Sign in Subscribe

3gpp 5g network architecture

Last updated on 

The 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) 5G network architecture is designed to provide enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC). The architecture is based on a service-based architecture (SBA) and is designed to be flexible, scalable, and capable of supporting diverse use cases. Here's a detailed technical explanation of the 3GPP 5G network architecture:

  1. Service-Based Architecture (SBA):
    • The 5G architecture is service-oriented, meaning that network functions are exposed as services that can be accessed by other functions through well-defined Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).
  2. Network Slicing:
    • One of the key features of 5G is network slicing, which allows the network to be divided into multiple virtual networks tailored to specific use cases, services, or industries. Each network slice is an end-to-end logical network, with its own set of network functions, resources, and characteristics.
  3. User Equipment (UE):
    • UEs are the devices used by end-users, such as smartphones, tablets, IoT devices, and other user devices. UEs connect to the 5G network to access various services.
  4. Radio Access Network (RAN):
    • The RAN includes the gNB (5G New Radio Base Station) responsible for the wireless communication with UEs. Multiple gNBs are connected to the Next Generation Core (NGC) network.
  5. Next Generation Core (NGC):
    • The NGC is a cloud-native core network that supports various functions and services. It includes the following key components:
      • AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function): Manages access and mobility for UEs.
      • SMF (Session Management Function): Manages the session and service-related functions.
      • UPF (User Plane Function): Handles user data forwarding and routing in the data plane.
      • UDM (Unified Data Management): Manages user-related data.
      • NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function): Selects and manages network slices based on UE requirements.
      • AUSF (Authentication Server Function): Manages authentication and security.
      • NEF (Network Exposure Function): Exposes network capabilities via APIs.
      • PCF (Policy Control Function): Manages policies for QoS (Quality of Service) and network slicing.
  6. Interworking with LTE:
    • 5G networks are designed to interwork with existing LTE networks, allowing for a smooth transition and coexistence. The Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) feature enables simultaneous connections to both LTE and 5G networks.
  7. Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS):
    • CUPS allows the separation of the control plane and user plane functions. This separation enhances flexibility and scalability in the network.
  8. Mobile Edge Computing (MEC):
    • MEC brings computational capabilities closer to the edge of the network, enabling low-latency services and applications. This is achieved by deploying computing resources at the edge of the network, closer to the end-users.
  9. Integration of Cloud Technologies:
    • The 5G architecture leverages cloud-native principles, allowing for the deployment of network functions as microservices in containerized environments. This enhances scalability, agility, and efficiency.
  10. Security Considerations:
    • 5G architecture includes various security measures such as encryption, authentication, and integrity protection to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of user data and communications.

3GPP 5G network architecture is characterized by its service-based approach, network slicing capabilities, cloud-native design, and support for diverse use cases, making it a versatile and powerful framework for next-generation mobile communication.