3gpp-releases

# 3GPP Releases **Official Release Timeline:** <https://www.3gpp.org/specifications-technologies/releases> ## Overview 3GPP specifications are published four times a year following quarterly Technical Specification Group (TSG) plenary meetings. Each Release represents a set of frozen technical specifications. ## Release Structure ### Release Numbering 3GPP uses a **version numbering scheme**: - **Two-digit series number**: 21, 22, 23, etc. (indicates major technical version) - **Three-digit spec number**: Incrementing within each series (e.g., 21.456, 21.457) - **Complete format**: `21.456` (Series number + spec number) **Examples:** - Release 21: TS 21.456, 21.457, 21.458 - Release 22: TS 22.101, 22.102, 22.103 - Release 4: TS 4.001, TR 4.002 ### Release Timeline - **Rel-99**: 1999 - **Rel-4/5/6**: 2001-2006 - **Rel-7**: 2007 (LTE) - **Rel-8/9/10**: 2009 (LTE-Advanced) - **Rel-11/12/13/14**: 2011 (LTE-Advanced Pro) - **Rel-15**: 2015 (LTE-Advanced Pro) - **Rel-16/17/18**: 2017 (LTE-Advanced Pro + 5G features) - **Rel-18**: 2019 (5G NR Standalone) - **Rel-20**: Current release (4G/5G dual connectivity + 5G NR Standalone) ## TSG Rounds ### What is a TSG Round? A TSG round is a quarterly plenary meeting where specifications are made available. Each TSG round produces: 1. **Newly under change control** specs (80%+ complete) 2. **Unchanged** specs from previous version 3. **Revised** specs incorporating approved Change Requests 4. **Upgraded** specs to current Release (at freeze time) ### TSG Round Schedule **Four TSG plenaries per year:** - March: RAN, SA, CT - June: RAN, SA, CT - September: RAN, SA, CT - December: RAN, SA, CT **Example 2025 Schedule:** - March 2025: TSG RAN#107, TSG SA#107, TSG CT#107 - June 2025: TSG RAN#108, TSG SA#108, TSG CT#108 - September 2025: TSG RAN#109, TSG SA#109, TSG CT#109 - December 2025: TSG RAN#110, TSG SA#110, TSG CT#110 ## Spec Availability ### FTP Directory Pattern ```text https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/<YYYY>-<MM>/ ``` **TSG Round Examples:** - RAN#110: `https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/2025-12/` - SA#110: `https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/2025-12/SpecslistexTSG/TSG110.htm` - CT#110: `https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/2025-12/SpecslistexTSG/TSG110.htm` ### Target Dates - **MCC Target**: All new/revised specs available within 3 weeks after TSG plenary - **Buffer Time**: Extra week added for large volumes or holiday periods ### Spec Types - **TS (Technical Specification)**: Normative technical specifications - **TR (Technical Report)**: Informative reports, studies ### Release Freeze - **Definition**: Point after which only corrections are allowed - **Backward Compatibility**: Major focus to ensure systems remain compatible - **Forward Compatibility**: Building compatibility for future releases (e.g., NSA in early 5G NR) ## Closed Releases Older releases that are "closed" - no further Change Requests accepted. - **Examples:** - Release 99: Closed - Release 6: Closed - Release 5: Closed - Release 4: Closed ## Usage in Code ### Finding Specs by Release ```python # FTP directory for Release 18 base_url = "https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs/2018-12/" # List all spec files spec_list = requests.get(base_url).text.split("\n") ``` ### Spec Number Pattern TS numbers follow pattern: `<series>.<spec>`, where `<series>` is 21, 22, 23, etc. **Examples:** - TS 21.456: Series 21, spec 456 - TS 22.101: Series 22, spec 101 - TR 4.001: Series 4, spec 1 (Technical Report) ## Cross-References - `3gpp-working-groups` - For understanding which TSGs produce which specs - `3gpp-specifications` - For spec file format and numbering - `3gpp-change-request` - For modifications to specs in releases ## Resources - **3GPP Official**: <https://www.3gpp.org/> - **3GPP Portal**: <https://portal.3gpp.org/> - **MCC Info**: Available in spec list tables ## Key Points - **Parallel Development**: Multiple releases worked on simultaneously (Rel-4, Rel-5, etc.) - **Current Release**: Release 20 is in active development - **Backward Compatibility**: Core design principle across all releases - **Closed Releases**: No further modifications accepted