5G Network Architecture Design Guides

5 G network architecture and design encompass two key aspects: system design and networking design.

The system design focuses on the realization of logical functions and the information exchange process between different functions. The aiming is to build a unified end-to-end network logical architecture with a more rational functional plane division.

On the other hand, the networking design emphasizes the implementation of equipment platforms and network deployment. Leveraging the potential of the new infrastructure environment based on SDN/NFV technology to enhance networking flexibility and security.

5G System Design: Logical and Functional Views

The logical view of the 5G network consists of three functional planes:

1. Access Plane: Introduces multi-site collaboration, multi-connection mechanisms, and multi-standard fusion technology to build a more flexible access network topology.
2. Control Plane: Based on the reconfigurable centralized network control function, it provides on-demand access, mobility, and session management, supporting refined resource management and control, as well as comprehensive capability opening.
3. Forwarding Plane: Features distributed data forwarding and processing functions, offering more dynamic anchor point settings and richer business chain processing capabilities.

The 5G network adopts a modular functional design pattern based on the overall logical architecture. By combining “functional components,” it builds dedicated logical networks that cater to the needs of different application scenarios.

The 5G network takes the control function as the core and the network access and forwarding functions as basic resources.

Providing management orchestration and network opening services upwards, forming a three-dimensional network functional view.

The three-layer network functional view consists of:

1. Management Orchestration Layer:

• User Data Function: Stores information such as user subscriptions, service policies, and network status.
• Management Orchestration Function: Enables on-demand orchestration of network functions and on-demand creation of network slices based on network function virtualization technology.
• Capability Opening Function: Provides unified collection and encapsulation of network information, exposing it to third parties through APIs.

2. Network Control Layer:

• Realizes the reconstruction and modularization of network control functions.
• Main functional modules include centralized wireless resources, unified management and control of multiple accesses, mobility management, session management, security management, and traffic grooming.
• Functional components are combined according to the instructions of the management and orchestration layer to realize flexible scheduling of the resource layer.

3. Network Resource Layer:

• Includes access side functions and network side functions.
• Access Side:
  • Central Unit (CU): Provides service aggregation functions on the access side.
  • Distribution Unit (DU): Provides data access points for terminals, including radio frequency and some signal processing functions.
• Network Side:
  • Focuses on implementing functions such as data forwarding, traffic optimization, and content services.
  • Based on distributed anchor points and flexible forwarding path settings, data packets are directed to corresponding processing nodes. Enabling efficient forwarding and rich data processing, such as deep packet inspection, content charging, and traffic compression.