References¶
This page collects external resources for digging deeper into the content of this site.
Notes on Using These Links
- Give top priority to primary sources (3GPP/ETSI/IETF, etc.). Whenever they conflict with the descriptions on this site, the latest specification is always authoritative.
- The URLs and content of external sites may change without notice. If you notice a broken link or outdated information, confirm against the primary source.
- Secondary sources (explanatory sites, blogs, videos) are useful as aids to understanding, but their accuracy depends on each operator. Always consult primary sources before asserting anything about the specification.
Primary Sources (Official / Standards)¶
These are the standardization bodies and official portals that define the 5GC specifications. When you need solid grounding, come here.
| Resource | What You Get | URL |
|---|---|---|
| 3GPP (official site) | The standardization body developing 5G/5GC. The overall picture of the specifications and release information | https://www.3gpp.org/ |
| 3GPP Specifications (spec search) | Search for and obtain the body text (PDF) from a spec number such as TS 23.501 | https://www.3gpp.org/specifications-technologies |
| 3GPP FTP server | Directly download the originals of all versions (Rel-15 onward) of each specification | https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/ |
| ETSI (standards publication) | Publishes 3GPP TS free of charge as ETSI editions (TS 123 501, etc.). Easy to read | https://www.etsi.org/standards |
| GSMA | An operator association. Guidelines for roaming, interconnection, and network operation | https://www.gsma.com/ |
| IETF Datatracker (RFC search) | Original text (RFCs) of the IETF protocols used by 5GC, such as HTTP/2, TLS, and Diameter | https://datatracker.ietf.org/ |
How to Read 3GPP Spec Numbers
The core of 5GC consists of TS 23.501 (system architecture) / TS 23.502 (procedures) / TS 24.501 (NAS) / TS 33.501 (security) and others. In the "3GPP Specification" section of each chapter, we list the reference Specs for that topic. Because the sub-numbers of section numbers change by Release, on this site we annotate those we are not certain about with "to be confirmed".
Tools (Analysis / Verification)¶
These are tools for actually observing and verifying protocols.
| Resource | What It Is Used For | URL |
|---|---|---|
| Wireshark | Packet analysis of NGAP/NAS/PFCP/GTP/HTTP2, etc. Used in the Wireshark filter examples in each chapter | https://www.wireshark.org/ |
| Wireshark Display Filter Reference | A list of display filters such as ngap, pfcp, and gtpv2 |
https://www.wireshark.org/docs/dfref/ |
Secondary Sources (Learning / Explanation)¶
These are explanatory resources that aid understanding. Because accuracy depends on each operator, use primary sources in tandem before asserting anything about the specification.
| Resource | Characteristics | URL |
|---|---|---|
| Masanobu Fujioka, "Mobile Technology Landscapes" (K-tai Watch) | A series that systematically explains mobile technology. The author is learning from it too | https://k-tai.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/column/fujioka/ |
| NTT DOCOMO Technical Journal | A technical journal by a telecom operator. Implementation and trends of 5G / core networks. The author is learning from it too | https://www.docomo.ne.jp/corporate/technology/rd/technical_journal/ |
| NETMANIAS | A technical explanation site rich in LTE/5G technical documents and diagrams (English) | https://www.netmanias.com/en/ |
| telecom insights japan | A Japanese-language site explaining the technology and trends of the telecom industry | https://telecom-insights.com/ |
\"Look-up\" Resources Within This Site
Before going to external sources, make use of this site's Dictionary (NF, Interface, Protocol, Message, Timer, Cause, and more), as well as the individual NF pages such as AMF and the individual Interface pages such as N2. They provide first-mention explanations of terms together with links within this site.
About Adding Links¶
This page will continue to be expanded. If you have candidates you would like added — "I'd like this primary source included too" or "this tool is handy" — please let the operator know (for listing, primary sources are prioritized, and secondary sources are carefully selected with their nature made explicit).