5G Core Network Architecture

Summary

The 5G core (5GC) network architecture differentiates the overall 5G system from the core networks of the previous generation mobile communication systems. This chapter describes the service‐based architecture of 5GC as the framework of operation of different network functions. Control plane and user plane separation architecture enables a Software‐Defined Networking capability for a 5GC network, which results in a flexible core network in terms of enabling an operator to provide services dynamically to meet the businesses’ and consumer's needs. In a 5GC service‐based framework, the consumer as well as producer network function use the Application Programming Interfaces method of communication among them. In day‐to‐day life, mobile users use mobile applications for different types of services such as weather services and social media services. The chapter ends with network function virtualization that enables a 5G network as the means for scalability, maintenance, and network slicing to provision different services requirements.