3GPP RAN Timeline: Release 16 & 17 Milestones Explained
The Radio Access Network (RAN) is a critical part of mobile communication systems, acting as the link between user devices and the core network. As the telecom industry moves toward 5G and beyond, the 3GPP RAN timeline is key for standardizing and improving technologies.
In the timeline shared, we see the completion of Release 16 and the progress of Release 17, marking important milestones like freeze points, approvals, and performance completions. These achievements are vital for ensuring that next-gen networks are interoperable, efficient, and perform well.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the 3GPP RAN Release 16 and 17 timelines, their milestones, and why they matter for telecom professionals and tech fans alike.
Understanding RAN in 3GPP
Before we jump into the timeline, let’s quickly revisit what RAN means in the 3GPP context:
RAN (Radio Access Network): This is the mobile network component that connects user devices (UEs) to the core network using radio signals.
RAN Working Groups:
RAN1: Deals with physical layer aspects, like waveforms, coding, and modulation.
RAN2: Focuses on the protocols and signaling for the radio interface.
RAN3: Looks into network architecture.
RAN4: Handles radio performance, spectrum, and conformance testing.
Each release goes through package approvals, freeze stages, and performance completions to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding 5G standards globally.
Release 16: Completion Milestones
Release 16, often called the first full 5G specification, emphasized industrial IoT, URLLC, V2X, and better spectrum use. Here’s what the timeline tells us:
Q4 2019 – RAN1 Freeze: The physical layer specs were frozen, allowing vendors to begin hardware development.
Q1 2020 – Stage 3 Freeze: Protocol specs were completed, giving a full framework for system behavior.
Q2 2020 – ASN.1 Freeze: Coding specs were finalized for consistent vendor implementation.
Q4 2020 – RAN4 Performance Completion: Radio performance testing was wrapped up, marking the completion of Release 16.
Impact of Release 16:
It strengthened URLLC (Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication).
Enhanced V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) for connected vehicles.
Made improvements in private networks and industrial automation.
Provided initial support for NR in unlicensed spectrum (NR-U).
Release 17: Key Timeline Events
Release 17 built upon Release 16, bringing in non-terrestrial networks (NTN), Red Cap (Reduced Capability Devices), IoT enhancements, and positioning upgrades.
- RAN1,2,3 Package Approval – Q1 2020
This defined the scope for physical, protocol, and architectural improvements for Release 17.
It included NR enhancements beyond 52.6 GHz, IoT scalability, and dual connectivity upgrades.
- RAN4 Package Approval – Q3 2020
This focused on performance requirements, conformance testing, and improved spectrum efficiency.
It ensured that the network can handle various deployment environments, including mmWave and NTN.
- RAN1 Freeze – Q1 2021
Physical layer specs for Release 17 were locked in.
It defined upgrades in massive MIMO, spectrum sharing, and energy efficiency.
- Stage 3 Freeze (RAN2/3/4 Core) – Q2 2021
Final specs for protocols and architecture were established.
This allowed vendors to kick off software and network implementation.
- ASN.1 Freeze (RAN2/3) – Q4 2021
Coding specs for Release 17 were made stable and consistent worldwide.
This laid a solid foundation for vendor interoperability.
- RAN4 Performance Completion – Q1 2022
This was the finalization of performance testing for Release 17.
It marked the readiness of Release 17 features for commercial launch.
Notable Feature Enhancements in Release 17
Release 17 made significant strides in boosting 5G capabilities. Some standout features include:
IoT Expansion: Improved support for NB-IoT and LTE-M to facilitate massive IoT deployments.
Red Cap Devices: Simplified design and cost for wearables, smart meters, and industrial sensors.
Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN): Allowed for seamless incorporation of satellite communication with 5G, broadening coverage.
Positioning Accuracy: Enhanced accuracy to sub-meter levels for AR/VR and industrial use.
Spectrum Efficiency: Improved sharing, aggregation, and mmWave operation beyond 52.6 GHz.
Energy Efficiency: Reduced power usage for both UEs and networks.
Release 16 vs Release 17: Timeline and Focus
Aspect Release 16Release 17Timeline2019 – 20202020 – 2022RAN1 FreezeQ4 2019Q1 2021Stage 3 FreezeQ1 2020Q2 2021ASN.1 FreezeQ2 2020Q4 2021Performance CompletionQ4 2020Q1 2022Focus Areas URLLC, V2X, NR-U, Industrial IoT NTN, Red Cap, IoT scalability, positioning
Importance of Freeze Points in RAN Timeline
Every freeze milestone in the RAN timeline is crucial for ensuring stability and predictability for vendors and operators:
RAN1 Freeze: Finalizes the physical specs for radios and chipsets.
Stage 3 Freeze: Lays out signaling and protocols for seamless network integration.
ASN.1 Freeze: Locks down coding specs for consistency in implementations.
Performance Completion: Validates radio performance before larger rollouts.
These stages help ensure that everyone in the ecosystem, from chipmakers to operators, can align on stable standards.
Transition to Release 18
Looking forward, the timeline hints at the upcoming Release 18 RAN 1,2,3 package approval (TBC). Release 18 marks the official start of 5G-Advanced, which focuses on:
Network automation and AI-driven optimizations.
Enhanced URLLC and XR support.
Sustainable design with energy-efficient features.
Laying the groundwork for 6G.
The Role of 3GPP in Driving RAN Evolution
The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is the go-to organization that sets the standards for mobile communications — covering everything from 2G (GSM) all the way to 5G and beyond. Within 3GPP, the RAN Technical Specification Groups (TSGs) zoom in on the radio access aspect of the network.
The work on RAN makes sure that devices from various manufacturers can work together smoothly and that networks fulfill the high demands for coverage, capacity, latency, and reliability.
RAN1: Covers the physical layer — including radio modulation, error correction, and MIMO.
RAN2: Deals with the radio interface protocols, signaling procedures, and bearer management.
RAN3: Looks at the overall architecture, including key interfaces like X2 and NG.
RAN4: Manages conformance, spectrum usage, and radio performance specs.
Each freeze or milestone in the timeline serves as a check-in for these groups to wrap up important parts of the standard.
Conclusion
The Overall RAN Timeline for Releases 16 and 17 illustrates the careful standardization process that drives mobile technology.
Release 16 laid a strong foundation for URLLC, V2X, industrial IoT, and NR-U.
Release 17 broadened 5G's horizons with NTN, RedCap, positioning accuracy, and energy efficiency.
By adhering to this structured timeline—with freeze milestones and performance completions—3GPP helps ensure that telecom operators, vendors, and device manufacturers can progress in harmony.
As we gear up for Release 18 and enter the 5G-Advanced era, the groundwork established by Releases 16 and 17 will be critical in shaping a connected future.