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3gpp 5g core network architecture

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The 3GPP 5G core network architecture is designed to provide a flexible, scalable, and efficient framework to support the diverse requirements and use cases of 5G networks. Here's a technical overview of the key components and concepts within the 3GPP 5G core network architecture:

  1. Service-Based Architecture (SBA):
    • The 5G core network adopts a service-based architecture where network functions (NFs) expose their services to other NFs using a standardized interface.
    • This approach enhances flexibility, scalability, and modularity in deploying and managing network functions.
  2. Network Functions (NFs):
    • NFs are the software elements that provide specific functionalities within the 5G core network.
    • NFs are designed to be stateless and communicate with each other through standardized interfaces.
  3. Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS):
    • The 5G core network introduces a separation between the control plane (CP) and user plane (UP) functionalities.
    • This separation allows independent scalability of control and user plane functions, enabling efficient resource utilization and scalability.
  4. Key Network Functions and Entities:a. AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function):b. SMF (Session Management Function):c. UPF (User Plane Function):d. PCF (Policy Control Function):e. UDM (Unified Data Management):f. AUSF (Authentication Server Function):g. NRF (NF Repository Function):h. NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function):i. CHF (CHarging Function):j. NEF (Network Exposure Function):
    • Manages the mobility of user equipment (UE) and access to the 5G network.
    • Manages session establishment, modification, and termination for user data in the data plane.
    • Handles user plane data forwarding and routing functions.
    • The UPF can be distributed across the network to optimize data forwarding paths.
    • Manages policy and charging control functionalities to enforce network policies and charging rules.
    • Manages subscriber data, authentication, and authorization for access to network services.
    • Performs authentication and key management functions for UEs.
    • Provides information about NF services within the network.
    • Selects appropriate network slices based on service requirements and network conditions.
    • Handles charging and billing functionalities for 5G services.
    • Exposes network APIs to authorized third-party applications and services.
  5. Network Slicing:
    • 5G core network supports network slicing, allowing the creation of multiple logical networks (slices) on top of a common shared physical infrastructure.
    • Each network slice can be customized to meet specific performance, latency, and reliability requirements of different services and applications.
  6. Service-Based Interfaces (SBIs) and Reference Points:
    • SBIs are standardized interfaces defined between NFs within the 5G core network architecture.
    • Reference points define the interactions and functionalities supported between different NFs.
  7. Security:
    • The 5G core network architecture incorporates enhanced security mechanisms, including improved authentication and encryption methods.
    • Security features are embedded within various network functions to protect against threats and vulnerabilities.

3GPP 5G core network architecture is a service-based, flexible, and scalable framework that leverages control and user plane separation, network function virtualization, and network slicing to meet the diverse requirements of 5G networks. By adopting a modular approach with standardized interfaces, the 5G core network architecture enables efficient deployment, management, and orchestration of network functions to support a wide range of services and applications.