gNB-DU
gNB-DU implements RLC, MAC, and the High-PHY layers close to the radio, exposing a standard F1 interface to one or more gNB-CUs and an Open Fronthaul interface to the Radio Unit — enabling multi-vendor RAN sourced independently at each layer.
Key features
- RLC / MAC / High-PHY processing with sub-millisecond scheduling
- O-RAN Open Fronthaul (7.2x split) support for multi-vendor Radio Units
- F1AP-based association with one or more gNB-CUs
- Dynamic and static TDD configuration, massive MIMO beamforming control
- Real-time RIC (near-RT RIC / E2) interface for xApp-driven scheduling
- Cell and carrier hot-add without service-affecting restarts
Governing 3GPP & O-RAN specifications
These are the primary specifications this product implements or interoperates against. NgRAN tracks each release train and updates products as specifications evolve.
| Specification | Title / scope |
|---|---|
| 3GPP TS 38.401 | NG-RAN architecture description — CU/DU functional split |
| 3GPP TS 38.470 / 38.473 | F1 general aspects & F1AP (CU ↔ DU) |
| 3GPP TS 38.211–38.214 | NR physical layer specifications |
| 3GPP TS 38.321 | Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol specification |
| 3GPP TS 38.322 | Radio Link Control (RLC) protocol specification |
| O-RAN.WG4.CUS.O-RAN | Open Fronthaul Control, User and Synchronization plane specification |
Specification titles are summarised for reference. Full texts are maintained by 3GPP (3gpp.org) and the O-RAN ALLIANCE and are not reproduced here.
Architecture & interfaces
gNB-DU hosts the layers with the tightest timing budget, so it typically runs on accelerated COTS hardware near the radio site. It exposes O-RAN Open Fronthaul south to any compliant Radio Unit and F1 north to gNB-CU, letting operators mix radios, DUs, and CUs from different vendors within one 3GPP/O-RAN compliant NG-RAN.
Reference interfaces
Deployment model
Bare-metal or virtualized at the cell site, with optional hardware acceleration (lookaside/inline) for High-PHY.