unified data management 5g udm

Unified Data Management (UDM)

Unified Data Management

Alepo’s Unified Data Management (UDM) is a 3GPP Release 16 compliant 5GC network function (NF). The intelligent next-generation NF is a key node in authenticating and authorizing user access to the network and roaming access using subscription data, and in providing smooth and seamless session continuity. Alepo UDM also supports integration with third-party UDR over the standard Nudr interface.
5g  5gc  5g core  udm

What is Unified Data Management (UDM) in 5G?

Unified Data Management is similar to Home Subscriber Server (HSS) in LTE; it is cloud-native and designed for 5G. It is responsible for generating credentials used during authentication, authorizing access based on user subscription, which it retrieves from the User Data Repository (UDR) and sends to the other network functions. UDM+HSS together authenticate and authorize users in 4G, 5G NSA, and 5G SA networks.

What is the function of UDM in 5G?

UDM network function supports different major functionalities in 5G. It generates authentication credentials used during the authentication process. It authorizes network access and roaming based on user subscriptions. It is responsible for subscription management and handles privacy protection by SUCI to SUPI conversion. The UDM also handles inter- and intra-RAT mobility.

Alepo 5G Core Network Function: UDM

5G UDM

Smooth Service and Access Authorization

Alepo’s 5G Unified Data Management helps operators looking to meet dynamic customer demands by supporting the segmentation of subscribers with personalized services and targeted offers. It performs service and access authorization for authenticated subscribers, ensuring that customers only have access to their subscribed services. UDM in telecom authorizes subscribers based on the access network, RAT, DNN, slices, ODB, and more.

Additionally, Alepo’s 5G UDM supports the following UE registration operations:

  • Helps 5G-AKA authentication process by generating authentication credentials
  • Supports SUCI de-concealing using profile a, profile b, null scheme method
  • Stores and manages context for UEs serving NFs (for example, a serving-AMF context for UE registration or serving-SMF context for UE’s PDU session)

Seamless Connectivity on the Move

Alepo’s 5G Unified Data Management enables service and session continuity for ongoing sessions by managing SMF/DNN contexts. This ensures an uninterrupted service experience for subscribers when they travel or switch networks. Features include:

  • Supports inter-RAT and intra-RAT mobility
  • Maintains service and session continuity
  • Ensure high Quality of Experience (QoE) for subscribers
3GPP 5G UDM
3GPP UDM in Telecom

Concurrent Support for 4G and 5G

As part of the converged core, Alepo UDM + Alepo HSS works with a common UDR, enabling operators to upgrade to 5G without service disruption and transition to a fully virtualized service-based environment. The converged offerings empower mobile operators to support legacy 4G/LTE services and swiftly launch 5G with minimal configuration changes. The dual-radio connectivity allows operators to gradually expand coverage and services. Features include:

  • Supports interworking with 4G nodes over Diameter
  • Offers mobility between 4G and 5G

New Revenue Streams

Alepo’s 5G UDM supports advanced authorization and IoT use cases, enabling operators to dynamically adapt to subscriber needs. They can unlock new monetization opportunities using various retail as well as enterprise use cases such as V2X, IoT, M2M, and more. Some of the many supported use cases include:

  • Managing V2X subscriptions
  • PLMN-based authentication and authorization (including roaming use cases)
  • Device-based authorization
5G Unified Data Management
Cloud-Native UDM

Innovation Across the 5G Ecosystem

Alepo UDM employs a microservice-based architecture in accordance with 5G Service-Based Architecture (SBA). It supports REST-based APIs in compliance with open API 3.0 standards. With its cloud-native architecture, it also supports public, private, and hybrid deployment options. Features include:

  • Supports NRF Interworking
  • Tracks performance, KPI, log management (FCAPS)
  • Supports CI/CD-based automated release management
  • Ensures high availability by supporting geographic and local redundancy
  • Prevents vendor lock-in and is interoperable with any best-of-breeds network

Related Resources

 

Solution Brief
Alepo’s cloud-native SDM helps manage both 4G and 5G subscriptions. This solution brief explains how the low-footprint solution enables an easy transition to 5G, enabling operators to rapidly launch high-value next-gen use cases. 
Webinar
SDM helps operators smoothly transition to 5G. It provides a convergent platform to store and manage subscriber data, helping overcome the complexities of maintaining legacy databases. Watch this webinar recording of Alepo experts discussing the SDM market, its role, capabilities, business benefits, and more.
Flyer
Alepo’s 5G Core (5GC) provides a secure, flexible, and scalable architectural framework and 3GPP compliant network functions. Download the flyer to know how the solution enables operators to easily transition to 5G.

Blog Posts

6G: what to expect and when?

5G will soon become mainstream, paving the way for 6G. This blog discusses 6G in detail, including what to expect, when it will be launched, and how it differs from 5G.

Press Releases

Subscribe to the Alepo Newsletter