5G Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN)

5G Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) is a technology that enables multiple mobile network operators to share a common core network infrastructure, while still maintaining their own individual radio access networks (RANs). This technology allows multiple operators to reduce their capital and operational expenses by sharing the common core network, while still maintaining their own brand and services.

In traditional mobile networks, each operator deploys its own core network infrastructure, which includes the network elements that provide services such as call routing, authentication, and billing. However, in a multi-operator scenario, each operator would have to deploy its own core network infrastructure, which would lead to duplication of resources and increase capital and operational expenses.

With 5G MOCN technology, operators can share the core network infrastructure, which allows them to significantly reduce their capital and operational expenses. This is achieved by using virtualization techniques, which allow multiple operators to use the same physical network elements, while maintaining their own logical network instances.

5G MOCN technology is also beneficial in scenarios where multiple operators need to provide services in a specific geographic location, such as a stadium or a conference center. In this scenario, each operator can deploy its own RAN, but share the common core network infrastructure. This allows for better network utilization, reduces network interference, and provides better user experience.

Architecture of 5G MOCN

The architecture of 5G MOCN is based on the concept of network slicing, which is a key feature of 5G technology. Network slicing allows the creation of multiple logical networks that are tailored to specific requirements, such as low latency or high bandwidth. Each network slice can have its own logical network functions and policies, which are different from other slices.

In 5G MOCN architecture, the common core network infrastructure is shared by multiple operators, but each operator has its own logical network slice that is tailored to its requirements. The logical network slice includes network functions such as the user data management function (UDMF), the session management function (SMF), and the access and mobility management function (AMF).

The logical network slice is connected to the operator's RAN through a virtual RAN (vRAN) interface. The vRAN interface allows the operator to connect its RAN to the common core network infrastructure, while maintaining control over its own RAN.

Benefits of 5G MOCN

There are several benefits of 5G MOCN technology, which include:

1. Reduced Capital and Operational Expenses: By sharing the common core network infrastructure, operators can significantly reduce their capital and operational expenses. This is achieved by using virtualization techniques, which allow multiple operators to use the same physical network elements, while maintaining their own logical network instances.
2. Improved Network Utilization: 5G MOCN technology allows for better network utilization, as multiple operators can share the same network infrastructure. This leads to improved network efficiency and reduced network interference.
3. Enhanced User Experience: 5G MOCN technology can provide better user experience in scenarios where multiple operators need to provide services in a specific geographic location, such as a stadium or a conference center. In this scenario, each operator can deploy its own RAN, but share the common core network infrastructure. This allows for better network utilization, reduces network interference, and provides better user experience.
4. Faster Time-to-Market: 5G MOCN technology allows for faster time-to-market, as operators can quickly deploy their RAN and connect to the common core network infrastructure. This allows for faster rollout of services, which can lead to increased revenue.
5. Flexibility: 5G MOCN technology allows for flexibility in network deployment, as operators can choose to share the common core network infrastructure or deploy their own core network infrastructure

Challenges of 5G MOCN

Despite the benefits of 5G MOCN technology, there are also several challenges that need to be addressed. These challenges include:

1. Inter-Operator Resource Sharing: In a multi-operator scenario, it is important to ensure fair and efficient sharing of network resources between operators. This requires coordination and agreement between the operators on the allocation of resources, such as bandwidth and processing power.
2. Network Slicing: Network slicing is a key feature of 5G MOCN technology, which allows for the creation of multiple logical networks that are tailored to specific requirements. However, network slicing also adds complexity to the network, which can make it more difficult to manage and optimize.
3. Security: Security is a critical issue in any mobile network, and this is especially true in a multi-operator scenario. It is important to ensure that the network is secure and that each operator's data is protected.
4. Network Management: Managing a multi-operator network can be challenging, as it requires coordination and cooperation between operators. This can be difficult to achieve, especially if the operators have different business objectives.

Conclusion

5G MOCN technology is a key enabler for the deployment of 5G networks in a multi-operator scenario. By allowing multiple operators to share a common core network infrastructure, 5G MOCN technology can significantly reduce capital and operational expenses, improve network utilization, and provide better user experience. However, the deployment of 5G MOCN technology also presents several challenges, such as inter-operator resource sharing, network slicing, security, and network management. These challenges need to be addressed to ensure the success of 5G MOCN technology and the deployment of 5G networks in a multi-operator scenario