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 5G core network functions 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
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
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
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
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
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
A 3GPP cloud-native 5G core network solution to swiftly implement 5G
Alepo’s 5G Core Network solution offers key 5G core 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.
Subscriber Data Management (SDM) For 5G Core
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.
Accelerate 5G transformation with Alepo’s converged SDM solution
Collateral
Blog Posts
5G and the future of cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) services
5G capabilities like URLLC and high bandwidth are set to revolutionize cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology, opening new possibilities for 5G service providers.
Four key enablers for 5G monetization
To wisely capitalize on the monetization possibilities 5G brings, CSPs must focus on these top enablers: business models, partnerships, innovations, and network architectures.
Leveraging partnerships to increase 5G revenue
Partnerships will provide endless revenue potential in 5G, enabling CSPs to cater to diverse sectors with use cases like AR/VR, smart cities, connected cars, and remote surgeries.
How advanced charging use cases accelerate 5G monetization
CSPs can launch advanced 5G charging use cases (slicing, PaaS, IaaS, SaaS, and more) with 5G NFs like Charging Function (CHF) and Policy Control Function (PCF).
Deployment Modes for 5G Compact Core
The Compact Core solution supports several 5G enterprise and industrial use cases with its local, hybrid, public cloud, and 4G+5G combo deployment modes.
Press Releases
Cable IPTV player VNet Services enters FTTH market using Alepo’s fixed broadband solution
Alepo’s fixed broadband solution has enabled VNet to launch innovative plans and offers, onboarding direct subscribers as well as affiliates including MSOs and LCOs.
Alepo helps Costa Rican ISP launch free public WiFi with cloud-based solution
Coopeguanacaste has launched public WiFi in Costa Rica using Alepo’s Carrier WiFi solution, including its cloud-based WiFi SMP to launch and monetize superior customer journeys.
Colombia’s Celsia set to modernize its broadband network with Alepo’s AAA Transformation
Alepo will deploy its Broadband AAA for the network transformation, enabling Celsia to support evolving demand, introduce automation, boost QoS, lower OPEX, and more.
Wind Telecom to modernize its FTTx network with Alepo’s AAA in the public cloud
Dominican Republic service provider, Wind Telecom, selects Alepo’s cloud vendor-agnostic AAA to transform its GPON infrastructure for its FTTx network services.