The terms “gNB” (gNodeB) and “eNB” (Evolved NodeB) refer to different generations of base stations used in wireless communication networks. gNB is associated with 5G (Fifth Generation) networks, while eNB is associated with 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) networks. Below are detailed explanations of the differences between gNB and eNB:
1. Generation and Technology:
- gNB (5G): gNB is the base station used in 5G networks. It is designed to support the new radio interface and technologies associated with 5G, including advanced features such as beamforming, massive MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output), and flexible spectrum use.
- eNB (4G LTE): eNB, or Evolved NodeB, is the base station used in 4G LTE networks. It represents an evolution from the previous generations of NodeB used in 3G networks. eNB supports LTE technology, providing high data rates and improved spectral efficiency compared to earlier generations.
2. Radio Access Technology:
- gNB (5G): gNB supports the 5G New Radio (NR) interface, which is the radio access technology used in 5G networks. NR introduces key advancements in terms of data rates, latency, and overall network performance.
- eNB (4G LTE): eNB supports the LTE radio access technology, which includes advancements like OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) and MIMO. LTE was a significant upgrade over previous 3G technologies.
3. Frequency Bands:
- gNB (5G): gNB is designed to operate across a broad range of frequency bands, including sub-6 GHz and millimeter-wave (mmWave) bands. It supports a more diverse set of frequency ranges compared to previous generations.
- eNB (4G LTE): eNB operates in frequency bands typically below 6 GHz, with LTE Advanced introducing carrier aggregation to enhance data rates by combining multiple carriers.
4. Massive MIMO and Beamforming:
- gNB (5G): gNB supports massive MIMO, which involves using a large number of antennas at the base station to improve capacity and coverage. It also utilizes advanced beamforming techniques to direct signals towards specific user equipment.
- eNB (4G LTE): While LTE supports MIMO, it may not have the same scale as massive MIMO in 5G. Advanced beamforming techniques are also employed in LTE, but they may not be as sophisticated as those in 5G.
5. Network Architecture:
- gNB (5G): The gNB is part of the 5G Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture. It is connected to the 5G core network elements, including the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) and Session Management Function (SMF).
- eNB (4G LTE): The eNB is a key element of the LTE radio access network and connects to the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) in the 4G network architecture.
6. Functional Split in 5G:
- gNB (5G): In 5G, the gNB can be split into Centralized Unit (CU) and Distributed Unit (DU), allowing for more flexibility and efficient resource utilization.
- eNB (4G LTE): In 4G LTE, there is a functional split between the eNB and the EPC, but it may not have the same level of flexibility as the split architecture in 5G.
7. Network Slicing Support:
- gNB (5G): gNB is designed to support network slicing, allowing the creation of isolated virtualized networks for different services and use cases.
- eNB (4G LTE): While LTE has some features for quality of service differentiation, it may not have the same level of support for network slicing as seen in 5G.
In summary, gNB is the base station used in 5G networks, while eNB is associated with 4G LTE networks. gNB supports the 5G NR interface, introduces advanced technologies like massive MIMO and beamforming, and is part of the 5G NG-RAN architecture with support for network slicing. eNB, on the other hand, supports LTE technology and is part of the LTE radio access network architecture with connections to the Evolved Packet Core (EPC). The transition from eNB to gNB represents the evolution from 4G to 5G technology.