5g core service based architecture

The 5G Core (5GC) Service-Based Architecture (SBA) is a fundamental aspect of 5G networks that brings flexibility, scalability, and efficiency to the deployment and operation of 5G services. The SBA is designed to be more modular and service-oriented compared to previous generations of mobile network architectures.
Below is a technical explanation of the key components and concepts in the 5G Core SBA:
- Service-Based Architecture (SBA):
- Definition: SBA is a paradigm shift from the traditional monolithic architectures to a more flexible and modular structure based on services.
- Key Features:
- Decomposes network functions into modular services.
- Supports horizontal scaling and service reuse.
- Network Functions and Services:
- Network Functions (NFs):
- Defined as individual software entities that provide specific network-related functions.
- Examples include AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), SMF (Session Management Function), and UPF (User Plane Function).
- Services:
- Services are the functionalities exposed by NFs in a service-oriented architecture.
- Services can interact with each other using well-defined service-based interfaces.
- Network Functions (NFs):
- Service-Based Interfaces (SBIs):
- Definition: SBIs enable communication and interaction between different NFs and services within the 5G Core network.
- Key Features:
- Based on RESTful principles, using HTTP/2 as the transport protocol.
- Define standardized operations for various network functions.
- Network Repository Function (NRF):
- Definition: NRF is a key component in the SBA responsible for maintaining a registry of available NFs and their service-based interfaces.
- Key Functions:
- Service discovery: Helps NFs discover the existence and capabilities of other NFs.
- Load balancing: Aids in distributing the load among multiple instances of the same NF.
- Unified Data Management (UDM) and Authentication Server Function (AUSF):
- UDM: Manages user-related information and subscriptions.
- AUSF: Handles authentication and key management for the access network.
- Session Management Function (SMF) and Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF):
- SMF: Manages session-related information, including session establishment, modification, and termination.
- AMF: Manages access and mobility aspects, including registration, handovers, and mobility-related policies.
- User Plane Function (UPF):
- Definition: Handles the user data plane, including the forwarding of user data packets.
- Key Features:
- Supports user plane functions with different characteristics, enabling diverse use cases.
- Control Plane/User Plane Separation (CUPS):
- Definition: CUPS decouples the control plane and user plane functionalities, allowing independent scaling and deployment.
- Key Benefits:
- Enables efficient resource utilization and dynamic scaling based on traffic patterns.
- Network Slicing:
- Definition: Network slicing allows the creation of isolated and logically independent network instances, each customized for specific services or verticals.
- Key Components:
- Network Slice Instance (NSI): Represents an instance of a network slice.
- Slice-Specific NFs: NFs dedicated to a particular slice.
- Interworking with Previous Generations:
- 5G Core is designed to interwork with existing 4G (LTE) and earlier generation networks, facilitating a smooth transition.