SG-Networks — Study Group on Networks
The SG-Networks Study Group is responsible for radio access, core network, transport, and spectrum standardization activities within TSDSI. It aligns with and contributes to 3GPP RAN (Radio Access Network) and SA (System Architecture) working groups.
Scope of Work
- Radio Access Networks (RAN): NR (5G New Radio), LTE, NB-IoT, eMTC, NR NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks)
- Core Networks: 5GC (5G Core), EPC (Evolved Packet Core), IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem)
- Transport Networks: Fronthaul, midhaul, backhaul standards for 5G deployments
- Spectrum: IMT spectrum requirements, coexistence studies
- 5Gi (5G for India): TSDSI’s India-specific enhancement for uplink performance in rural areas
Key Standards Achievements
- 5Gi Standard: Successfully incorporated into 3GPP Release 16 as a low mobility large cell (LMLC) enhancement. Improves uplink coverage by ~2 dB for rural/semi-urban base stations.
- NTN Requirements: Indian requirements for satellite-based connectivity contributed to 3GPP Rel-17 NTN standardization
- IMT-2030 (6G): Contributing India-specific use cases and requirements to ITU-R IMT-2030 framework
3GPP Transposed Releases
SG-Networks oversees transposition of 3GPP standards (Releases 13–18) covering:
- Release 13: LTE-Advanced Pro, NB-IoT baseline
- Release 14: eMTC, NB-IoT Phase 2, V2X Rel-14
- Release 15: First complete 5G NR specification (SA mode)
- Release 16: 5G-Advanced baseline, Industrial IoT (IIoT), URLLC, 5Gi (India contribution)
- Release 17: RedCap, NR NTN, Multicast/Broadcast (MBS)
- Release 18: 5G-Advanced — AI/ML integration, energy efficiency, XR services
Meetings & Contributions
SG-Networks holds regular technical meetings. Members can submit contributions (SWIC/NIP) through the member portal at members.tsdsi.in.