gNodeB
The 5G base station; eNodeB is the 4G equivalent.
Definitions only — a term explained here is not a service we sell.
A gNodeB is the base station of a 5G NR network. It terminates the radio link with the device and connects to the 5G core; the eNodeB is its 4G counterpart.
Why it matters
The name marks a generation boundary in the radio and its interfaces. A device that supports 5G NR still needs a gNodeB it can attach to, and an operator that lists 5G coverage is listing gNodeB deployments.
Base station in the path
- Device
- Radio access (RAN)
- Transport
- Mobile core HSS / HLR · PGW / UPF · IMS
- Internet
Text description
In 5G, the gNodeB can be split into a central unit and a distributed unit. The split changes where processing sits, not the role: the base station terminates the radio link.
What to check
For a device, the relevant questions are the supported bands, the 5G mode and the operator's acceptance, not the base-station name. For a private 5G deployment, confirm whether the gNodeB is standalone or anchored to an LTE network. The RAN term covers the wider layer.