5G Core Network

- 5G Core (5GC)

5G Core (5GC) - With the right core network, you can lead the way and create what’s next.

5G Core implements the new 3GPP network architecture that will unlock the full capabilities of 5G standalone, enabling faster connection speeds, ultra-low latency, and higher bit rates and network reliability. 

These capabilities, combined with network automation, network slicing, and edge computing, help address multiple verticals and enable an ecosystem of innovations through use cases such as: Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC), large-scale Machine Type Communication (mMTC) and Time Critical Communication (TCC). 

However, these new 5G networks will coexist with 4G networks for many years, while increasing efficiency is required to seize new opportunities.

- 5G Core Service-Based Architecture (SBA)

5G architecture is an evolution of current 4G architectures but based on a Service-Based Architecture (SBA). The 3GPP defines the SBA for a 5G core network as delivered by a set of interconnected Network Functions (NFs), with authorization to access each other’s services.

The 5G 3GPP architecture relies on 5G Standalone (5G SA) New Radio and 5G Standalone Core (5G SA Core). Nokia's core architectural design is inherently cloud-native: its open, modular structure combined with 5G Services-Based Architecture (5G SBA) makes the introduction of future network capabilities feasible and allows rapid implementation and expansion of any functions, and wherever needed. Network functions are deployed as microservices, where business logic is delivered as small modular stateless services. 

5GC SA network functions can be moved to the edge of the network to meet the needs of new services and applications by providing an unprecedented level of automation in the end-to-end network to meet the low-latency needs of critical machine-type communications.

- NG-RAN, NGC and SBA

NG-RAN includes NR based 5G base stations called next generation node Bs or gNBs. A gNB can be decomposed or disaggregated into a central unit and a distributed unit. Such a gNB architecture reduces infrastructure and transport costs and provides scalability. While LTE uses a limited number of nodes in the evolved packet core (EPC), 5G defines more network functions (NF) that have fewer responsibilities. The overall 5G system is based on SBA, where NFs communicate with each other using service based interfaces. SBA facilitates the design and deployment of the 5G system using virtualization and automation technologies such as network functions virtualization (NFV), software defined networking (SDN), OpenStack and Orchestration.