Which physical channel carries master information block MIB ?

In Long-Term Evolution (LTE) networks, the Master Information Block (MIB) is a crucial piece of information that contains essential network parameters and synchronization information for user equipment (UE) trying to connect to the network. The MIB is transmitted over a specific physical channel known as the “Physical Broadcast Channel” (PBCH).

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

1. Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH):

The PBCH is a downlink channel dedicated to broadcasting system information, and it’s used primarily for two purposes:

Broadcasting MIB: As mentioned earlier, the MIB is transmitted via the PBCH. The MIB carries vital information about the LTE network, such as the cell’s identity, the system frame number (SFN), and other essential parameters that UEs need to synchronize with the network.
System Information Blocks (SIBs): The PBCH also carries information about other system information blocks, referred to as SIBs. SIBs contain more detailed information about the network, including cell configuration, radio resource management parameters, and other relevant details. Unlike the MIB, SIBs are transmitted periodically, and UEs can decode them once they have successfully synchronized with the network using information from the MIB.

2. MIB Transmission:

The MIB is transmitted in a specific subframe known as the “first subframe” within each radio frame. The PBCH carries the MIB within this subframe, and it is sent repeatedly to ensure that UEs have ample opportunities to receive and decode it. Once a UE successfully decodes the MIB, it can then synchronize its time and frequency parameters with the cell and proceed to decode subsequent system information blocks (SIBs) for additional network configuration details.

In summary, the Master Information Block (MIB) in LTE networks is transmitted over the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH). The MIB contains essential information that allows user equipment (UE) to synchronize with the network and obtain critical network parameters. This synchronization is the first step for UEs attempting to connect to an LTE cell and is vital for proper network operation.