Sign in Subscribe

5g 3gpp architecture

Last updated on 

The 5G architecture, as defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), is a complex and sophisticated system designed to provide high-speed, low-latency, and reliable communication services.

  1. Service Types:
    • Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB): High data rates for mobile broadband, similar to current LTE but with improved speed and capacity.
    • Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC): Extremely low latency and high reliability for critical applications, such as industrial automation and autonomous vehicles.
    • Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC): Support for a massive number of devices, particularly in Internet of Things (IoT) scenarios.
  2. Network Slicing:
    • 5G introduces the concept of network slicing, allowing the network to be virtually divided into multiple logical networks to meet different service requirements. Each slice is customized to deliver specific performance characteristics.
  3. Core Network (5GC):
    • Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF): Manages user authentication, authorization, and mobility.
    • Session Management Function (SMF): Handles session establishment, modification, and termination for user data.
    • User Plane Function (UPF): Responsible for packet forwarding and routing in the user plane. It is closely associated with the SMF.
    • Network Exposure Function (NEF): Provides an interface for external applications and services to access network information and services.
  4. Radio Access Network (RAN):
    • gNB (gNodeB): The 5G base station that connects user devices to the 5G core network.
    • Central Unit (CU): Handles non-real-time processing and control plane functionality.
    • Distributed Unit (DU): Manages real-time processing and user plane functionality.
  5. User Equipment (UE):
    • The end-user device that communicates with the gNB to access the 5G network.
  6. Authentication and Security:
    • 5G uses stronger security mechanisms, including stronger encryption algorithms and enhanced authentication methods like 5G AKA (Authentication and Key Agreement).
  7. Control Plane and User Plane Separation:
    • Control and user plane functions are separated to enable more flexible network scaling and optimization. This is achieved by distributing user plane functions closer to the edge of the network.
  8. Dual Connectivity:
    • Users can be connected to both 4G and 5G simultaneously, allowing for improved data rates and a smoother transition between network generations.
  9. Non-Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA) Deployment:
    • NSA allows 5G to use the existing 4G infrastructure, while SA deploys a completely new 5G core network.
  10. Quality of Service (QoS):
    • 5G introduces enhanced QoS mechanisms to prioritize different types of traffic and ensure a consistent and reliable user experience.

Understanding the 5G 3GPP architecture involves delving into various functional elements and their interactions, making it a comprehensive and intricate system designed to meet the diverse requirements of modern communication services.