PFI

PFI

Other →
Introduced in Rel-8 Also in: Services, Radio Access Network

PFI is the Packet Format Information, which is a data structure describing the format of a packet for processing by the protocol stack.

Category
Other
Introduced
Rel-8
Where
Core Network › 5G Core
Also touches
2 segments
Specifications
8 specs
PFI Description Purpose Detected Changes Specifications

Description

Packet Format Information

Purpose & Motivation

Detected Changes Across Releases

from 3GPP Change Requests

Specific changes extracted from the „Change history“ tables of 3GPP specifications (1 CRs across 1 releases). Complements the general historical overview above with the evidence-based evolution of this function.

Rel-16 1 change

In Release 16, the specification introduced a clarified mapping relationship where, for a PC5 unicast link, a single PC5 QoS Flow identified by a PFI can be associated with more than one V2X service type. This refinement was detailed within the procedures for deriving PC5 QoS parameters and managing the PC5 QoS Context, ensuring that user plane traffic with the same PFI receives consistent forwarding treatment per destination. The update also integrated this logic into the Link Modification Request procedure for adding or removing PC5 QoS Flows on an established unicast link.

  • Clarification on mapping relationship between V2X Service and PFI for a PC5 unicast link TS 23.287CR0130

Defining Specifications

3GPP specifications that define or reference PFI, with the latest known release. Sourced from the 3GPP document catalog — see methodology.

SpecificationTitleRelease
TS 23.287 vj00 5G V2X Architecture Enhancements Rel-19
TS 23.304 vk00 5G Proximity Services (ProSe) Stage 2 Rel-20
TS 31.115 vj00 Secured Packet Structure for UICC Applications Rel-19
TS 32.277 vj20 Charging Management for Proximity Services (ProSe) Rel-19
TR 32.846 vh00 Charging for ProSe in 5GS Rel-17
TS 43.064 vj00 GPRS Radio Interface Lower-Layer Functions Rel-19
TS 44.060 vj00 GERAN RLC/MAC Protocol Specification Rel-19
TS 48.018 vj00 BSS-SGSN Interface for GPRS Control Rel-19
Patrick Zandl

About the author: Patrick Zandl (b. 1974)

Telecommunications specialist, technology journalist (founder of the Mobil server), and developer who has been running since 2025 — the largest Czech-language resource on AI-assisted programming. Formerly Chief Wizard Architect at Prusa3D and head of development for Turris at CZ.NIC; currently a consultant and instructor on AI implementation in companies.