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Affirmed Networks delivers the following 5G NG-Core functions:
In addition, Affirmed Networks also supports legacy 3GPP (2G, 3G, 4G) and non-3GPP functions in the same architecture. Affirmed Networks delivers these 5G functions through its partners:
The UnityCloud network architecture fully embraces cloud native software design patterns, network slicing, and 4G-backward compatibility. From a cloud native perspective, the UnityCloud architecture embraces the three pillars of cloud native design (microservices, containers, and orchestration) as established by the Cloud Native Computing Forum (cncf.io).
Additionally, the UnityCloud architecture adds a fourth pillar – Stateless. (An example of Stateless would be the durable state that is stored in an external in-memory NoSQL database and not directly within the application.)
The benefits of the Affirmed Networks' Cloud Native Architecture include:
Affirmed UnityCloud is consists of the following network functions in a 5GCe network:
In the 5G Core Network, the Access and Mobility Function (AMF) is responsible for the access and mobility management of the mobile subscribers. It is the point of contact for all mobile users in the core network. It maintains connections with the Radio Access Network (RAN) to transport signaling messages to and from the users.
Affirmed AMF not only provides the required functionalities of the AMF but also a rich set of value-added capabilities to meet many possible use cases in the wireless networks. Affirmed AMF fulfills the functionalities in a pure, cloud native design that leads to unparalleled reliability and operability.
The Session Management Function (SMF) provides session management within a 5G Standalone Architecture (5G SA) core network and, at the highest level, controls creating, modifying, and deleting Protocol Data Units (PDU) sessions. This provides data access from the user equipment (UE) to one or more data networks.
The SMF also works with the 4G Packet Data Gateway Control Plane (PGW-C) function to provide seamless handovers between 4G and 5G network technology. This allows for a migration from 3G and 4G networks to 5G technology.
The Affirmed Networks SMF is standardized as part of the 5G cloud native architecture (CNA). As such, it is implemented as a collection of microservices that interacts natively with each other within a Kubernetes ecosystem.
The Network Repository Function (NRF) in 5GC supports managing different network function (NF) instances and their respective profiles. This allows different NFs to register and de-register their services/profile with the NRF. NRF supports the discovery of different NF instances based on their state and local policies, similar to how 2G and 3G Domain Name System (DNS) services supported looking up different network elements. In contrast to the DNS that uses static information for the Network Element (NE) selection, the NRF uses dynamic state information gathered from periodic heartbeat procedure (with NFs) for NF selection. In essence, the NRF can be viewed as an evolution of the DNS in legacy wireless network with enhanced capabilities. Additionally, the NRF also allows NFs to subscribe to status updates of peer NFs/NF types. This capability enables NFs to take appropriate action based on peer NF status.
In today’s networks, operators plan to provide differentiated services to their end users. Network slicing allows operators to effectively use their network resources while still meeting the varying needs and demands of different consumers. For example, an operator may need to support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and IoT traffic. Given the differing traffic characteristics of these systems, providing different slices for these use cases enables an operator to better utilize their network resources.
In the context of a 5G system, a network slice is defined in the scope of a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and consists of the following network functions which contribute to the network:
The User Plane Function (UPF) is a fundamental component of the 5G core infrastructure system architecture. It allows packet processing, traffic aggregation, and management functions to move to the edge of the network.
The UPF provides an IP anchor point for Intra/Inter Radio Access Technology (RAT) mobility. It also implements the user plane portion of policy enforcement, as well as traffic usage reporting and lawful intercept functionality.
The UPF is standardized as part of the 5G CNA. It is implemented as a federation of microservices that interact with each other to provide user plane functionality in 5G networks.
Deployed in a dynamic-cloud native compute infrastructure, the Affirmed Networks UPF also contains the user plane functions of Serving Gateway (SGW-U), Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW-U) and System Architecture Evolution Gateway (SAEGW-U). This infrastructure can be programmed appropriately by the control plane entities such as SMF, SGW-C, and PGW-C.