ericsson.

com/
5g-core-guide

One core –
the best of two worlds
Ericsson’s dual-mode
5G Core solution

The cloud-native 5G Core network guide series 2.0

2 Ericsson | One core – the best of two worlds

Taking a dual-mode
approach to core evolution

Our experience in pioneering technology shifts

has been applied to 5G, and we believe that a
“one core” solution is the way to go.

Contents The mix of subscriptions handled in mobile Therefore, we recommend a

02 Taking a dual-mode networks will change significantly in the multi-access, one-core solution to
approach to core evolution coming years. As predicted in the Ericsson maximize profitability and take
04 A cloud-native and Mobility Report,1 2G and 3G services will advantage of the wide range of new
programmable solution drastically decline, while 4G services will business opportunities, while achieving
05 Why 5GC is different still be dominant for many years. flexibility in balancing cost-optimized
06 Our dual-mode 5G Core products Even though 5G services will grow faster versus performance-optimized network
11 Automated operations for than previous technology generations, deployment during the transition to 5G.
speed and efficiency new 5G networks will co-exist side by To address your needs, we have developed
13 Sustainability and cost savings side with 4G networks for many years, Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core, a cloud
using dual-mode 5G Core while efficiencies must still be improved native, microservices-based solution
14 Summary to capture new opportunities. that combines Evolved Packet Core (EPC)
Keeping separate core networks and the new 5G Core (5GC) network
to manage these different access functions (NF) into a common platform for
technologies will significantly increase efficient TCO and smooth migration to 5G.
communications service providers’ total Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core has
cost of ownership (TCO) and, at a certain been used in commercial live networks
point, will become unmanageable from since 2019,2 as well as in the world’s first
an operational perspective. bare-metal cloud-native 5G Core.3

Figure 1: Different paths to dual-mode 5G Core

Mixed mode Interworking Traffic 5GC network EPC network

operation 5GC and EPC migration function function
Common for the first launched 5G Core networks

Physical/virtual
EPC 5G EPC 5G EPC 5G EPC Decommissioned
Core platform

5G NR NSA

Cloud-native 5G Core Dual-mode 5G Core Dual-mode 5G Core

Core platform (5GC) (EPC + 5GC) (EPC + 5GC)

5G NR SA 5G NR NSA +SA 5G NR NSA +SA

Common when cloud-native platform is introduced with EPC

Physical/virtual
EPC 5G EPC 5G EPC 5G EPC Decommissioned
Core platform

5G NR NSA

Cloud-native Dual-mode 5G Core Dual-mode 5G Core

5G EPC
Core platform (EPC + 5GC) (EPC + 5GC)

5G NR NSA 5G NR NSA +SA 5G NR NSA +SA

1Ericsson Mobility Report.

2Ericsson and Telstra achieve container-based commercial Evolved Packet Core milestone.
3SK Telecom goes live with bare-metal cloud-native 5G Core with Ericsson.
3 Ericsson | One core – the best of two worlds

From our live customer references, The second – NR standalone (SA) is a Figure 1 shows how we can support
dual-mode 5G Core is hardened and new 5G Core built on a service-based your 5G project, even if you are currently
optimized for services such as enhanced architecture (SBA). without any installed base of our
mobile broadband (eMBB), voice The timings and steps you take on your equipment. The first path demonstrates
over New Radio (VoNR), and Evolved 5G journey will depend on your starting how you can introduce a cloud-native
Packed System (EPS) fallback. In point, market conditions and when it 5GC as an overlay to your existing 5G
September 2022, more than 80 percent4 makes the most business sense.5 During EPC, and then how you can gradually
of the world’s top 20 service providers this journey, our dual-mode solution for move EPC traffic and migrate smoothly
have selected our solution for 5GC. EPC and 5GC network functions (NFs) to a dual-mode 5G Core solution.
From a core perspective, there are will support your current services, a fast Service providers on this first path
two main architectures to support and flexible 5G introduction, and smooth with commercial live dual-mode 5G Core
5G New Radio (NR). The first – NR network evolution at your own pace. It include Singtel,6 Rogers,7 Vodafone8
non-standalone (NSA) is based on an also provides different paths for you to and TPG Telecom,9 with each of them
enhanced Evolved Packet Core (EPC), introduce, and gain experiences from, being the first to launch 5G SA in their
which Ericsson calls 5G EPC. cloud-native implementations. markets. The second path shows
how you start with cloud-native
EPC and later introduce the 5GC
5G SA provides new capabilities, The main advantage of the NFs building a dual-mode 5G Core.
driving new use cases and approach we took is that it gave us Service providers on the second path
opportunities. Singtel is committed to the opportunity to try out new ways with commercial live dual-mode 5G Core
continually innovate and maximize of running, building and life cycling include Telstra,10 BT11 and SK Telecom.12
the potential of what this developing the network. Those experiences This paper focuses on our dual-mode
technology can deliver. Our 5G SA gave us confidence that we could 5G Core solution and its products,
network, powered by Ericsson, will actually challenge the way we’d including Packet Core, Subscriber Data
help pave the way for many new been building networks up until to Management (SDM), policy and signaling
applications as we look to drive that point. NFs, and how these can support you
transformative benefits for consumers on your journey to 5G. These products
and businesses. consist entirely of microservice-based
David Aders, Group Owner for cloud-native NFs to deliver the 5G Core
Mark Chong, Mobile Development & Product and EPC functionalities.
Group CTO, Singtel Engineering, Telstra Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core enables
new network capabilities that allow
you to harness the full potential of 5G,
while securing a smooth migration from
We embarked on a program to In order to be the first in the existing network capabilities.
transform our core platforms and telecommunications industry,
move directly from legacy physical you really need to be ambitious
platforms, or PNFs, to next-generation and work as a team. There was a
cloud-native Dual Mode Core, perfect collaborative opportunity
leapfrogging the immediate step of with Ericsson in the endeavor to be
virtualization. We did this to access the first in Germany and Europe to
the full suite of benefits the cloud deliver 5G core services. We had a lot
provides from day one of fun achieving this goal together.

Jorge Fernandes, Chief Technology Guido Weissbrich, Chief Network

Officer, Rogers Communications Officer, Vodafone Germany

4Number excludes awards, friendly user trials and soft launches.

5For more information, please see the the Evolving from EPC to 5G guide.
6For the full Singtel case study, please see: Transforming Singapore’s future with 5G.
7For the full Rogers case study, please see: Canada’s 5G future.
8For the full Vodafone case study, please see: Shaping Germany’s 5G future.
9For the full TPG Telecom case study, please see: TPG Telecom’s cloud transformation journey.
10For the full Telstra case study, please see: Delivering 5G in Australia.
11BT and Ericsson join up to deliver cloud native dual-mode 5G Core.
12SK Telecom goes live with bare-metal cloud-native 5G Core with Ericsson.
4 Ericsson | One core – the best of two worlds

A cloud-native and
programmable solution

Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core solution delivers

higher deployment flexibility and operational
efficiency in a multi-access cloud-native platform.

The highly programmable architecture handle traffic pattern changes

of Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G core solution between 4G and 5G for a smoother Solution highlights:
includes support for 5G NR (NSA and SA), and gradual migration. • cloud-native/microservices
as well as all previous generations, in a Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core is architecture
single software platform. It groups designed from the outset on cloud-native • single platform for EPC and
all different 3GPP EPC and 5GC NFs principles. It can of course be deployed 5GC functionalities
for Packet Core, SDM, policy and on Ericsson Cloud Infrastructure • flexible allocation and control
signaling in eight products (as depicted (NFVI or bare-metal Cloud-native of network resources
in Figure 2) according to the services infrastructure), but in addition to that, • automated and simplified
they provide to the network. This enables it can run on other Cloud Native Computing operation and maintenance (O&M)
a smarter re-use of microservices by Foundation (CNCF) compliant partners’ • network exposure capabilities
different NFs, higher efficiency when container-as-a-service (CaaS) and for programmability
utilizing the cloud infrastructure hyperscale cloud providers (HCPs) • high user plane (UP)
resources and more flexibility to that we have validated. performance, scalability and
Gi-LAN consolidation

Figure 2: Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core

Data layer
Cloud Core Data-Storage Manager

Database for subscription

and network applications data

Control plane

Cloud Core Cloud Core Cloud Core Cloud Core

Resource Controller Subscription Manager Policy Controller Exposure Server

Dynamic control of Policies for access, Exposure of network

Multi-access/device control
network resources mobility, QoS and capabilities and
(auth., registration, mobility)
and slice selection charging control API management

SBA architecture
Packet Core Controller Signaling Controller
Diameter and HTTP signaling
Access, session, mobility
functions and secure
and gateway control functions
interconnect

User plane

Packet Core Gateway

NR SA
LTE/NR NSA Common EPC/5GC user plane, with feature-rich Gi functions
LTE for DPI and optimization, NAT and firewall
GSM/WCDMA
5 Ericsson | One core – the best of two worlds

Why 5GC
is different

5GC is a new network architecture.

The major difference, compared to EPC, is in EPC Release 14. 5GC also introduces mission-critical and non-public
that the new 5GC architecture introduced a completely new protocol, HTTP/2, networks, and also comes with
in 3GPP Release 15 is based on SBA. compared to Diameter in 4G to additional functionality for edge
This implements IT network principles and communicate between various NFs. computing and network slicing
a cloud-native design approach. In this 5GC-specific signaling functions include deployments. Critical IoT, enterprise
new architecture, each NF offers one or Service Communication Proxy (SCP), use cases, application function
more services to other NFs via Application Binding Support Function (BSF) and influence on user equipment route
Programming Interfaces (API). Each Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP). selection policy (URSP) and NWDAF
NF is formed of a combination of small Other changes include a separate are also examples of enhancements
pieces of software code also known Authentication Server Function (AUSF) covered by Releases 16 and 17.
as microservices. Some microservices and several new functions, such as
can even be re-used for different NFs, Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), Supporting service providers
making implementation more effective Network Exposure Function (NEF) and in transformation
and facilitating independent life cycle Unified Data Repository (UDR). We understand that a key concern is
management (LCM) – which allows Release 16 brings an increased to protect investments made in your
upgrades and new functionalities to be focus to expand network capabilities networks, which is why we have designed
deployed with zero impact on running to address the needs from new market a solution that allows full integration of
services. A key NF of SBA is the Network segments, such as industrial IoT and new cloud-native NFs with virtualized
Repository Function (NRF), which provides fixed-mobile convergence. Additionally, or physical NFs (VNFs and PNFs) in the
NF service registration and discovery, it has introduced enhancements to the same network. It also offers different
enabling NFs to identify appropriate 5GC base architecture, such as support migration paths to bring all NFs into a
services in one another. for indirect communication, SMF/UPF fully cloud-native, dual-mode 5G Core
SBA principles apply to interfaces flexibility, enhanced support for UDM-HSS over time. This permits deployment
between control plane (CP) functions interworking with UDICOM interface and flexibility, full interworking with legacy
within 5GC only, so interfaces toward richer network slicing capabilities. networks and a smooth evolution to 5GC
Radio Access Network (RAN), user The 5G system roaming is With many successful 5GC launches
equipment or user plane functions architecturally different from EPS based on 3GPP Release 16 specifications,
(UPF – N1, N2, N3, N4, N6 and N9) are roaming. While introduced in Release 15, mainly addressing enhanced mobile
excluded. SBA allows common O&M major advancements are made in broadband and Fixed Wireless Access,
interfaces across the complete portfolio Release 16. Network data analytics we are bringing forward new consumer
and in 5GC’s CP structure there is a function (NWDAF)13 is another major and enterprise services to the market
different functional separation of Access functionality introduced in Release 16 based on advancements in 3GPP.
and Mobility Functions (AMF) and to streamline the way core network data Together with the continued progress of
Session Management Functions (SMF). is produced and consumed, as well as to standardization, and new functionalities
5GC includes the separation of the generate insights and facilitate the taking being introduced at every release,
UP and CP functions of the gateway, of actions based on these insights. our dual-mode 5G Core evolves with
an evolution of the gateway CP/UP Release 17 extends this even further the advancements from Release 16,
separation (CUPS) that was introduced with more functionalities to address Release 17, and so on.

13
Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF).
6 Ericsson | One core – the best of two worlds

Our dual-mode
5G Core products

A deeper look at our dual-mode 5G Core

products and how they can help evolve
your network.

Figure 3: Inside Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core portfolio

EPC network function 5GC network function Gi-LAN function

Data layer
Cloud Core Data-Storage Manager

UDSF UDR

Control plane

Cloud Core Cloud Core Cloud Core Cloud Core

Resource Controller Subscription Manager Policy Controller Exposure Server

NSSF NRF UDM AUSF PCF NWDAF NEF

NSACF NWDAF HSS 5G-EIR PCRF SCEF

SBA architecture
Packet Core Controller Signaling Controller
AMF SMF NWDAF SEPP BSF

MME SGW-C PGW-C DRA* SCP

User plane

Packet Core Gateway

NR SA
LTE/NR NSA UPF SGW-U PGW-U NWDAF NAT Opt FW
LTE
GSM/WCDMA
Interworking with legacy networks (e.g., HLR/AuC, BSC/RNC, SGSN, IMS)
*DA and DEA functions also supported

Dual-mode 5G Core functions

• 5G-EIR: 5G Equipment Identity Register • PCF: Policy Control Function
• AMF: Access and Mobility Management Function • PCRF: Policy and Charging Rules Function
• AUSF: Authentication Server Function • PGW-C: Packet Data Network Gateway: Control Plane
• BSF: Binding Support Function • PGW-U: Packet Data Network Gateway: User Plane
• Opt: TCP traffic and video optimization • SCEF: Service Capability Exposure Function
• DRA: Diameter Routing Agent • SCP: Service Communication Proxy
• FW: Integrated Firewall • SEPP: Security Edge Protection Proxy
• HSS: Home Subscriber Server • SGW-C: Serving Gateway: Control Plane
• MME: Mobility Management Entity • SGW-U: Serving Gateway: User Plane
• NAT: Network Address Translation • SMF: Session Management Function
• NEF: Network Exposure Function • UDM: Unified Data Management
• NRF: Network Repository Function • UDR: Unified Data Repository
• NSACF: Network Slice Admission Control Function • UDSF: Unstructured Data Storage Function
• NSSF: Network Slice Selection Function • UPF: User Plane Function
• NWDAF: Network Data Analytics Function
7 Ericsson | One core – the best of two worlds

Packet Core Gateway Examples of traffic management

Packet Core Gateway provides a common functions include: deep-packet An open and flexible UP with
container-based UP with UPF, PGW-U, inspection, content insertion such as internal service chaining leads to
SGW-U and other value-added service header enrichment, content optimization 30 percent lower footprint

30
functions such as traffic optimization, and TCP optimization, in comparison to
probing, carrier-grade network address an external TCP optimizer.
translation (CGNAT) and firewall. The Packet Core Gateway secures
It delivers advanced and highly efficient development of new services at both

%
processing of data payload, including distributed and centralized locations.
support for distributed deployment. It is also designed to be stateless with
It further supports the tight interworking user data in a centralized database.
with an existing EPC and contributes to This is key in providing superior availability,
sustainability with improved footprint session continuity, in-service software
and energy-saving solutions. upgrades (ISSU) and smooth scale in/out. Though optimized for 4G and 5G access,
The Packet Core Gateway architecture The integrated Packet Core Firewall is the Packet Core Controller interworks
scales very well with number on vCPUs, an all-in-one security offering, combining with 2G and 3G and provides support for
it facilitates the full utilization of different cloud-native UP threat mitigation and longtail/long-lived 2G and 3G services
hardware and consequently, the ability advanced security functions. It addresses such as Massive IoT and roaming when
to achieve high throughput per server security use cases for UP deployments outside of 4G and 5G coverage.
as the hardware evolves. Another in mobile broadband and IoT segments. Similar to how virtual EPC was
benefit of cloud-native architecture is its Packet Core Firewall provides the best successfully introduced with a virtual
capacity to independently scale different TCO compared to any other Packet Core MME as part of a hybrid pool, the
microservices, adapting automatically security solution maintaining 5G latency Packet Core Controller can support
to traffic variation and scaling in/out and throughput.14 the same model. This allows for a
only the affected microservices. It is The Local Packet Gateway15 is a reliable means of introducing new
designed to move traffic flows to a powerful new product, designed to cloud-native MMEs into a network
fast path with flow spraying as soon help service providers address the edge with geo-redundant pooling across
as those flows are identified. This is opportunity in virtual and hybrid 5G private our container, virtual and physical
fundamental to support 5G peak rates, network segments, to support high-data MMEs for low-risk capacity expansions
such as individual peak rates of bandwidth and low-latency use cases. It’s and operational transformations.
20/10 Gbps (downlink/uplink) per UE, an all-in-one solution, based on the same One major driver in 4G and 5G EPC
in a loaded system without impacting application software as the Packet Core for network evolution is CUPS. The
individual user performance. Gateway, including additional Gi-LAN Packet Core Controller supports new
With scalable software architecture, services, pre-integrated appliance and cloud-native UP and in addition,
the UP and CP scale independently to LCM optimized for the edge. Additionally, can also be integrated with existing native
accommodate a range of services and it has a one-server low footprint and is or virtual gateway nodes transformed
associated traffic profiles. Topological simple to deploy and manage. With the to UP only. To allow for more seamless
scalability is also supported, where Local Packet Gateway, our dual-mode mobility across EPC and 5GC, the PGW-C
CP functions are centralized while the 5G Core is brought to the edge. and SMF business logic is implemented as a
UP functions are widely distributed to combined service. This enables UEs to
support efficient traffic offload and Packet Core Controller maintain IP address and session contexts
low-latency services. Packet Core Controller provides a for gateway and Gi service chains, also in
It supports advanced payloads, complete dual-mode control plane in a case of handovers between 5GC and EPC.
processing value-added traffic single product. It is efficient at controlling Like the Packet Core Gateway, this product
management functions that are selectively device network access, mobility and is designed to be stateless with user data
based on intelligent traffic steering, so that session management, including 5GC in a centralized database. Building on
the traffic from radio to internet is processed capabilities with AMF and SMF. how most service providers are deploying
within a single microservice without any It comes with complete support and operating their networks today,
east–west traffic. We’ve developed for EPC signaling with SGW-C, organization flexibility with access
value-added functions provided by PGW-C and MME functions based and mobility management, separated
Packet Core Gateway, such as Transmission on millions of lines of redesigned, from IP service delivery, is supported.
Control Protocol (TCP) optimization and industry-hardened code from Ericsson This is provided with one set/pool
probing or integrating 3PP like CGNAT MME and SGW-C/PGW-C business logic. of instances for combined MME/AMF
or firewall. Managing a single entity The product also provides low risk and and other instances for SGW-C and
instead of several drives a significant the best time to market (TTM) for 5GC PGW-C functionalities across EPC and
reduction in TCO in both capex and opex. deployments, by supporting overlay 5GC. O&M of Northbound Interfaces (NBI)
deployments with a rich feature set in and information models are also unified for
AMF and SMF, validated in leading all underlying NFs to greatly improve ease
Tier 1 live operations. of use and TCO.

14For more information, please see the Mastering complete 5G network security guide.
15For more information, please see: Embrace the 5G edge opportunity.
8 Ericsson | One core – the best of two worlds

Signaling Controller Cloud Core Resource Controller Cloud Core Subscription Manager16
Signaling Controller handles all the Cloud Core Resource Controller is the Cloud Core Subscription Manager is
communication signaling between commercial realization of the NRF, NSSF the commercial realization of the
various 4G and 5G Core NFs. The product and NSACF functions in the 5G Core. UDM/Authentication Credential Repository
implements the 3GPP NFs such as SCP, BSF The product provides control of network and Processing Function (ARPF) and AUSF
and SEPP in the SBA of the 5GC. resources and services, securing awareness functions in 5GC, and evolves HSS-EPC,
The SCP function inside the product is a of the status and use toward the other NFs. HSS-IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and
central element in the overall 5GC network Based on this, the Cloud Core Resource EIR functions in 3G and 4G core networks.
which simplifies the network topology, Controller can dynamically steer the UE’s It supports 3G, 4G and 5G NFs providing
aggregates signaling from all 5GC NFs, traffic from one slice to another, to fulfil optimal and efficient interworking with
performs load balancing, distribution, commercial service requirements and existing HSS in the legacy domain.
signaling throttling, signaling prioritization, admission control of the number of UE and The product handles identifiers,
parameter harmonization, and handles PDU sessions for network slicing, in order to authentication, registration, mobility
signaling storms. The BSF function inside secure expected quality of experience (QoE). and subscription data management for
the product ensures various sessions The key role of NRF inside the product multiple end-user devices. It executes
belonging to a single subscriber originating is to provide resource control in the access authentication of these devices
on different interfaces are bound together network in an automated way, where connecting over 3G, 4G and 5G, and
and routed towards the same PCF. This is resources include NFs and NF services. secures the radio-access type with the
mandatory when there are two or more NRF maintains the NF profile of available best quality at any time, harmonizing
PCFs in the network to select from. The NF instances and their supported services, the service experience over the different
use cases cover the 5G voice and NEF. received from NFs during registration. access technologies. The Cloud Core
The SEPP function connects to roaming NRF functionality removes the need for Subscription Manager also supports
partner networks and is a requirement network configuration every time a new overload-protection mechanisms to secure
to enable 5G roaming and security. The NF is added or removed from the network, high, resilient telco-grade performances.
SEPP supports both direct and indirect or every time NF capacity is updated due The service continuity is secured by the
(through an IPX) roaming connections. to scale-in or scale-out. NRF also provides support of advanced 3GPP interworking
Signaling Controller also comes with key functionalities to improve robustness mechanisms, such as UDICOM, to support
complete support for Diameter-based in the network due to its crucial role in the multi-vendor interworking procedures for
signaling functions such as Diameter 5GC architecture. cross-domain authentication, handover,
Agent (DA), Diameter Edge Agent (DEA), The key role of NSSF inside the product IMS and SMS communications.
Diameter Routing Agent (DRA) and server is to dynamically place a UE on the most The Cloud Core Subscription Manager
lookup function. Signaling Controller suitable slice according to a service also offers, as an optional functionality,
includes a unified signaling firewall that provider’s defined policies. It provides the Authentication Security Module. This
secures networks across 2G, 3G, 4G policy-based realization of NSSF, is a premium solution for protecting the
and 5G technologies. enabling the implementation of service subscriber authentication procedure,
The product is designed on robustness provider policies for network slicing by means of combining ARPF with a
principles and covers both the 4G and 5G in real-time, based on NSSF user and hardware security module to physically
signaling needs for service providers. network context awareness. protect cryptographic keys and identifiers,
It implements the same logic and It also includes NSACF to support credentials and encryption algorithms into
behavior across the Diameter and quota-based admission control among dedicated, external hardware storage.
HTTP signaling domains. The Signaling multiple network slice instances, in order
Controller also offers multi-vendor to avoid overloading, and impact on
support, for example, with indirect service-level agreement.
communication options C and D,
as specified by 3GPP Release 16.

16
For more information, please see the Cloud-native subscription and data management in 5G guide.
9 Ericsson | One core – the best of two worlds

Figure 4: Foster business innovation with network exposure capabilities

Cloud Core Exposure Server

Standard APIs

Developer APIs Security Standard APIs

Application
API Gateway and Management function
Service APIs (Enterprise,
HCP/service
Composed Service APIs Edge Exp APIs provider Edge)

API Composition

Edge Exp APIs 4G network APIs 5G network APIs

Edge Exposure Dual-mode network exposure

Server SCEF NEF

Hiding 4G network complexity Hiding 5G network complexity

T4 S6t, Rx T6a IPFi Nnef

S6m xSGi

EPC 5GC

4G devices 5G devices

Cloud Core Policy Controller and categories, while automating enabling them to securely expose and
Cloud Core Policy Controller provides the the configuration of network policies monetize the 3G, 4G and 5G core network
PCF function in 5GC and includes support end-to-end. capabilities toward external parties.
for EPC (2G/3G/4G) networks with The Cloud Core Policy Controller The product supports the modular
PCRF capabilities. is a perfect fit for new networks, and flexible deployment of embedded
It offers a centralized policy control giving a fresh programmability or standalone NEF, SCEF and API
point for the new-generation core dimension. Closed loops with AI modules Gateway and management modules,
networks, providing the tools to will allow fresh information flow from offering service providers maximum
dynamically optimize the service the UP, adapting the policies to the flexibility in designing their network
delivery settings to provide the best actual network behavior. All of this is exposure platform. With multi-layered
QoE. It offers all of the cloud-native complemented by the geographically and flexible security mechanisms,
advantages together with our experience redundant configuration for maximum it can secure your network while
in policy with the main global operators. resilience and robustness. exposing the capabilities and new
User experience is one of the key assets business innovations to third parties.
of the Cloud Core Policy Controller. Policy Cloud Core Exposure Server The product can also be used to expose
handling has been simplified and flexibility Cloud Core Exposure Server is the network capabilities internally
increased, allowing multiple configuration commercial realization of the NEF to your trusted domain.
options. It is possible to deploy different function in the 5GC, as well as the evolution The Cloud Core Exposure Server
flavors, specialized in either session of SCEF in 3G and 4G core networks. plays a key role in making a network
management or in user, access and As seen in Figure 4, it is an exposure programmable, and enabling revenue
mobility management. platform able to aggregate 4G and 5G growth by Open Network API exposure
The integrated Ericsson 5G Core network Application Programming to application developers, elevating a
Policy Studio17 enables centralized control Interfaces (APIs), enabled by SCEF service provider’s role in the ecosystem.
and configuration of 5G (and 4G) core and NEF, and to compose them for the Based on the Cloud Core Exposure
network policies, providing a powerful creation and the secure exposure of Server, the Edge Exposure Server18
network programmability tool to make advanced service APIs. provides simplified and feature
it easier for service providers to configure Service APIs can be designed around enrichments APIs for edge applications,
new innovative services tailored to the concrete use cases that service such as user equipment information API,
different consumer and enterprise needs providers want to address in the market, network QoS API and location API.

17Network policy management with 5G Core Policy Studio.

18For more information, please see: Edge exposure.
10 Ericsson | One core – the best of two worlds

Cloud Core Data-Storage Manager This ability to act as one common data The Cloud Core Data-Storage Manager
Cloud Core Data-Storage Manager19 is the repository for all network domains can secures high reliability of stored data
commercial realization of the UDR and optimize the data storage resource with fast recovery time, and a minimized
UDSF functions in the 5GC, including some usage. The one common provisioning service impact if severe network issues
key functionalities for interworking with is also secured by the external Ericsson should arise, thanks to auto‑healing,
3G and 4G application front ends. Dynamic Activation (EDA) product overload protection at solution level
It stores subscriber and network control for simplified data management (back end – front end), and the triple
data, and user and service profiles for and configuration. redundancy mechanisms.
5G NR, as well as 2G, 3G and 4G access, The support of a built‑in automated The Cloud Core Data-Storage Manager
enabling a smooth migration to 5G. It is migration procedure secures is a cloud-native database, fulfilling the
based on UDR and UDSF NFs that allow cost‑effective projects with faster needs of cloud-native deployments, but still
flexible distribution of data storage points automated subscriber data migration coping with telco-grade characteristics.
across different network slices and NFs from legacy Ericsson databases into The Cloud Core Data-Storage Manager
to address all the various needs for data the dual‑mode cloud-native common addresses telco data repository needs
centralization or distribution. repository. When compared to the (dynamicity, access speed and frequency,
The Cloud Core Data-Storage Manager traditional data migration activities in and data structure) in a cloud-native
can support multiple types of structured legacy SDM solutions, service providers environment, securing high-level
and unstructured data, including several can migrate more subscribers per day, telco-grade robustness based on unique
standard interfaces to connect both legacy at any time (not only during maintenance protection mechanisms that are well
and 5G application front ends, including, windows), and without a stop in consolidated and proven in the market,
including the new Nudr interface. provisioning or an impact on traffic. such as overload protection.

19For more information, please see the Cloud-native subscription and data management in 5G guide.
11 Ericsson | One core – the best of two worlds

Automated operations
for speed and efficiency

Beyond functional compliance to 3GPP specifications

and advanced functionalities, our dual-mode
5G Core solution includes several enhancements.

To enable service differentiation Cloud-native and ISSU greatly improve TCO, going from
and efficient network operation with microservice architecture maintenance windows and traffic migration
lower TCO, enhancements such as Our software architecture is based to smaller daytime updates as a subscription
cloud-native software architecture, on cloud-native design principles. offering service (CI/CD).
continuous integration and continuous Applications are delivered and executed as
deployment (CI/CD), unified O&M a set of containers and are designed to run
and automation support, and network on a Kubernetes CaaS. The adopted cloud native
slice optimizations are included in our The modularity of our software, known design principles:20
dual-mode 5G Core solution. as microservices, has been selected • agnosticity
to facilitate a short TTM for future • decomposed software
functionalities with limited inter-module • application resiliency
dependencies. LCM is moved from NF • state-optimized design
to microservice level, including support • orchestration and automation
for ISSU and automated upgrades.

Figure 5: The CI/CD flow for service providers

Continuous Phased
deployment release to
production site
and slices

Continuous
integration Software testing Validation
and end-to-end testing and monitoring

Customization,
Continuous tuning, integration Service
delivery provider Data
collection

Continuous
Continuous
release
improvement

R&D and
service delivery
Software
supply
Feedback

Continuous
improvement

20For more information, please see The cloud-native transformation guide.

12 Ericsson | One core – the best of two worlds

CI/CD Network slicing capabilities are supported NWDAF is designed to overcome market
Ericsson’s continuous software in 4G, such as enhancements for Dedicated fragmentation and proprietary solutions
integration, delivery and deployment Core Networks in EPC, and are further in the area of network analytics,
are based on decades of experience in enhanced with new functionality in the streamlining the way core network data
telco app characteristics and have been dual-mode 5G Core. With 5G Core, a is produced and consumed, as well as
explored with several leading service device can simultaneously be connected to generating insights and taking actions
providers in VNF and cloud-native multiple slices, opening up new use cases. based on these insights. Building on
network function (CNF) introduction. Slice selection can be made based Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core and Expert
CI/CD is fundamental in leveraging on user-subscription data and any dynamic Analytics solutions, we provide two types
cloud native benefits,21 and from engaging policies, supported by the slice database. of NWDAF deployment: co-located and
with service providers globally we’ve Ericsson Dynamic Network Slice Selection,22 standalone NWDAF. Our cloud-native
learned that automation developed based on 3GPP-standardized URSP and NWDAF is 3GPP-standardized and
and delivered together with a product with end-to-end management, enables enables custom analytics use cases to
allows easy adoption and LCM of the flexible separation of services and enhances lower costs, increase service quality and
automation solution. CI/CD pipelines for the traffic steering to maximize QoE on a enable smoother operations.
preparation, deployment and validation of single device. The solution has achieved
new software versions is best done by the several global firsts and can be smoothly
vendor that designed the software. Ericsson introduced using the dual-mode 5G Core. Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core and
CI/CD implementation based on Continuous Furthermore, new functions and its products are built on these design
Delivery and Deployment (CDD), and procedures are supported, which allow for principles and tools:
corresponding automation workflows are better control of how devices can connect • common design rules
developed, tested and released with the to slices and for end-to-end monitoring. • common architecture principles
products. Global usage of CDD in R&D, Network slicing, in combination with • a common reference
service delivery, and our customers, secure the possibility to distribute applications orchestration platform
quality for each release together with across centralized and distributed • a common set of platform services
reduced opex and faster TTM. edge data centers, depending on use • common and powerful CI/CD and
A key enabler to cut time and cost case requirements, is a key enabler to deployment pipelines
of software deployment is the Ericsson simplifying operations and increasing
Automated Acceptance Tests (AAT) deployment flexibility. We are further This enables true DevOps with all
tool for the acceptance test procedure. supporting edge opportunities with its benefits. Applications can be
It simulates RAN, including 5G NR products such as Local Packet Gateway delivered on Ericsson CaaS or
and end-user traffic, and can perform and Edge Exposure Server. third-party CaaS. Ericsson’s
automatic verification of the whole dual-mode 5G Core is in commercial
dual-mode solution. Network analytics live operation using Ericsson CaaS
There are high expectations on the 5G Core or third-party CaaS, both on VM or
LCM, high automation and unified O&M network to use the benefits of automated bare-metal infrastructure. We are also
Our dual-mode 5G Core solution’s NFs offer data-driven networks AI and automation working with service providers to run
a common management interface, covering for network optimization to deliver superior the solution on CNCF-compliant HCPs.
both EPC and 5G Core capabilities, and network experiences. Networks that can
is designed to fit with a next-generation learn and improve will soon be the industry
operations support system. standard. This is where Ericsson’s NWDAF23
This simplifies automation of the comes into play.
solution’s O&M but does not prevent
more granular LCM of individual
software modules.
It can be used for dynamic and flexible
scaling of individual software modules
based on capacity needs, such as rebalance
EPC versus 5GC resource usage, as the
terminal fleet evolves over time.
With dual-mode, the cloud infrastructure
can be dimensioned on an aggregated level
and our calculations show savings
in the order of 20 percent.

Network slicing and edge computing

The dual-mode 5G Core solution comes
with built-in network slicing capabilities
to enable new business models across a
wide range of industries.
It allows service providers to segment
the network to support particular
services, and deploy multiple logical
networks for different service types over
one common infrastructure.

21For more information, please see the CI/CD: Continuous software for continuous change guide.
22Ericsson Dynamic Network Slice Selection - Tailored multiple slices for your smartphone.
23Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF).
13 Ericsson | One core – the best of two worlds

Sustainability and cost savings

using dual-mode 5G Core

Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core has been designed to handle the

programmability, automated operation and digital exposure required
to meet future challenges and business enhancements.

3GPP SBA and microservice-based A cornerstone of our dual-mode 5G Core One example of an additional function
cloud native NFs, delivered as one is the unified O&M for EPC and 5G Core, in the platform that can significantly
software platform, enable substantial as described in Figure 6. A unified NBI improve ease of use and reduce TCO is
benefits as new technologies and with information models, naming of the built-in software probe and NWDAF
architecture are introduced, while counters, alarms and so on, helps to reduce solution, which enables efficient interface
protecting current investments. complexity and improve ease of use. mirroring and event reporting with KPIs.24
Leveraging the SBA together with one The solution also includes automation Data is streamed to external consumers,
unified O&M reduces network and support, enabling automation with AI which reduces the need for external
O&M integration compared to today. and machine learning, and flexibility tapping and probes, resulting in footprint
The dual-mode 5G Core software platform in the orchestration solution for easy savings of up to 60 percent and opex
also creates a foundation for new migration from EPC. The solution savings of 90 percent with built-in
capabilities and ways of working. contributes to sustainability with efficient software probes, compared to external
Together with the application of CI/CD, use of resources. With dynamic allocation hardware probes.
it provides savings to an order of more of resources, dimensioning can be done Another example is the network
than 60 percent in a fully cloud-native on aggregated traffic, saving up to license server, which handles licenses
environment for software upgrades. 20 percent of core network infrastructure, from one network area instead of local
ISSU and individual LCM per though this will vary from case to case. certificates per CNF.
microservice permit upgrades during We are also seeing significant footprint
daytime, eliminating costly nightly and integration cost savings with an
maintenance windows and taking your open and flexible UP with internal
savings even further. service chaining.

Figure 6: One unified O&M

Common services components such as O&M O&M NBI

Fault Performance Configuration Other common

Logging Prometheus
management management management microservices

Microservice communication, for example, message bus

Microservice Microservice Microservice Microservice

Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type N

Business logic components for VNF functionality

CaaS

24Securing the 5G experience with software probes.

14 Ericsson | One core – the best of two worlds

Summary

Key insights and learnings from large 5G SA deployments.

Through close cooperation with multiple We collected many key insights and A proven one core network
service providers that are rolling out learnings25 from our partnerships with Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core solution
5G SA early, we have had the opportunity service providers when launching their delivers a programmable core network
to tune our dual-mode 5G Core solution in commercial 5G Core networks that you for a secure and cost-efficient evolution
large commercial live networks globally. can take forward on your 5G journey: of your existing networks. It is based
In China, our commercial solution has • use the cloud-native transformation on cloud-native design principles,
been live since 2020. This includes to drive the modernization of the rest a flexible combination of NFs, and a
launching complex services like VoNR of the business proven multi-access core solution that
and EPS fallback. • focus on the 3 Ps – people, processes includes support for 5G NR (NSA and SA).
Working with service providers in and platform – the importance Our solution is verified in commercial
commercial live 5G Core networks, we of people and culture cannot be live networks, and has been since 2019.
have verified around 30 5G Core interfaces overstated, nor can the ability to Since September 2022, more than
with 20 vendors’ equipment. With our ramp-up resources and competence 80 percent26 of the world’s top 20 service
end-to-end 5G SA, including both RAN • build a complete platform with other providers have selected our cloud-native
and Core, we have engaged early in ecosystem players for 5G monetization dual-mode 5G Core for 5GC.
interoperability device testing with major – improve marketing of 5G SA to gain
chipset and device vendors, proving the perception leadership and create demand
efficacy of the dual-mode 5G Core solution for new use cases This guide is part of our cloud-native
in multi-vendor environments. • invest in CI/CD and dare to work in a live 5G Core network guide series 2.0,
system with an agile methodology to which explores the topics that should
reach the agility and speed expected of 5G be considered when deploying and
• take advantage of the power of the evolving your 5G Core network.
cloud-native toolsets To discover the full series, please visit
• device testing is a separate challenge ericsson.com/5g-core-guide
– team up early

Why adopt Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core solution:

• work with the most experienced partner to support service providers
in transformation
• deploy one core network for improved footprint and energy savings
• enable new revenue with use case development with ecosystem and partners
• ease the operation of cloud-native EPC and 5GC with leading capabilities
• assure deployment flexibility with validated CNCF-compliant CaaS platforms

Sustainability and cost savings with Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core:

• 20 percent savings in infrastructure
• 30 percent savings in UP footprint with efficient Gi-LAN consolidation
• over 60 percent reduction in opex for software upgrades
• 60 percent footprint savings and 90 percent opex savings with built-in
software probes

25For an extended list, read the guide Accelerate your core network transformation to cloud native.
26
Number excludes awards, friendly user trials and soft launches.
About Ericsson Ericsson enables communications service providers
and enterprises to capture the full value of connectivity.
The company’s portfolio spans the following business
areas: Networks, Cloud Software and Services, Enterprise
Wireless Solutions, Global Communications Platform,
and Technologies and New Businesses. It is designed to
help our customers go digital, increase efficiency and find
new revenue streams. Ericsson’s innovation investments
have delivered the benefits of mobility and mobile
broadband to billions of people globally. Ericsson stock
is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and on Nasdaq New York.
www.ericsson.com

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Telephone +46 10 719 0000 continued progress in methodology,
www.ericsson.com design and manufacturing. Ericsson
shall have no liability for any error or
damage of any kind resulting from the
use of this document