X2 Interface in LTE
With the removal of the RNC from the access network architecture, inter-eNB handover is negotiated and managed directly between eNBs using the X2-C interface. In LTE implementations that need to support macro diversity, the X2-U interface will carry handover traffic PDUs (Protocol Data Units) between eNBs. X2-C (control plane) signalling is carried by the X2AP (X2 Application Protocol), which travels over an SCTP association established between neighboring eNBs. X2AP performs duties similar to those performed by RNSAP (Radio Network Subsystem Application Protocol), which operates between neighboring RNCs over the Iur interface in UMTS R99 networks. X2-U (user plane) traffic is carried by the existing GTP-U (GPRS Tunnelling Protocol – User plane), as employed in UMTS R99 networks. The facilities provided by the X2-U interface are only expected to be required if macro-diversity handover is supported. Both sub-types of the X2 interface travel over IP: SCTP/IP for the X2-C and U...