Welcome to our informative journey through the enigmatic world of telecom terminologies! In this article, we will unravel the secrets behind the 5G Core Network, commonly known as 5GC or 5GCN. Whether you’re preparing for a business meeting or a job interview, understanding these terms is crucial in today’s ever-evolving telecom industry. So, let’s embark on this adventure together and unlock the mysteries of the 5G Core Network!
Contents
The Essence of 5GC: Exploring the Core Network
At first glance, the 5G Core Network might seem intimidating due to its complex architecture. However, fear not! We will focus on the key nodes and their responsibilities, shedding light on why they exist and how they work.
To connect your 5G phone to the 5G Network, a mobile operator has two options: the 5G Core Network (5GC) or the 4G Core Network, also known as the EPC. You might wonder why a mobile operator would choose to use the 4G Core Network when they already have a 5G Network. The answer lies in the fact that even without an end-to-end 5G Network, a mobile operator can still offer basic 5G services. However, a complete 5G Network, known as Standalone 5G Network (5G SA), unlocks a multitude of advanced services, such as self-driving vehicles.
The Dance of Standalone and Non-Standalone Networks
In the realm of 5G, there are two types of networks: standalone and non-standalone. A standalone 5G Network directly connects your phone to a 5G cell tower, which is linked to a dedicated 5G Core Network (5GC). On the other hand, a non-standalone 5G Network connects your phone to a 5G cell tower, which is in turn connected to the 4G Core Network (EPC).
Unveiling the Key Players: AMF and UPF
When it comes to the 5G Core Network, two key nodes steal the spotlight: AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) and UPF (User Plane Function). These nodes play crucial roles in the network architecture, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient data transfer.
AMF, as its name suggests, handles access and authentication. It determines which AMF(s) can serve a particular user device (UE) based on the type of service the device is trying to access. UPF, on the other hand, resides in the user plane and connects mobile phones via G Node B to external networks like the internet. It oversees service quality and applies policies sent through the Policy Control Function (PCF) via the Session Management Function (SMF).
To better understand the network architecture, it’s essential to distinguish between the user plane and the control plane in 5G. The user plane carries user data, such as the content of a YouTube video you might be watching on your phone. Meanwhile, the control plane carries control functions, including signaling traffic.
Within the 5G Core Network, various components and green boxes come into play. Your mobile phone connects to the base station (GNB), which is linked to AMF and UPF. The SMF, or Session Management Function, establishes and manages sessions between user devices and the mobile network. It takes care of IP address management and ensures smooth coordination with UPF and PCF.
The Network Orchestra: Orchestrating the Functions
In the grand symphony of the 5G Core Network, several other essential functions come into play. The Authentication Server Function (AUSF) ensures the secure authentication of devices or user equipment (UE), while the Network Exposure Function (NEF) exposes the network’s capabilities to third-party app developers and companies. This enables the integration of mobile services, such as voice calls and data connections, into external apps.
The Network Repository Function (NRF) acts as the boss, controlling and allowing network functions to discover each other, register, and deregister for various mobile services. The Unified Data Repository (UDR) serves as a centralized database, housing subscriptions, applications, and other crucial data. Working hand-in-hand with the UDR, the Unified Data Management (UDM) function handles credentials and identity management.
Lastly, the Application Function (AF) collaborates with other network functions to provide various services, such as voice calls, SMS, and video streaming. AF ensures that these services meet specific quality of service (QoS) requirements while working side by side with NEF to grant third-party apps access to mobile services.
Embrace the Future!
With this newfound knowledge of the 5G Core Network, you can confidently navigate the ever-advancing world of telecom. Stay tuned for more exciting revelations in our upcoming articles, as we continue to demystify the world of technology. Remember, Techal.org is your gateway to all things tech. For more intriguing insights, don’t forget to visit our website!
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