5G Packet Core and its functional entities

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5G Packet Core

5G Packet Core is the central part of a 5G mobile network that manages and processes data packets transmitted over the network. It acts as the brain of the 5G network and is responsible for several critical functions, such as session management, mobility management, security, and network slicing. The 5G Packet Core is designed to be more flexible, scalable, and efficient than its predecessor, the 4G LTE packet core.

The 5G Packet Core is based on a new architectural model, called the 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) architecture, which separates the radio access network (RAN) from the core network. This separation allows for a more flexible and scalable network architecture, as the RAN and the core network can be managed and optimized independently. The 5G Packet Core is also designed to support a wide range of use cases, from enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) to ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC) and massive machine-type communications (mMTC).

Session Management

The 5G Packet Core is responsible for setting up, maintaining, and releasing user sessions. A user session is a logical connection between a user device and the network that allows the device to access network services. The 5G Packet Core uses session management functions to establish and manage user sessions, and to allocate network resources to the users as required.

Mobility Management

The 5G Packet Core is also responsible for managing the mobility of user devices within the network. As a user device moves from one network cell to another, the 5G Packet Core must manage the handover process, ensuring that the user's session is maintained and that network resources are efficiently used. The 5G Packet Core uses mobility management functions to manage the handover process, and to ensure that the user's session is maintained as the device moves within the network.

Security

The 5G Packet Core is responsible for ensuring the security of the network and the confidentiality of user data. The 5G Packet Core uses security functions to protect the network and user data from unauthorized access, and to ensure that user data is protected as it is transmitted over the network. The 5G Packet Core also implements network-level security functions, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, to further enhance the security of the network.

Network Slicing

Network slicing is a key feature of the 5G network that allows operators to create multiple virtual networks within the same physical network. Each virtual network, or slice, can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of a particular use case or user group. For example, a slice for enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) might provide high data rates, while a slice for ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC) might prioritize low latency and high reliability. The 5G Packet Core is responsible for implementing network slicing, and for managing the allocation of network resources to the different slices.

Architectural Model

The 5G Packet Core is based on a new architectural model, called the 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) architecture, which separates the radio access network (RAN) from the core network. This separation allows for a more flexible and scalable network architecture, as the RAN and the core network can be managed and optimized independently. The 5G Packet Core architecture is also designed to support a wide range of use cases, from enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) to ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC) and massive machine-type communications (mMTC).

The 5G Packet Core also includes several new functional entities, such as the 5G User Plane Function (UPF) and the 5G

5G functional entities

The 5G packet Core is a key component of 5G networks, responsible for delivering data services to 5G devices. The 5G packet Core consists of a set of functional entities that work together to provide the network services. These functional entities include:

Mobility Management Entity (MME):

The MME is responsible for managing the mobility of 5G devices, such as when a device moves from one cell to another. It also provides authentication and authorization for 5G devices.

Serving Gateway (S-GW):

The S-GW is responsible for routing data packets to and from the 5G device. It also performs functions such as mobility anchoring, traffic management, and billing information collection.

Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW):

The P-GW is responsible for connecting the 5G network to external networks, such as the Internet. It provides functions such as data forwarding, address translation, and policy enforcement.

Home Subscriber Server (HSS):

The HSS is a central database that stores information about subscribers, such as subscriber profiles and service subscriptions. It is used by other functional entities in the 5G Packet Core to provide subscriber services.

Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF):

The PCRF is responsible for enforcing policy and charging rules for 5G services. It works with the HSS to provide services such as data usage management and policy enforcement.

Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS):

The IMS is a network infrastructure that supports multimedia services, such as voice and video calls. It can be integrated with the 5G Packet Core to provide enhanced multimedia services to 5G devices.

These functional entities work together to provide data services to 5G devices and support the delivery of new and innovative services in 5G networks. By supporting high-speed, low-latency communications, the 5G Packet Core enables new use cases and applications that were not possible in previous generations of cellular networks.