3gpp network architecture
The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network architecture defines the structure and components of mobile communication networks, including those based on GSM (2G), UMTS (3G), LTE (4G), and 5G technologies. The architecture has evolved over time to meet the growing demands for higher data rates, lower latency, and support for various types of services. Here is a detailed technical explanation of the 3GPP network architecture:
- User Equipment (UE):
- The UE refers to the end-user device, such as a mobile phone or tablet, that communicates with the mobile network.
- Radio Access Network (RAN):
- The RAN is responsible for the wireless communication between the UE and the core network. It includes:
- NodeB (in UMTS) or eNodeB (in LTE and 5G): These are base station components responsible for radio transmission and reception.
- gNB (in 5G): The gNB is the base station component in 5G New Radio (NR) networks.
- The RAN is responsible for the wireless communication between the UE and the core network. It includes:
- Core Network (CN):
- The core network provides the central infrastructure for managing and routing communication between UEs and external networks. It includes different nodes based on the generation of the mobile network:
- 2G (GSM):
- Mobile Switching Center (MSC): Manages circuit-switched calls.
- Home Location Register (HLR): Stores subscriber information.
- Visitor Location Register (VLR): Stores temporary information about visiting subscribers.
- 3G (UMTS):
- Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN): Manages packet-switched data services.
- Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN): Interfaces between the mobile network and external packet-switched networks.
- MSC and MSC Server (MME): Handles call control and mobility management.
- 4G (LTE):
- Evolved NodeB (eNodeB): The base station for LTE.
- Mobility Management Entity (MME): Handles signaling and control plane functions.
- Serving Gateway (SGW): Routes data between the eNodeB and external networks.
- Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW): Connects the mobile network to external packet data networks.
- 5G:
- Next Generation Core (5GC): Includes various network functions based on a service-oriented architecture.
- Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF): Manages access and mobility functions.
- Session Management Function (SMF): Handles session-related functions.
- User Plane Function (UPF): Manages user plane data forwarding.
- Authentication Server Function (AUSF): Manages authentication.
- Network Exposure Function (NEF): Enables exposure of network capabilities to external applications.
- Policy Control Function (PCF): Manages policy and QoS control.
- Unified Data Management (UDM): Manages subscriber data.
- Application Function (AF): Supports application services.
- Next Generation Core (5GC): Includes various network functions based on a service-oriented architecture.
- 2G (GSM):
- The core network provides the central infrastructure for managing and routing communication between UEs and external networks. It includes different nodes based on the generation of the mobile network:
- Interfaces:
- Various interfaces connect different network elements. For example:
- S1 Interface (in LTE): Connects the eNodeB and the MME for control signaling.
- S11 Interface (in LTE): Connects the MME and the SGW for mobility management.
- S5/S8 Interface (in LTE): Connects the MME and the PGW for user plane data transfer.
- N1/N2/N3 Interfaces (in 5G): Connect different functions in the 5G core network.
- Various interfaces connect different network elements. For example:
- Bearer Management:
- The network establishes and manages bearers, which are logical channels for data transmission between the UE and external networks.
- Quality of Service (QoS):
- QoS mechanisms ensure that different types of traffic receive appropriate levels of service, addressing requirements for latency, throughput, and reliability.
- Security:
- Security features include encryption, authentication, and integrity protection to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of user data and signaling messages.
- Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN):
- The 3GPP architecture incorporates concepts of NFV and SDN to enhance flexibility and scalability in network deployment and management.
In summary, the 3GPP network architecture is a comprehensive framework that defines the organization of components and their interactions in mobile communication networks. It has evolved with each generation to meet the increasing demands of mobile communications, providing a foundation for the deployment of GSM, UMTS, LTE, and 5G networks.