5G Core Network Solutions

5G Core (5GC) Network Solutions

5G speeds will create new experiences for consumers. Programmable networks, slicing, and narrowband devices will mean new classes of business applications. Deploy your 5G core networks today to support legacy networks and ease the transition to 5G.

5g 5g core 5gc sdm

Which network functions do 5G core solutions include?

5G core solutions include key core network functions that facilitate a smooth transition to 5G. This includes Subscriber Data Management (SDM), Authentication Function (AUSF) performs authentication, Unified (4G+5G) Data Management (UDM) + Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Unified Data Repository (UDR), Unstructured Data Storage Function (UDSF), Policy Control Function (PCF) and Policy Control Rules Function (PCRF), Charging Function (CHF) + Online Charging System (OCS), UDR Agent Portal, Element Management System (EMS), Enterprise Self-Service Portal (ESS), and Network Exposure Function (NEF). Together, these network functions (NFs) authenticate and authorize access to services in both 4G and 5G mobile networks, support 4G and 5G subscriptions, enable convergent charging, monitor system health and performance, provide a self-care portal for enterprise customers for private 5G deployments, and more.

What are the benefits of 5G service-based architecture?

5G upgrades the core network to service-based architecture (SBA). In contrast to traditional legacy network architectures, SBA relies on cloud or virtual network functions (VNFs), enabling virtualization and network slicing. A significant benefit is that it decouples NFs and improves system modularity; NFs are virtualized and communicate with each other using a common communication protocol. SBA simplifies operations using APIs, enables seamless integration of third-party applications with the core network, facilitates enhanced security, and more.

3GPP Cloud-Native 5GC Solutions

5GC Solution

5G Core Network

As one of the industry’s leading 5G Core vendors, Alepo has tactfully designed a 5GC solution comprising cloud-native 3GPP standards-compliant 5GC network functions (NFs) responsible for implementing subscription services, providing secured connectivity to subscribers, and handling charging and policy management.

Multi-Segment Offerings

Available for mobile, 5G fixed wireless access. Also available for enterprise segments for private 5G, in which it is a part of the compact 4G+5G core and is a resource-optimized, low-footprint offering based on database-less architecture.

Subscriber Data Management (SDM)

Alepo’s SDM module, part of Alepo’s 5G Solution, comes with AUSF, UDM+HSS to carry out authentication and authorization in 5G as well as 4G networks. Includes a common and highly scalable Unified Data Repository (UDR) that holds SIM identities, subscription profiles, policy data, application data, and session contexts. It also includes the Unstructured Data Storage Network Function (UDSF) that maintains application states and contexts for different core network functions.

Converged Policy Control

Includes PCF and PCRF with a unified policy rule framework for data, voice, and application. Manages policies for 4G and 5G networks. Supports usage monitoring and integrates with the charging systems. Its business user-friendly GUI interface reduces time-to-market for advanced policy use cases.

Converged Charging

For voice, data, content, VAS, and IoT services across all access networks. Includes CHF and OCS; handles online and offline charging with the standards-based interfaces towards core network functions. Coupled with Alepo’s Digital BSS, it offers complete billing and charging for retail and wholesale business cases.

Web-Based Management Portals

UDR agent portal: for service configurations, storing and managing subscriptions, policy data, and SIM identities.
EMS portal: to configure and provision various network function profiles and services.
Enterprise self-service portal: allows enterprises to efficiently manage their devices and connectivity for private 5G use cases.

Cloud-Based Microservice Architecture

Cloud- and PaaS-agnostic; supports public, private, and hybrid deployment options. Supports containerized and NFV-based deployment.

Download Flyer: 5G Core Network Solution

5G-Ready Digital BSS

Alepo’s 5G Core, along with its 5G-ready Digital BSS platform, facilitates high-value 5G use cases, including IoT, and experience-based charging:
Partnerships: manage next-generation partnerships, agreements, and complex business models.
End-to-end 5G monetization: launch new services and use cases such as slicing, AR, VR, gaming, cellular-V2X, and more.
Policies: support billing and charging for complex business models; dynamically reshape and redeploy networks.
5G charging: support convergent online charging, real-time rating, and balance management. Ability to scale to hundreds of millions of devices.
Omnichannel engagement: engage with customers through various channels, including web, mobile, chatbot, social media.
IoT/M2M: manage millions of devices and multiple partners involved in the ecosystem to provide a full-stack solution to enterprise customers.
Architecture and protocols: all modules are microservice-based, virtualized (NFV), programmable, RESTful, and fully support DevOps work cycles and continuous real-time operations.

5G Core Network

5G Core Networks

Seamless Transition

Alepo’s core network solution + Digital BSS together support the unified management of 4G (EPC, IMS), C-IoT, and non-3GPP networks (such as WiFi). Among the handful of 5G core vendors providing end-to-end solutions, Alepo’s vast experience in digital transformation of telecom businesses helps ensure service providers can evolve their operations, upgrade to 5G without disruption, and shift to a fully virtualized service-based environment.

4G mobile operators with 5G core networks can deploy 5G radio protocols while leveraging the existing 4G infrastructure. Alepo’s 4G core functions allow operators to support mixed radio connectivity, enabling them to gradually roll out coverage and services to their customers.

4G + 1

Alepo also extends support to operators not yet ready to move to 5G. We bridge the gap by creating a modern omnichannel experience for subscribers, incorporating WiFi offload into the operator’s network and supporting unique enterprise IoT offerings on their existing network.

Deploy in the Public Cloud

5G core deployed in the public cloud is beneficial for CSPs of all sizes. It helps to rapidly bring 5G capabilities to market and will scale with the demand of network growth as more devices come online. A 5G core can be deployed in hours versus months of shipping servers and setting up data centers.

Real-world applications are already promising, particularly in the era of streaming content. At the Olympic Games, a 5G core in the public cloud was proven successful to help distribute visual content swiftly and securely. Venues were outfitted with 5G base stations and photographers could upload high volumes of photos, videos, and other data to media agencies in the main press center, improving their coverage and overall viewing experience. As more use cases are tested and deployed, the scope for operators continues to grow.

Deploying 5GC in the public cloud provides a host of business benefits:

Save the CAPEX that physical infrastructure would require
Reduce OPEX by eliminating data center and IT maintenance
Easily scale for dynamic demand during seasonal or one-time events
Ensure swift time-to-market, streamline operations, and gain built-in services through partnerships with large-scale cloud providers like AWS, Azure, Google
Cater to enterprise or private 5G customers for applications like Industry 4.0, large-scale events like sports, conferences, exhibitions, and more

Cloud-Native 5G Core

Key 5G Core Network Functions

Authentication Server Function

Alepo’s AUSF enables devices to securely and seamlessly access 5G services. It authenticates SIMs using the 5G-AKA authentication method.

Converged Policy Control Function

The PCF and PCRF combo node provides a converged platform for 4G and 5G mobile network services. CSPs can rapidly and easily launch advanced policy use cases.

Unified Data Management

Alepo’s intelligent, next-generation, cloud-native UDM helps authenticate and authorize user access, enabling smooth and seamless session continuity.

Unified Data Repository

The UDR is a centralized database that efficiently stores and manages 5G subscription information, used by the PCF, UDM, NEF, and other NFs.

Enterprise Self-Service Portal

The ESS Portal lets CSPs easily onboard and manage enterprise customers. It provides enterprises a single interface to manage their networks, devices, and more.

Subscriber Data Management

Alepo’s SDM is a convergent platform for 4G and 5G subscriptions, helping CSPs smoothly transition to 5G and launch advanced next-gen services.

Related Resources

Flyer

Alepo’s 5G Core Network solution offers key 5G network functions, enabling the rapid launch of 5G use cases. Download the flyer for details on the solution architecture, how it facilitates the transition to 5G, and Alepo’s 5G Core capabilities.

Webinar

Subscriber Data Management (SDM) ensures a hassle-free transition to 5G, enabling high-value use cases and supporting 4G+5G interworking. Gain insights on how SDM helps drive 5GC ROI, Alepo’s solution, and more.

Solution Brief

Part of Alepo’s 5G Core, the converged SDM solution manages both 4G and 5G subscriptions, facilitating a smooth transition to 5G. This solution brief details how it manages the network upgrade path and supports next-gen services.