Page 201 - Handout Computer Network.

Computer Network 2026

The 5G Core network is being redesigned to better integrate with the Internet and cloud-based
services, and also includes distributed servers and caches across the network, thereby reducing
latency.

Network function virtualization, and network slicing for different applications and services, will
be managed in the core. The new 5G Core specification introduces major changes in the way
mobile networks support a wide variety of services with varied performance.
As in the case of the 4G core network, the 5G core relays data traffic from end devices,
authenticates devices, and manages device mobility.
The 5G core also contains all of the network elements —the mobile devices, the cells, the base
stations, and the Mobility Management Entity (now divided into two sub-elements, as discussed
below), the HSS, and the Serving and PDN gateways.

Although the 4G and 5G core networks perform similar functions, there are some major
differences in that the new 5G core architecture.

The 5G Core is designed for complete control and user-plane separation.

The 5G Core consists purely of virtualized software-based network functions. This new
architecture will give operators the flexibility to meet the diverse requirements of the different
5G applications.

Some of the new 5G core network functions include [Romer 2019]:
• User-Plane Function (UPF). Control and user-plane separation allows packet processing to be
distributed and pushed to the network edge.

• Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF). The 5G Core essentially decomposes the 4G
Mobility Management Entity (MME) into two functional elements: AMF and SMF. The AMF
receives all the connection and session information from end-user equipment but only handles
connection and mobility management tasks.

• Session Management Function (SMF). Session management is handled by the Session
Management Function (SMF). The SMF is responsible for interacting with the decoupled data
plane. The SMF also performs IP address management and plays the role of DHCP.

As of this writing (2020), 5G is in its early stages of deployment, and many 5G standards have yet
to be finalized. Only time will tell whether 5G will become a pervasive broadband wireless
service, whether it will successfully compete with Wi-Fi for indoor wireless service, whether it
will become a critical component of factory automation and the autonomous vehicle
infrastructure, and whether it will take us a big step forward toward the ultimate wide-area
wireless ser

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