5G Network Architecture
5G Network Architecture
The first component of the 5G architecture is the transport network, which connects the 5G RAN to the core network. It can be divided into three segments: fronthaul, midhaul, and backhaul. The Distributed Unit (DU) connects to the Remote Radio Unit (RRU) via the fronthaul network. Each DU can cover distances ranging from a few kilometers to over 50 kilometers and controls multiple antennas. The midhaul performs intermediate connectivity by linking the Distributed Unit (DU) to the Central Unit (CU). Finally, the backhaul connects the Central Unit and remote/mobile systems to the core network.
In addition to the transport network, the 5G core network consists of multiple components for access and control. In the Service-Based Architecture (SBA), these components are organized into a set of interconnected Network Functions (NFs), including the NF Repository Function (NRF), Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), Policy Control Function (PCF), User Plane Function (UPF), Session Management Function (SMF), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), and Data Network (DN).
On the User Equipment (UE) side, access is controlled and executed through gNB nodes, which communicate with AMF and UPF services via the NG interface. The NG interface carries both user plane and control plane protocols: the user plane facilitates Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions, while the control plane manages session and network connectivity, including service requests and transport resources.
The first component of the 5G architecture is the transport network, which connects the 5G RAN to the core network. It can be divided into three segments: fronthaul, midhaul, and backhaul. The Distributed Unit (DU) connects to the Remote Radio Unit (RRU) via the fronthaul network. Each DU can cover distances ranging from a few kilometers to over 50 kilometers and controls multiple antennas. The midhaul performs intermediate connectivity by linking the Distributed Unit (DU) to the Central Unit (CU). Finally, the backhaul connects the Central Unit and remote/mobile systems to the core network.
In addition to the transport network, the 5G core network consists of multiple components for access and control. In the Service-Based Architecture (SBA), these components are organized into a set of interconnected Network Functions (NFs), including the NF Repository Function (NRF), Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), Policy Control Function (PCF), User Plane Function (UPF), Session Management Function (SMF), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), and Data Network (DN).
On the User Equipment (UE) side, access is controlled and executed through gNB nodes, which communicate with AMF and UPF services via the NG interface. The NG interface carries both user plane and control plane protocols: the user plane facilitates Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions, while the control plane manages session and network connectivity, including service requests and transport resources.