5G Core Network Solutions
5G Core (5GC) Network Solutions
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
5G Core Network
Multi-Segment Offerings
Subscriber Data Management (SDM)
Alepo’s SDM module, part of Alepo’s 5G Solutions, 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
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
5G-Ready Digital BSS
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.
Seamless Transition
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
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
Key 5G Core Network Functions
Authentication Server Function
Converged Policy Control Function
Unified Data Management
Unified Data Repository
Enterprise Self-Service Portal
Subscriber Data Management
Related Resources
South American CSP completes country’s first 5G network deployment
SDM for 5G webinar video Subscriber Data Management (SDM) For 5G Core
The Role of Private 5G in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4)
Collateral
Alepo’s 5G Core Network Solution Flyer
Alepo’s Converged Policy Control Function (PCF+PCRF)
Subscriber Data Management (SDM) for 5G Core
Designing a seamless migration strategy for network operators
A 5G-ready digital BSS for rapid delivery, monetization, and management of digital services
Converged Subscriber Data Management Solution
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.
Top 6 ways for operators to accelerate their 5G rollout
Many operators have a 5G roadmap but are still looking for ways to ensure faster rollout. This blog post lists their challenges and how to tackle them for a swift 5G launch.
How predictive analytics unlocks 5G network potential
Predictive analytics in 5G self-diagnoses and self-optimizes the network with little to no human involvement. Read the blog to learn how it benefits operators.
Top 5 benefits of virtualized 5G RAN
As demand for data services, digital journeys, and digitized customer interactions continues to grow, what trends can telecom operators expect in 2022?
Private 5G versus WiFi 6: will there be a winner?
Private 5G and WiFi 6 both offer unique advantages. Find out how they work, what use cases they support, and why operators should consider using them together.
Press Releases
Leading Indian operator GTPL Broadband Pvt. Ltd. (GTPL), a 100% subsidiary of GTPL Hathway Ltd., modernizes its network with Alepo’s AAA Transformation
Mauritius Telecom deploys Alepo’s carrier-grade WiFi solution, including WiFi SMP, AAA, WiFi Captive Portal, and more to modernize its WiFi services and evolve CX.
Mauritius Telecom modernizes its WiFi services using Alepo’s carrier-grade WiFi solution
Mauritius Telecom deploys Alepo’s carrier-grade WiFi solution, including WiFi SMP, AAA, WiFi Captive Portal, and more to modernize its WiFi services and evolve CX.
Boldt Group to use Alepo platform to launch WiFi in casinos and hotels across Argentina
Boldt Group selects Alepo’s Carrier WiFi solution, including AAA server, WiFi SMP platform, and captive portals, to launch WiFi in casinos and hotels across Argentina.
ETI Guinea selects Alepo Digital BSS to transform FTTH services and support upcoming LTE launch
ETI Guinea partners with Alepo to modernize its fiber network and provide support for future LTE services. Alepo’s solution includes AAA, PCRF, and Digital BSS.