5G Core Network Architecture

The relevant basics of NG-RAN are also covered. Roles of the Network Functions (NFs) as specified in the 3GPP standards are discussed, including the interactions both within the 5GC and between the 5GC and the NG-RAN, the 5GC and the external AF for Service Influencing and the 5GC and the EPC for 4G ↔ 5G Interworking.

The course explains the challenges the 5GS faces from the huge variety of services it is expected to cater to, and presents the new network features that enable the 5GS to satisfy the various service requirements in an optimal and cost-efficient way: Service Based Architecture approach with specialized NFs, Network Slicing, PDU Sessions with multiple PDU Session Anchors, hosting services closer to the user, traffic influencing from external AFs, and the 5G PCC model used to enforce service-specific subscription and traffic handling rules. The course presents how the 5GC handles the the access to services by different types of UEs. It covers the 5G Registration and PDU Session Establishment traffic cases, User Plane resources definitions and handling, UE mobility handling, and the five basic 5G use cases (eMBB – including Vo5G, MIoT/mMTC, URLLC, V2X and HMTC)