3GPP Explainer

3GPP Network Architecture

The 3GPP network architecture encompasses both 4G LTE and 5G NR technologies, providing a comprehensive framework for mobile communications. It defines the structure and components of modern cellular networks.

3GPP Architecture Diagram
Interactive visualization of the network architecture
3GPP Network Architecture Diagram
5G Network Architecture (3GPP Release 15 and beyond)
Key components of the 5G System Architecture
  • 5G Core Network (5GC)
  • Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN)
  • User Equipment (UE)
  • Network Slicing support
  • Service-Based Architecture (SBA)
Network Functions
Key components in 4G and 5G networks

Access Functions

AMF
Access and Mobility Management Function

Handles access control and mobility management in 5G networks.

AUSF
Authentication Server Function

Provides authentication services for 5G network access.

Core Functions

SMF
Session Management Function

Manages session contexts and user plane functions.

UPF
User Plane Function

Handles user plane traffic and acts as a gateway.

Key Components

UE
User Equipment

Devices used by end-users to access the network, such as smartphones, tablets, or IoT devices. UEs connect to the network through the Radio Access Network.

RAN
Radio Access Network

The part of the network that connects user equipment to the core network. It includes base stations (eNodeB in 4G, gNodeB in 5G) that manage radio communications with UEs.

EPC
Evolved Packet Core

The core network for 4G LTE systems. It includes components like the MME (Mobility Management Entity), S-GW (Serving Gateway), and P-GW (PDN Gateway).

5GC
5G Core Network

The next-generation core network designed for 5G systems. It introduces a service-based architecture with components like AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), SMF (Session Management Function), and UPF (User Plane Function).

IMS
IP Multimedia Subsystem

A framework for delivering multimedia services over IP networks. It's used in both 4G and 5G networks for services like VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and video calling.

3GPP Standardization Process
How 3GPP develops and maintains network architecture standards

The 3GPP standardization process involves collaboration between various stakeholders to define and evolve network architectures. This process ensures interoperability and global compatibility of mobile networks.

Learn more about the 3GPP standardization process
References
Sources used in this content
  1. TS 23.501 - System Architecture for the 5G System. Accessed on 2025-01-23.
  2. TS 38.300 - NR and NG-RAN Overall Description. Accessed on 2025-01-23.
  3. TS 23.401 - General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) enhancements for Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) access. Accessed on 2025-01-23.
  4. 3GPP - About 3GPP Home. Accessed on 2025-01-23.
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