The X2 interface is the interface between the eNodeBs. X2 interface protocol stack is described in Figure.
X2 Interface performs the following functions:
- X2-UP (User Plane)
- X2-CP (Control Plane)
LTE X2-UP (User Plane)
The LTE X2-UP protocol tunnels end-user packets between the LTE eNodeBs. The tunneling function supports the identification of packets with the tunnels and packet loss management. X2-UP uses GTP-U over UDP or IP as the transport layer protocol similar to LTE S1-UP protocol. LTE S1-UP and LTE X2-UP use the same U-plane protocol to minimize protocol processing for the eNodeB at the time of data forwarding.
The LTE X2 user plane external interface (X2-U) is defined between LTE eNodeBs. The LTE X2-U interface provides non guaranteed delivery of user plane PDUs. The transport network layer is built on IP transport of LTE and GTP-U is used on top of the UDP or IP to carry the user plane PDUs. The X2-UP interface protocol stack is identical to the S1-UP protocol stack.
LTE X2-CP (Control Plane)
LTE X2-CP has SCTP as the transport layer protocol which is similar to the LTE S1-CP protocol. The load management function allows exchange of overload and traffic load information between LTE eNodeBs to handle traffic load effectively. The handover function enables one eNodeB to handover the UE to another eNodeB.
A handover operation requires transfer of information necessary to maintain the LTE RAN services at the new eNodeB. It also requires the establishment and release of the tunnels between source and target eNodeB to allow data forwarding and informs the already prepared target eNodeB for handover cancellations.
LTE X2-CP protocol functions include:
- intra LTE-Access-System mobility support for the UE
- context transfer from source eNodeB to target eNodeB
- control of user plane tunnels between source eNodeB and target eNodeB
- handover cancellation
- uplink load management
- general X2 management
- error handling
The LTE X2 control plane external interface (X2-CP) is defined between two-neighbor eNodeBs. The transport network layer is built on SCTP on top of IP. The application layer signaling protocol is referred to as X2-AP (X2 Application Protocol).
X2 Interface Function in LTE – A Connection Between Two eNodeBs
The X2 interface in LTE is the communication link between two eNodeBs (evolved NodeBs), enabling direct communication for mobility and data transfer between cells. It plays a vital role in ensuring seamless handovers, load balancing, and interference management across neighboring cells.
Key Functions of X2 Interface:
- Handover Management: The X2 interface allows eNodeBs to coordinate handovers when a UE moves from one cell to another, ensuring minimal disruption in service. This involves exchanging control information, like context transfer, between eNodeBs.
- Load Balancing: The X2 interface can be used to share load information between eNodeBs. This helps to distribute users more efficiently across cells, reducing congestion and improving overall network performance.
- Interference Management: eNodeBs can exchange information about interference levels over the X2 interface, allowing them to adjust their transmission power and scheduling to reduce interference and improve quality.
By enabling direct communication between eNodeBs, the X2 interface enhances network performance and user experience, ensuring smooth mobility and optimized resource utilization across the LTE network.