This is the second post in our series on ASN.1 applications areas. In this post, we explore uses with 5G networking. Note that ASN.1 was used extensively in the evolution of wireless networking, but we are examining 5G as this is the latest use.
Some specific standards in which ASN.1 is used in 5G networks are:
3GPP TS 23.501: This standard defines the System Architecture Evolution (SAE) for 5G networks, including the User Equipment (UE) and the Core Network (CN). It uses ASN.1 for encoding and decoding the control plane messages between the UE and the CN, as well as between different network functions in the CN.
3GPP TS 38.401: This standard defines the Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture for 5G networks, including the New Radio (NR) interface between the UE and the Radio Access Network (RAN) nodes. It uses ASN.1 for encoding and decoding the RAN control plane messages between the UE and the RAN nodes.
3GPP TS 38.413: This standard defines the NR protocol stack architecture for 5G networks, including the lower layers (PHY, MAC, RLC) and the upper layer signaling (RRC). It uses ASN.1 for encoding and decoding the RRC messages between the UE and the RAN nodes, as well as between different RAN nodes in the network.
3GPP TS 38.331: This standard defines the NR Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol for 5G networks, including the procedures for UE measurement reporting, handover, and mobility management. It uses ASN.1 for encoding and decoding the RRC messages exchanged between the UE and the RAN nodes.
ETSI TS 136 101: This standard is a technical specification for the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) Iub interface, which is used for the interconnection between the Radio Network Controller (RNC) and the Node B radio access nodes. It uses ASN.1 for encoding and decoding the control plane messages exchanged between the RNC and the Node B. Although this standard is not specific to 5G networks, it is still relevant as 5G networks may coexist with legacy UMTS networks in some deployments.