Why 5G Core Is Needed

- Overview

5G Core (5GC) is important because it enables mission-critical applications, Industry 4.0, IoT services, and consumer personalization. 5GC is designed to offer high speed, flexibility, and power efficiency. 

5GC uses the new 3GPP network architecture to provide faster connectivity speeds, ultra-low latency, and higher bit rates and network reliability. It can also help with: 

• Lower latency
• Better reliability
• Massive connection density
• Improved energy efficiency

5GC can also help with: 

• Better video streaming
• Better voice calls
• Safer transportation
• Remote healthcare
• Precision agriculture
• Digitized logistics

5GC's network functions are similar to 4G core, but are built using cloud-native technologies and 5G Service Based Architecture.

- Evolving from EPC To 5G Core

Network evolution from EPC to 5G core plays a central role in creating a network platform for Communication Service Providers (CSPs) to extract more value and become contributors to existing and emerging ecosystems. 

The Evolved Packet Core (EPC) is a key component of 5G architecture, but the 5G core network, or 5G Core (5GC), has evolved beyond the traditional EPC of 4G/LTE.

The 5GC is the core of a 5G mobile network. It controls data and control plane operations, including: 

• Aggregating data traffic
• Communicating with UE
• Delivering essential network services
• Providing extra layers of security
• Mobility management
• Authentication
• Authorization
• Data management
• Policy management
• Quality of service (QOS) for end users

The EPC is a framework for providing converged voice and data services on a 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network. It unifies voice and data on an IP service architecture, and both are treated as IP applications. 

The evolution from EPC to 5GC and RAN will be central in meeting the needs of new services as the number of connected devices grows.

- Why You Need A 5G Core

In addition to 5G New Radio (NR), the 5G core is the fundamental cornerstone of a 5G network. You may have heard of advanced 5G use cases that will revolutionize the daily lives of businesses and consumers due to ultra-low network latency and extremely high throughput. But none of this would be possible without the 5G Core (5GC). 

Currently, the vast majority of commercial 5G deployments are based on NR Non-Standalone (NSA) technology, which uses existing LTE radio access for signaling between devices and the network, as well as Evolved Packet Core (EPC) networks which are enhanced to support 5G NSA network. 

This approach allows for the rapid introduction of new 5G services while maximizing reuse of existing 4G networks. However, to unlock the full potential of 5G NR Standalone (SA) and 5G Core (5GC) are required. 

The new 5GC architecture can meet not only the needs of today, but also the needs of the future – elevating mobile communications to unprecedented levels and enabling the digitization of society as a whole. 

5G Core and 5G New Radio Standalone will enable communication service providers to realize the full potential of 5G. This, in turn, will open up a wealth of new business opportunities for mobile users and the industry. 

In a nutshell, 5GC is the foundational part of a 5G network for:  

• Enhanced end user experience (UX) 
• Simplify network operations 
• Improve service creation agility 
• Improve network capabilities