5G Core Network Architecture
Rajib Taid · 2021
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.