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5g core network interfaces

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The 5G core network is designed to provide enhanced capabilities compared to its predecessors, supporting a wide range of services and applications. The 5G core network architecture is built around key functional elements and interfaces. Here are some of the main interfaces in the 5G core network:

  1. N1 Interface (Radio Interface): This interface connects the User Equipment (UE), such as smartphones or other devices, to the gNB (Next-Generation NodeB) in the radio access network. It is responsible for carrying user data and control information between the UE and the gNB.
  2. N2 Interface (Xn Interface): The N2 interface connects gNBs in the 5G radio access network. It is used for the transfer of user data and control plane information between gNBs. This interface enables functions such as handovers and mobility management within the radio access network.
  3. N3 Interface (NG Interface): The N3 interface connects the gNB to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in the 5G core network. It is responsible for carrying user plane data between the gNB and the AMF.
  4. N4 Interface (SGi Interface): The N4 interface connects the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) to the User Plane Function (UPF) in the 5G core network. It is used for carrying user plane data between the AMF and the UPF.
  5. N6 Interface (Service SMF Interface): This interface connects the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) to the Service Management Function (SMF) in the 5G core network. It is used for the exchange of control plane information related to service authorization and session management.
  6. N9 Interface (Reference Point between SMF and PCF): This interface connects the Service Management Function (SMF) to the Policy Control Function (PCF) in the 5G core network. It is used for exchanging control plane information related to policy control and user plane information related to QoS (Quality of Service).
  7. N10 Interface (Reference Point between SMF and UPF): This interface connects the Service Management Function (SMF) to the User Plane Function (UPF) in the 5G core network. It is used for exchanging user plane information related to service data flow and charging.
  8. N11 Interface (Reference Point between UPF and AF): This interface connects the User Plane Function (UPF) to the Application Function (AF) in the 5G core network. It is used for exchanging user plane information related to application-specific functions.

These interfaces play crucial roles in enabling communication and coordination between different network functions within the 5G core network architecture, facilitating the delivery of enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine-type communications, and ultra-reliable low-latency communications.