APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING SPECIFICATION VERSION

The disclosure relates to a 5th generation (5G) or pre-5G communication system for supporting a higher data rate after a 4th generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). In embodiments, a method performed by a first base station (e.g., an E2 node) includes transmitting an E2 setup request message to a network controller (e.g., a near-real time (RT) radio access network (RAN) intelligent controller (RIC)). The method includes receiving an E2 setup response message from the network controller. The E2 setup request message includes information for indicating an E2 interface between the E2 node and the near-RT RIC among an NG interface, an XN interface, an E1 interface, a F1 interface, a W1 interface, a S1 interface, a X2 interface, and the E2 interface and information for indicating a version of E2 application protocol (E2AP) of a radio network layer in the E2 interface between the E2 node and the near-RT RIC.