Distributed Unit (DU)
The Distributed Unit is the part of a split 5G base station that runs the time-critical lower-layer radio protocols close to the antenna site.
What is Distributed Unit (DU)?
The DU sits between the Centralised Unit and the Radio Unit. It handles the RLC and MAC layers and part of the physical layer, all of which need tight timing. It connects to the CU over the F1 interface and to the RU over the fronthaul.