure are:

a. PRACH (Physical Random Access Channel) Configuration Index : This index determines the
preamble format and the availability of the PRACH resources.

b. RACH (Random Access Channel) Configuration 📏: It includes the number of preambles,

preamble transmit power, and maximum number of preamble transmissions.

c. Contention Resolution Timer ⏳: This timer is started by the UE after transmitting the RRC
connection request. If the timer expires before receiving an RRC connection setup message, the
RA procedure is considered to have failed.

To sum up, 5G NR MAC PDU formats and the parameters related to the RA procedure play a
crucial role in the efficient functioning of the 5G network. Understanding these concepts is key to

grasping the underlying mechanisms of 5G communication. 🌐📡

EN-DC Secondary Node Addition Procedure📱 :

EN-DC (E-UTRAN New Radio - Dual Connectivity) secondary node addition refers to the process
of adding a 5G NR (New Radio) cell as a secondary node to a connected LTE (Long-Term
Evolution) cell, which serves as the primary node.

This dual connectivity setup enables the User Equipment (UE) 📱 to simultaneously connect to both
4G and 5G networks, allowing for more efficient use of network resources and improved overall
performance.
The process of EN-DC secondary node addition involves the following steps:

1. Measurement Configuration 📏:

The primary LTE cell configures the UE to measure the signal strength and quality of nearby 5G
NR cells. The UE then reports these measurements back to the network.

Example: Your 5G-capable smartphone 📱 measures the signal strength of nearby 5G NR cells 📡
while still connected to the 4G network.

2. Secondary Node Addition Decision 🧠:

Based on the measurement reports, the LTE cell decides whether to add a 5G NR cell as a
secondary node. Factors such as signal strength, network load, and user requirements are
considered.

Example: The network determines that adding a 5G NR cell 📶 will improve your smartphone's 📱
performance and decides to establish a secondary node.

3. RRC Reconfiguration 🔄:

The primary LTE cell sends an RRC (Radio Resource Control) Reconfiguration message to the UE,
instructing it to configure and establish a connection with the selected 5G NR cell.

Example: Your smartphone 📱 receives instructions from the LTE network to establish a connection

with the 5G NR cell 📡.

4. Dual Connectivity Setup :

The UE establishes a connection with the 5G NR cell as a secondary node while maintaining its
connection with the LTE cell as the primary node.

Example: Your smartphone 📱 successfully connects to both the 4G LTE and 5G NR cells, enabling
seamless use of resources from both networks.

By leveraging EN-DC secondary node addition, users can enjoy faster data speeds 🚀, lower
latency, and enhanced connectivity, as their devices can access resources from both 4G and 5G
networks simultaneously

Disaggregated RAN Architecture 📡🔧:

Disaggregated RAN (Radio Access Network) architecture is a modern approach to designing and
implementing cellular networks by separating various RAN components to enable flexibility,
scalability, and interoperability.

1. Traditional vs. Disaggregated RAN :

1.1 Traditional RAN: The Baseband Unit (BBU), Remote Radio Head (RRH), and other components
are tightly integrated within a single, proprietary hardware system.

1.2 Disaggregated RAN: The BBU, RRH, and other components are decoupled and can be
implemented on different hardware platforms, enabling multi-vendor interoperability and a more
flexible network design.

2. Key Components 🔑🧩:

2.1 Central Unit (CU): Manages control plane functions, such as radio resource management and

mobility management 📶🔧

2.2 Distributed Unit (DU): Handles data plane functions, such as baseband processing and radio

signal transmission 📡💨

2.3 Radio Unit (RU): Converts digital signals from the DU into radio frequency signals for

transmission to user devices 📱📡

3. Benefits 📈✨:

3.1 Flexibility: Decoupling RAN components allows operators to mix and match hardware and

software solutions from different vendors, leading to more flexible and customizable networks

3.2 Scalability: Disaggregated RAN makes it easier to scale network capacity by adding or

upgrading individual components as needed 📈📶

3.3 Cost Efficiency: By using open interfaces and off-the-shelf hardware, operators can reduce

costs associated with proprietary systems 💰👍

3.4 Innovation: Open interfaces and multi-vendor support drive innovation, as companies can

develop new solutions that work within the disaggregated RAN ecosystem 🚀🌟

🌟Example: An operator can deploy a disaggregated RAN architecture with a Central Unit from
Vendor A, a Distributed Unit from Vendor B, and a Radio Unit from Vendor C, all working
seamlessly together to provide efficient and flexible network performance.
🔀 O-RAN Open F1/W1/E1/X2/Xn Interface 🌐🔗:

1. Purpose 🎯:

1.1 Provide fully operable multi-vendor profile specifications for F1/W1/E1/X2/Xn interfaces
1.2 Ensure compliance with 3GPP specifications and propose enhancements when necessary
1.3 Enable seamless interoperability among different RAN components in the O-RAN ecosystem

2. F1 Interface 📶🔄:

2.1 Connects the Central Unit (CU) and Distributed Unit (DU) in a disaggregated RAN architecture

2.2 🌟Example: Allows the CU to manage radio resources and coordinate with the DU for efficient
radio signal transmission

3. W1 Interface 🖧🌉:

3.1 Serves as the interface between the DU and Radio Unit (RU) in the O-RAN architecture

3.2 🌟Example: Enables the DU to control and manage radio resources, ensuring efficient
communication between the DU and RU

4. E1 Interface 🚦🔀:

4.1 Connects different DUs within the RAN, enabling efficient data transfer and coordination
between DUs

4.2 🌟Example: Facilitates inter-DU communication to optimize radio resource management and
load balancing among multiple DUs

5. X2 Interface 🌐🔗:

5.1 Connects eNodeBs (LTE base stations) or gNodeBs (5G base stations) within the RAN
5.2 Enables coordination and optimization between different RAN nodes

5.3 🌟Example: Supports handover procedures, ensuring seamless connectivity for mobile devices
as they move between cells

6. Xn Interface :
6.1 Similar to the X2 interface, but specifically designed for 5G gNodeBs
6.2 Ensures efficient communication and coordination between 5G base stations

6.3 🌟Example: Facilitates load balancing and handover procedures for 5G networks, improving
overall network performance and user experience

9->What is 5G numerology?
Its refers to the way in which data is organized and transmitted in the 5G network. This includes
parameters such as subcarrier spacing, symbol duration, and frame structure, which determine
the overall data transfer rate and efficiency of the network.

10->5G deployment model:

5G deployment models include both centralized and distributed architectures. Centralized
architectures use a centralized baseband unit (BBU) to process all traffic from multiple remote
radio heads (RRHs), while distributed architectures have the processing functions distributed
among multiple RRHs.

11->What is the 5G attached procedure for NSA and SA?

The 5G attached procedure is the process by which a device connects to the 5G network. Two
different types of attached procedures in 5G: Non-Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA).

In the NSA attached procedure, the device first connects to an existing 4G/LTE network and then
establishes a secondary connection to the 5G network. This allows for faster deployment of 5G
technology, but may result in slower data transfer rates.

In the SA attached procedure, the device connects directly to the 5G network without relying on
an existing 4G/LTE network. This allows for faster data transfer rates, but requires more extensive
network infrastructure.

12->What is 5G system connection management?

5G system connection management refers to the process by which a device establishes and
maintains a connection to the 5G network. This includes procedures such as cell search,
synchronization, random access, and connection establishment, as well as ongoing management
of the connection to ensure optimal performance.

13->When does the AMF provide a new GUTI in 5G?

The AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) in the 5G network provides a new GUTI
(Globally Unique Temporary Identifier) for a device when it moves from one tracking area to
another. This ensures that the device can continue to communicate with the network even as it
moves between different cells or base stations.

14->What is the 5G and LTE GUTI mapping procedure?

The 5G and LTE GUTI mapping procedure is used to ensure that a device can maintain a
continuous connection to the network as it moves between different generations of cellular
technology. This involves mapping the device's 5G GUTI to a corresponding LTE GUTI so that it
can maintain a connection to the LTE network when necessary.

15->What are the 5G identifiers (SUPI, SUCI)?

The 5G network uses two different types of identifiers for devices: the SUPI (Subscription
Permanent Identifier) and the SUCI (Subscription Concealed Identifier). The SUPI is a unique
identifier that is assigned to each device and remains constant throughout the device's lifecycle,
while the SUCI is a temporary identifier that is used to protect the device's identity and privacy.

to be continued....sss