ENodeB


E-UTRAN Node B, also known as Evolved Node B, is the element in E-UTRA of LTE that is the evolution of the element Node B in UTRA of UMTS. It is the hardware that is connected to the mobile phone network that communicates directly wirelessly with mobile handsets, like a base transceiver station in GSM networks.
Traditionally, a Node B has minimum functionality, and is controlled by a Radio Network Controller. However, with an eNB, there is no separate controller element. This simplifies the architecture and allows lower response times.

Differences between an Evolved Node B and a Node B

Air Interface

eNB uses the E-UTRA protocols OFDMA and SC-FDMA on its LTE-Uu interface. By contrast, NodeB uses the UTRA protocols WCDMA or TD-SCDMA on its Uu interface.

Control Functionality

eNB embeds its own control functionality, rather than using a RNC as does a Node B.

Network Interfaces

eNB interfaces with the System Architecture Evolution core and other eNB as follows: