Evolved Node B, (abbreviated as eNodeB or eNB) is the element in E-UTRAN of LTE that is the evolution of the element Node B in UTRAN of UMTS. It is the hardware that is connected to the mobile phone network that communicates directly with mobile handsets (UEs), like a base transceiver station (BTS) in GSM networks.
Traditionally, a Node B has minimum functionality, and is controlled by an RNC (Radio Network Controller). However, with an eNB, there is no separate controller element. This simplifies the architecture and allows lower response times.
