Subscriber Data Management

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Subscriber Data Management

The converged subscriber data management solution provides a unified platform for both 4G and 5G subscriptions, making it easy to manage the network upgrade path. It enables operators to collaborate with third-party service providers and introduce advanced services such as 5G slicing, enterprise IoT, and more.

5g 5g core 5gc sdm

What is a subscriber data management solution?

A converged subscriber data management (SDM) offers a unified platform for both 4G and 5G subscriptions, helping operators make a smooth transition to 5G while supporting legacy services alongside advanced next-gen services. It lets operators respond dynamically to changing demands by easily scaling up or down; they can swiftly configure and launch new services. Its cloud-native architecture supports flexible deployment and reduces CAPEX and OPEX. It also offers the potential for new partnerships and collaborations to introduce advanced services such as enterprise IoT and 5G slicing.

What function does SDM perform in 5G?

To facilitate the high-value CX-driven use cases that 5G offers, service providers need to upgrade their legacy core so it can support 4G as well as 5G (and private 5G) networks through subscriber data management (SDM). SDM can manage SIM services and subscriber data more efficiently, which is essential for 5G. It ensures hassle-free migration to 5G, enables CSPs to leverage partnership and collaboration opportunities for advanced 5G use cases, ensures swift TTM, and unlocks a host of revenue streams by supporting the launch of next-gen services like IoT, eMBB, M2M, URLLC, and more.

A Converged Subscriber Data Management Solution

SDM in 5GC Architecture

Deploy Converged SDM

Alepo Subscriber Data Management (SDM), part of Alepo’s 5G Core (5GC) Solution, lets operators enhance their existing 4G core and extend support to 5G, simplifying the launch of new services, reducing time-to-market, and saving on costs.

The SDM is a standard-based network function that includes Authentication Server Function (AuSF), Unified Data Management (UDM), and Unified Data Repository (UDR) for 5G-SA support as well as Home Subscriber Server (HSS) for 4G and 5G-NSA support. Capabilities include:

Seamless authentication: AuSF

Carries out authentication for services in 5G networks:

  • Authenticates device access to an enterprise slice by integrating with an enterprise AAA server
  • Authenticates device access to non-3GPP networks such as WiFi and broadband
  • Is based on 3GPP TS29.509 standard

Highly scalable data repository: UDR

A common subscriber repository that holds SIM identities and subscription profiles for 4G and 5G subscriptions as well as policy subscriptions:

  • Uses highly scalable NoSQL database
  • Enables high availability for single- and multi-site deployment
  • Handles REST (real-time) or batch (bulk) provisioning
  • Supports database-less architecture for low footprint deployment
  • Is based on 3GPP TS29.504 standard

Unified data management: UDM+HSS

A converged offering for authenticating and authorizing access to services in 4G and 5G networks:

  • Manages subscriber identity concealing
  • Supports 5G-AKA, EAP-AKA’, EPS-AKA authentication methods
  • Manages service authorization for both 4G and 5G subscriptions
  • Manages session continuity and mobility between 4G and 5G networks
  • Supports legacy interfaces such as S6a, SWx, Cx, Sh
  • Is based on 3GPP TS29.503, TS29.272 standard

Swift retrieval of NF sessions: UDSF

The Unstructured Data Storage Function (UDSF) helps operators store contexts for different network functions (NF):

  • Allows managing, storing, and retrieving the network function session contexts in an unstructured format
  • Uses a high-performing NoSQL database to persist NF states
  • Is based on 3GPP TS29.598 standard

Employ Web-Based Portals

Alepo’s UDR Agent Portal empowers the service provider’s network team to manage service configurations, subscriptions, and policy data, and troubleshoot subscription-related issues. Its easy-to-use GUI system displays all subscription-related information in one place. It maintains the privacy and security of the subscription data with role-based access and SIM encryption support.

  • Allows service configurations for APN, DNN, slices, PLMNs
  • Maintains unified 4G and 5G subscriptions profile and policy data management
  • Supports bulk operations for SIM and subscription management
  • Facilitates troubleshooting for network administration
  • Implements data security for critical data such as SIM identities
  • Supports centralized access control that can integrate with an external access management system

Alepo’s Enterprise Self-Service (ESS) Portal

empowers enterprise customers to execute self-service operations:

  • Facilitates bulk operations for SIM and device management
  • Allows automated provisioning and activation of services
  • Manages end-to-end subscription and device life cycles
  • Supports real-time usage monitoring and connectivity dashboards
  • Maintains audit logs and user access control

Alepo Element Management System (EMS)

allows system users to configure NF services, profiles, and deployments. System users can also define various monitoring KPIs for application and system health.

  • Supports alarm monitoring by configuring thresholds on KPI reported by NF services
  • Handles various service deployment models (active-active, active-passive, and more)
  • Performs various other monitoring and health performance functionalities
SDM 5G NFs
Cloud-Native SDM Solution

Gain Cloud Benefits

Alepo’s Subscriber Data Management NF employs microservice-based software architecture that is cloud- and PaaS-agnostic and supports public, private, and hybrid deployment options. It also supports containerized as well as NFV-based deployment. Being fully cloud-native, the network function handles interworking with 5G NRF for service registration, discovery, and authorization, executes horizontal and vertical scaling based on traffic needs, maintains high availability, and implements CI-CD for automated release management.

Related Resources

Whitepapers and Briefs

Solution Brief

Accelerate 5G transformation with Alepo’s converged Subscriber Data Management solution

Alepo’s cloud-native and converged SDM manages 4G and 5G subscriptions. Download the solution brief to understand its role in the network upgrade path, advanced use cases it supports, solution USPs, and more.

Flyer

A 3GPP cloud-native 5G core network solution to swiftly implement 5G

Alepo’s 5G Core Network Solution enables the rapid launch of 5G use cases. Download the flyer for more details on the solution architecture, how it facilitates your transition to 5G, Alepo’s 5G deployment proficiency, and more.

Whitepaper

Alepo’s Home Subscriber Server: creating a streamlined network

Integral to the evolved packet core (EPC) of any LTE or IMS network, Alepo’s HSS enables streamlined signaling, a hierarchical database, and ultrafast speeds. Download the whitepaper for more on the high-performing solution.

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