Located on the platform of the 30S subunit, it bridges several disparate RNA helices of the 16S rRNA. Forms part of the Shine-Dalgarno cleft in the 70S ribosome (By similarity). Part of the 30S ribosomal subunit (PubMed:7007074, PubMed:10094780, PubMed:12809609, PubMed:16272117, PubMed:27934701, PubMed:12244297, PubMed:27906160, PubMed:27906161, PubMed:28077875). Interacts with proteins S7 and S18 (By similarity). Cross-links to IF-3 (PubMed:7000779, PubMed:7020604, PubMed:6349681). Has been predicted to contact the N-terminal domain of IF-3 based on footprint studies; exactly how IF-3 interacts with the 30S subunit is controversial (PubMed:7000779, PubMed:7020604, PubMed:6349681). Belongs to the universal ribosomal protein uS11 family.