RNC

The RNCs enables autonomous radio resource management (RRM) by UTRAN. The RNC and its associated Node-Bs form Radio Network Subsystem (RNS). The UTRAN consists of several such RNSs. RNCs also assist in Soft Handover of the UEs when a UE moves from one cell to another. In soft Handover, the UE is in communication with more than one Node-Bs and RAKE receiver technique can be used to achieve micro diversity, thus eliminating the fading. This is one of several features arising out of CDMA modulation technique. Other advantages of using CDMA technique are higher bandwidth, scalability in the number of users served, power control and easier logical link control (since Time slots are eliminated). The figure 3.2 below shows the RNC functions along with a soft Handoff scenario.

Figure 3.2: RNC Function (Source:www.iec.org)