5g interface architecture
The 5G (fifth-generation) interface architecture is designed to provide enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC). The architecture of 5G is defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), the standards organization that develops specifications for mobile telecommunications.
- User Equipment (UE):
- The UE is the end-user device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or IoT device, that communicates with the 5G network.
- Radio Access Network (RAN):
- The RAN includes the base stations, also known as gNBs (Next Generation NodeB). These gNBs are responsible for radio communication with UEs.
- The RAN is divided into two functional entities: the Radio Unit (RU) and the Distributed Unit (DU). The RU handles the radio-specific functions, while the DU manages more centralized and network-oriented tasks.
- Centralized Unit (CU):
- The CU is another component of the RAN that performs functions like radio resource management, connection management, and mobility management. The CU can be further divided into the Control Plane (CU-CP) and User Plane (CU-UP) functions.
- Core Network (CN):
- The 5G core network is known as the Next Generation Core (NGC). It consists of several key elements:
- AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function): Manages mobility and access to the network.
- SMF (Session Management Function): Establishes and manages data sessions.
- UPF (User Plane Function): Handles user data forwarding, packet routing, and traffic inspection.
- AUSF (Authentication Server Function): Manages user authentication and authorization.
- UDM (Unified Data Management): Manages subscriber data, such as authentication credentials and subscription information.
- NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function): Facilitates the selection of network slices based on service requirements.
- The 5G core network is known as the Next Generation Core (NGC). It consists of several key elements:
- Network Functions and Protocols:
- Various network functions and protocols work together to enable communication within the 5G architecture. Some notable ones include:
- NR (New Radio): The air interface standard for 5G wireless communication.
- NGAP (Next-Generation Application Part): Protocol used for communication between gNBs and the NGC.
- N1, N2, N3 Interfaces: Refer to the interfaces between the UE and the gNB (N1), gNB and AMF (N2), and gNB and UPF (N3).
- Various network functions and protocols work together to enable communication within the 5G architecture. Some notable ones include:
- Network Slicing:
- Network slicing allows the creation of isolated virtual networks (slices) within the same physical infrastructure to meet different service requirements. Each slice is tailored to a specific use case with its own set of resources and characteristics.
This is a simplified overview, and the 5G architecture is quite extensive and detailed. It's important to note that the 5G standard is still evolving, and updates may occur to meet emerging requirements and technologies.