4G & 5G CN UNIT1

MAILAM ENGINEERING COLLEGE
CEC331-4G / 5G COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
UNIT I EVOLUTION OF WIRELESS NETWORKS
Networks evolution: 2G,3G,4G, evolution of radio access networks, need for 5G. 4G
versus 5G, Next Generation core (NG-core), visualized Evolved Packet core(vEPC).
PART-A
1.Write the short notes about the evolution of wireless networks.
We are now used to booking cars, transferring money, ordering food and booking
of tickets etc., through online. All of this made possible by growth of the wireless network
infrastructure that helping the people to communicate with each other using voice and
transferring data by offering higher bandwidth and supporting more connections.
Today, wireless networks are not just connecting people, but also connecting businesses
and almost everything in the world.
2. What are the Key features (technology) of the 1G system?
➢ Frequency 800 MHz and 900 MHz

➢ Bandwidth: 10 MHz (666 duplex channels with a bandwidth of 30 KHz)
➢ Technology: Analogue switching
➢ Modulation: Frequency Modulation (FM)
➢ Mode of service: voice only
➢ Access technique: Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA)
3. List out the disadvantages of 1G system.
➢ Poor voice quality due to interference

➢ Poor battery life
➢ Large-sized mobile phones (not convenient to carry)
➢ Less security
➢ A limited number of users and cell coverage
➢ Roaming was not possible between similar systems
4. Give short notes on GSM network architecture layers.

GSM network architecture had 2 layers:
➢ Base Station Subsystem (BSS)
The BSS had the base station and the base station control function.
➢ Network Switching Subsystem (NSS).
The NSS had the core network elements. The core network elements in the
NSS were responsible for the switching of calls between the mobile and other
landline or mobile network users, and also it provides services including

authentication and roaming.
5. What are the Key features of the 2G system?
➢ The digital system (switching)

➢ SMS services are possible
➢ Roaming is possible
➢ Enhanced security
6. List out the disadvantages of the 2G system.
➢ Low data rate

➢ Limited mobility
➢ Less features on mobile devices
➢ Limited number of users and hardware capability
7. List out the three distinct entities in 3G network architecture.
3G network architecture has three distinct entities:
➢ User Equipment (UE)

➢ Radio Access Network (RAN)
➢ Core Network
8. What is radio access network (RAN)?
The RAN, also known as the UMTS Radio Access Network is the equivalent of the previous
Base Station Subsystem (BSS) in GSM.
RAN includes the Node B function and the Radio Network Controller (RNC) function. The
Node B function provides the air interface. The RNC manages the air interface for the
overall network.
9.What does the Core Network provides?
The core network is the equivalent of Network Switching Subsystem in GSM and
provides all the central processing and management for the system. Core network has
“both circuit switched and packet switched network elements."
10.What are the functions did 3G core network architecture performs?
3G core network architecture consists of the following functions:
➢ Home Location register (HLR)

➢ Equipment Identity Register (EIR)

➢ Authentication Centre (AUC)
➢ Mobile switching center (MSC)
11. Give short notes about HLR, EIR, AUC and MSC.
Home Location register (HLR):
HLR is a database that contains all information about the subscriber including
their last known location.
Equipment Identity Register (EIR):
The EIR is the function that decides whether a user equipment is allowed onto the
network or not. EIR is used for blocking or monitoring calls from a stolen user equipment.
Thus, EIR identifies a stolen equipment.
Authentication Centre (AUC):
AUC is used for storing a shared secret key with a running algorithm, which gets
generated and burned in the SIM card.
Mobile switching center (MSC):
MSC is responsible for functions such as routing calls and SMS messages. It interfaces
with the HLR for keeping track of subscriber location and does call handovers/handoffs,
when the mobile subscriber moves from one location to another.
➢ Higher data rate

➢ Video calling
➢ Enhanced security, more users, and coverage
➢ Mobile app support
➢ Multimedia message support
➢ Location tracking and maps
➢ Better web browsing
➢ TV streaming
➢ High-quality 3D games
13.List out the Disadvantages of 3G systems.
➢ Expensive spectrum licenses

➢ Costly infrastructure, equipment, and implementation
➢ Higher bandwidth requirements to support a higher data rate
➢ Costly mobile devices
➢ Much higher data rates up to 1Gbps

➢ Enhanced security and mobility
➢ Reduced latency
➢ High-definition video streaming and gaming
➢ Voice over LTE network VoLTE
15.List out the Disadvantages of the 4G system.
➢ Expensive hardware and infrastructure

➢ Costly spectrum
➢ Wide deployment
16. List out the evolution of Radio Access Network (RAN) in table.
17.List out and explain in short notes about the two distinct units of RAN.
RAN has two distinct units - the Remote Radio Head (RRH)and the Baseband Unit (BBU).
One end of the RRH is connected to the antenna and the other end to the BBU.
RRH acts as a transceiver converting the analog signals to digital signals and vice versa.
In addition, RRH also does filtering of noise and amplification of signals.
The Baseband Unit (BBU) provides switching, traffic management, timing, baseband
processing, and radio interfacing functions.
18.List out the need of 5G.
Here is the list of factors that drive the need for 5G technology:
➢ Internet of Things (IOT) will require an

➢ 3D video and Ultra High-Definition Video streaming applications are hungry for
additional bandwidth.
➢ Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality enabled gaming, video streaming and
industrial applications require sub-millisecond latencies.
➢ reduce operational expenses.
19.List out the key features of 5G technology.
➢ Ultra-fast mobile internet up to 10Gbps

➢ Low latency in milliseconds
➢ Higher security and reliable network
➢ Uses technologies like small cells and beamforming to improve efficiency
➢ Cloud-based infrastructure offers power efficiency, easy maintenance, and
upgrade of hardware
20.What is Next Generation Core (NG-Core)?

NG-Core includes several network functions that provide services such as authentication,
mobility management, policy control and network slicing. Communication between
network functions use simplified HTTP based RESTful APIs.
21. List out the functions in Network Functions in NG-Core.

5G NG-Core architecture comprises of the following network functions:
1. Authentication Server Function (AUSF)
2. Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)
3. Data Network (DN)
4. Network Exposure Function (NEF)
5. Network Repository Function (NRF)

6. Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF)
7. Policy Control Function (PCF)
8. Session Management Function (SMF)
9. Unified Data Management (UDM)
10. User Plane Function (UPF)
11. Application Function (AF)
22. What is Virtualization of Evolved Packet Core (vEPC).

A Virtual Evolved Packet Core (vEPC) is a framework for mobile networks voice and data
processing and switching that is implemented by Network Functions Virtualization (NFV),
which virtualizes the functions of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC).
23.what are two methods in which a Virtualized Evolved Packet Core (EPC)
The two methods in which a Virtualized Evolved Packet Core (EPC) are:
1. An all-in-one Virtual EPC (vEPC)
2. Standalone instances of MME, PGW, SGW, HSS and PCRF.
24.Write the difference between 4G and 5G.

PART-B
1.EVOLUTION OF WIRELESS NETWORKS:
Today, technology has become an integral part of our life and it’s changed our lifestyle
with smartphones and app application of services.
We are now used to booking cars, transferring money, ordering food and booking of
tickets etc., through online. All of this made possible by growth of the wireless network
infrastructure that helping the people to communicate with each other using voice and
transferring data by offering higher bandwidth and supporting more connections.
Today, wireless networks are not just connecting people, but also connecting businesses
and almost everything in the world.
Now we look the evolution of wireless networks from 1 G to 5G
❖ 1G NETWORKS
In 1983, the first-generation wireless network also called as 1G network was launched
in US using the Motorola DynaTAC mobile phone. Later on, the 1G technology was
launched in other countries such as the UK and Canada.
The 1G technology was primarily used for making voice calls over wireless network
based on analog telecommunication standards. The Motorola DynaTAC 8000x is the
first commercial mobile phone used for making analog voice calls. The phone looked
almost like cordless phone handset and weighed 1.75 lbs. i.e., equal to 0.77
kilograms.
Key features (technology) of the 1G system:
➢ Frequency 800 MHz and 900 MHz

➢ Bandwidth: 10 MHz (666 duplex channels with a bandwidth of 30 KHz)
➢ Technology: Analogue switching
➢ Modulation: Frequency Modulation (FM)
➢ Mode of service: voice only

➢ Access technique: Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA)
Disadvantages of 1G system:
➢ Poor voice quality due to interference

➢ Poor battery life
➢ Large-sized mobile phones (not convenient to carry)
➢ Less security
➢ A limited number of users and cell coverage
➢ Roaming was not possible between similar systems
❖ 2G NETWORKS
In 1991, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) published the standards
for 2G technology. 2G technology, was launched in 1992 and had the ability to handle
voice calls over digital systems. In addition to voice calls, 2G also supported Short
Messaging Services (SMS).
2G offered wider coverage when compared to 1G network. It enabled users to send
text messages to each other, over a wireless network.
GSM network architecture had 2 layers:

➢ Base Station Subsystem (BSS)
The BSS had the base station and the base station control function.
➢ Network Switching Subsystem (NSS).
The NSS had the core network elements. The core network elements in the
NSS were responsible for the switching of calls between the mobile and other
landline or mobile network users, and also it provides services including
authentication and roaming.
Later 2.5G technology established and include the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)
and also resulted in the growth of mobile phones such as Blackberry, which offered
mobile email services. it offered 56 - 114 Kbps data speed.
Key features of the 2G system:
➢ The digital system (switching)

➢ SMS services are possible
➢ Roaming is possible
➢ Enhanced security
Disadvantages of the 2G system:
➢ Low data rate

➢ Limited mobility
➢ Less features on mobile devices
➢ Limited number of users and hardware capability
❖ 3G NETWORKS
3G cellular services were launched in the year 2003. 3G was much more advanced,
when compared to 2G/2.5G and offered up to 2 Mbps speed, supporting
location-based services and multimedia services. It was ideal for web browsing.
Android, the open-source mobile operating system became popular with 3G.
it offers greater spectral efficiency and bandwidth to mobile network operators.

Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) species a complete network

system, which includes the radio access network (Terrestrial Radio Access Network),
the core network (Mobile Application Part) and the authentication of users via SIM
(Subscriber Identity Module) cards.
3G network architecture has three distinct entities:
User Equipment (UE):
The term User Equipment is the handsets such as mobile phones or cell phones used for
making voice calls and data exchange.
Radio Access Network (RAN):
"The RAN, also known as the UMTS Radio Access Network is the equivalent of the
previous Base Station Subsystem (BSS) in GSM.
RAN includes the Node B function and the Radio Network Controller (RNC) function. The
Node B function provides the air interface. The RNC manages the air interface for the
overall network.
Core Network:
The core network is the equivalent of Network Switching Subsystem in GSM and
provides all the central processing and management for the system. Core network has
“both circuit switched and packet switched network elements."
3G core network architecture consists of the following functions:
Home Location register (HLR):
HLR is a database that contains all information about the subscriber including
their last known location.
Each network can have one or more physical or logical HLRs. User equipment periodically
updates its location details to the HLR, so that calls can be routed appropriately to the
user.
Depending upon the implementation, the HLR may also have an in-built Equipment
identity register (EIR) and Authentication Centre (AUC).
Equipment Identity Register (EIR):
The EIR is the function that decides whether a user equipment is allowed onto the
network or not. EIR is typically integrated with the HLR. EIR is used for blocking or
monitoring calls from a stolen user equipment. Thus, EIR identifies a stolen equipment.
Authentication Centre (AUC):
AUC is used for storing a shared secret key with a running algorithm, which gets
generated and burned in the SIM card. AUC function is typically co-located with the HLR
function.
Mobile switching center (MSC):
MSC is responsible for functions such as routing calls and SMS messages. It interfaces
with the HLR for keeping track of subscriber location and does call handovers/handoffs,
when the mobile subscriber moves from one location to another.
Gateway MSC (GMSC):
It present either within or outside of the MSC. A GMSC interfaces with the external
networks such as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which is our legacy
land line network.
Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN):
SGSN is responsible for mobility management and authentication of subscribers / mobile

devices in a GPRS network. It performs a role which is similar to the role played by the
MSC for voice calls. The SGSN and MSC are often co-located in the network.
Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN):
GGSN acts as a gateway to the Internet. It connects the GPRS network with the packet
switched data network.
GGSN receives data addressed to a given subscriber, checks if the subscriber is active
and then forwards the data to the particular subscriber. If the subscriber is inactive, the
data is discarded.
GGSN assigns a unique IP address to each subscriber. It also generates the call detail
records (CDRs). It is also used for billing servers.
Charging Gateway Function (CGF):
CGF handles Call Detail Records (CDRs) generated by the GGSN in a GPRS network.
Service providers who offered 3G and 3.5 G services were able to offer speeds up to 7
Mbps. With the further evolution, 3G networks were able to offer speeds up to 42 Mbps.
➢ Higher data rate

➢ Video calling
➢ Enhanced security, more users, and coverage
➢ Mobile app support
➢ Multimedia message support
➢ Location tracking and maps
➢ Better web browsing
➢ TV streaming
➢ High-quality 3D games
Disadvantages of 3G systems
➢ Expensive spectrum licenses

➢ Costly infrastructure, equipment, and implementation
➢ Higher bandwidth requirements to support a higher data rate
➢ Costly mobile devices
❖ 4G NETWORKS
In 2012, 4G services were launched, with speeds of up to 12 Mbps. 4G is an all-

IP (Internet Protocol) network and it resulted in massive changes to the radio network
and the core network architecture.
In 4G network:
➢ The radio function is based on the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) 3GPP standards
➢ The core network is based on the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) 3GPP standards
One of the significant changes introduced by the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) standards
in 4G networks, is the changes to the Base station functionality.
LTE introduces a new function called the Evolved NodeB (eNodeB), which manages the
radio resource and mobility in the cell.
In order to meet the 4G LTE requirements, functions of the "eNodeB" not only included
the base station (NodeB) functions to terminate the radio interface but also the functions
of the Radio Network Controller (RNC) to manage radio resources.
This architecture is called Evolved UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System)

Evolved Node B:
eNodeB"is the entity that supports air interface and resource management. It
provides radio resource management functions such as IP header compression, user
data encryption, and routing the user data to the Serving Gateway (SGW).
Home Subscriber Server (HSS):
Home Subscriber Server (HSS) is a database for storing the subscriber profile and
authentication information.
HSS also provides the subscriber profile information to the IP Multimedia

Subsystem (IMS) Core function, at the time of the IMS registration.
Serving Gateway (SGW):
SGW serves as the mobility anchor for the user plane. It takes care of inter-eNodeB
handovers & User Equipment (UE) mobility between 3GPP networks.
It is responsible for routing/forwarding data packets between the "eNodeB" & Packet
Data Network Gateway (PDN GW).
Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW):
PDN GW provides the User Equipment (UE) with connectivity to the external packet data
networks such as Internet.
It takes care of Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF), which includes Quality
of Service (QoS), online/offline flow-based charging data generation, deep-packet
inspection, and lawful intercept.
Mobility Management Entity (MME):
MME manages mobility, UE identities and security parameters. It operates in the Control
plane and provides functions such as managing session states, authentication, mobility
with 3GPP 2G/3G nodes, and roaming.
Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF):
Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) maintains the policy and charging related
controls for all the subscribers.
In addition, PCRF also helps the service providers in providing location-based services.
It allowed low powered IOT devices to connect to 4G networks and LTE-Advanced

standards offer a network speed of up to 300 Mbps.
Today, 4G offers adequate network speed for over-the-top services such as online video,
gaming and social media.
➢ Much higher data rates up to 1Gbps

➢ Enhanced security and mobility
➢ Reduced latency
➢ High-definition video streaming and gaming
➢ Voice over LTE network VoLTE
Disadvantages of the 4G system
➢ Expensive hardware and infrastructure

➢ Costly spectrum
➢ Wide deployment
2. Evolution of Radio Access Network (RAN):
The Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture has evolved across the different
generations of the wireless network, to support the bandwidth and scalability
requirements.
RAN has two distinct units - the Remote Radio Head (RRH)and the Baseband Unit (BBU).
One end of the RRH is connected to the antenna and the other end to the BBU.
RRH acts as a transceiver converting the analog signals to digital signals and vice versa.
In addition, RRH also does filtering of noise and amplification of signals.
The Baseband Unit (BBU) provides switching, traffic management, timing, baseband
processing, and radio interfacing functions. BBU is typically connected to the RRH using
a Fiber link.
In the traditional 2.5G/3G networks, both the RRH and BBU functions remained in the
cell site, as part of the Base Transceiver Station (BTS).
In the 4G network, BBU function was moved out of the cell site to a centralized location.
BBU function in a 4G network is hosted in the Central Office and is called as Centralized
RAN.
4G architecture optionally supports the virtualization of BBUs and when the BBU function
is virtualized, it is also called as Cloud RAN or Virtualized RAN. In a 5G network,
virtualization of BBUs almost becomes mandatory as it helps the service providers to

scale the network to support the various use cases.
3. Need for 5G
Most of the previous generation wireless technologies (such as 3G and 4G) were focused
on increasing the speed of the wireless technology.
4G technology initially supported speeds of up to 12 Mbps - which was adequate for

online video streaming and gaming services. However, 4G does not address the
technology needs of some of the emerging use cases, in the areas of Internet
of Things (IOT) and Virtual Reality.
Here is the list of factors that drive the need for 5G technology:
➢ Internet of Things (IOT) will require an infrastructure that can handle several
billions of network devices connecting to the wireless network, and at the same
time energy efficient.
➢ 3D video and Ultra High-Definition Video streaming applications are hungry for
additional bandwidth.
➢ Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality enabled gaming, video streaming and
industrial applications require sub-millisecond latencies.
➢ Network operators have immense pressure to upgrade their networks

continuously, to handle the growth in the mobile data traffic - and at the same
time, reduce operational expenses.
➢ Enable new revenue streams for wireless service providers, by supporting new
applications and use-cases.
In 2016, several service providers partnered with network equipment vendors to kick
start 5G trials. Starting 2018, 5G services were commercially launched by multiple
service providers across the globe.
Key features of 5G technology:
➢ Ultra-fast mobile internet up to 10Gbps

➢ Low latency in milliseconds
➢ Higher security and reliable network
➢ Uses technologies like small cells and beamforming to improve efficiency
➢ Cloud-based infrastructure offers power efficiency, easy maintenance, and
upgrade of hardware
5G Use Cases:
5G technology caters to the needs of multiple industries such as the following:
➢ Public Safety
➢ Broadcasting / Media Delivery
➢ Automotive Industry (Public Transport Systems)
➢ Aeronautical (Drones)
➢ Health / Wellbeing
➢ Utilities
➢ Education
Some of the key 5G use cases are:

➢ Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)
➢ Fixed Wireless Broadband Services
➢ Robotic Surgery
➢ Autonomous Cars
➢ Massive Internet of Things (IOT) Services
➢ Live TV
➢ Virtual Reality / Augmented Reality
➢ Private Wireless Network for Enterprises
➢ Holographic Calls
4. 4G versus 5G
4G network infrastructure is based on Long Term Evolution (LTE) architecture.
5G network infrastructure is based on 5G Next Generation Core (5G NG-Core)
architecture. There is a significant difference between both the technologies in terms of
speed, latency, frequency ranges of the spectrum, use cases that are supported, support
for network slicing, RAN architecture, and Core network architecture.
The below table captures the differences between 4G and 5G technologies:
5.Next Generation Core (NG-Core):
5G architecture consists of two sets of critical network functions - Next Generation Radio
Access Network (NG-RAN) and Next Generation Core Network (NG-Core).
➢ NG-RAN includes the Radio Access Network (RAN) function hosted on the service
provider cloud and the antennas, supporting the 5G New Radio (NR) specification.
➢ NG-Core includes several network functions that provide services such as

authentication, mobility management, policy control and network slicing.
Communication between network functions use simplified HTTP based RESTful
APIs.
NG-Core for 5G is the equivalent of Evolved Packet Core (EPC) in a 4G network. 5G NG-
Core architecture supports virtualization and allows the user plane functions to be
deployed separately, from the control plane functions.
In addition, the user plane and control plane functions can be scaled independently. 5G
NG-Core supports both International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) based and non-
IMSI based identities for authentication of services.
NG-Core has support for capabilities such as network slicing, which allows the partition
of network resources across different customers, services or use-cases.
Network Functions in NG-Core:

5G NG-Core architecture comprises of the following network functions:
1. Authentication Server Function (AUSF)
2. Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)
3. Data Network (DN)
4. Network Exposure Function (NEF)
5. Network Repository Function (NRF)
6. Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF)
7. Policy Control Function (PCF)
8. Session Management Function (SMF)
9. Unified Data Management (UDM)
10. User Plane Function (UPF)

11. Application Function (AF)
Authentication Server Function (AUSF):

AUSF acts as an authentication server, performing UE authentication using Extensible
Authentication Protocol (EAP). EAP is a popular protocol used in Wi-Fi networks for
authenticating Wi-Fi clients.
Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF):
Responsible for connection management, registration management and mobility
management (handling of reachability and idle/active mode mobility state).
It also takes care of access authentication and authorization. AMF also supports Lawful
intercept function for AMF events. In the 4G network, this function was part of the
Mobility Management Entity (MME).
Data Network (DN):
DN offers operator services, internet access and third-party services.
Network Exposure Function (NEF):

NEF is a proxy or API aggregation point for the core network and provides security when
services or external application functions access the 5G Core nodes. This is a new
function introduced in 5G architecture.
Network Repository Function (NRF):

NRF supports service discovery, and maintains/provides profiles of network function
instances. This is a new function introduced in 5G architecture.
Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF):
NSSF supports the selection of network slice instances to serve the User Equipment (UE),
based on the Network Slice Selection Assignment Information (NSSAIs) configured or
allowed for a given UE. This is a new function introduced in 5G architecture.
Policy Control Function (PCF):
PCF provides a unified policy framework and shares policy rules to control plane
functions, to enforce them. It also accesses subscription information relevant for policy
decisions from the Unified Data Repository (UDR). PCF was part of the PCRF function in
the 4G network.
Session Management Function (SMF):

SMF provides session management, UE IP address allocation & management and DHCP
functions. It also provides traffic steering configuration for User Plane Function (UPF)
for proper traffic routing. SMF function was split between the MME and Packet Gateway
(PGW) function in 4G network.
Unified Data Management (UDM):

UDM provides Authentication and Key Agreement (AKA) credentials, user identification
handling, access authorization and subscription management functions. UDM was part
of the HSS functionality in the 4G architecture.
User Plane Function (UPF):

UPF provides packet routing and forwarding functions. In addition, it also handles QoS
services. UPF function was split between Serving Gateway (SGW) and PGW in the 4G
architecture. Separating the user plane from the control plane in both SGW/PGW, enables
the service providers to deploy the UPF closer to the network edge. In 5G, UPF function
can be deployed at the network edge, in addition to the network core, to improve the
network performance and to reduce latency
Application Function (AF):

AF function is similar to the AF function in the 4G network. It interacts with the 5G core
to provide services such as application influence on traffic routing, accessing Network
Exposure Function (NEF) and interacting with policy framework for policy control.
6. Virtualization of Evolved Packet Core (vEPC):
A Virtual Evolved Packet Core (vEPC) is a framework for mobile networks voice and data
processing and switching that is implemented by Network Functions Virtualization (NFV),
which virtualizes the functions of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC).
Virtual Network Function (VNF) - VNF is the software implementation of the hardware-
based network function, to deliver network services.
The key VNFs in the 5G network, in a non-standalone architecture are:

➢ Virtualization of Radio Access network (vRAN)
➢ Virtualization of Evolved Packet Core (vEPC)
Virtual Evolved Packet Core (vEPC) is functionally similar to the physical EPC. However,
the way in which the EPC is deployed and managed is different from physical EPC.
There are two methods in which a Virtualized Evolved Packet Core (EPC) can
be deployed:
1. An all-in-one Virtual EPC (vEPC)
2. Standalone instances of MME, PGW, SGW, HSS and PCRF.
There are some pros and cons for each of these approaches. In an all-in-one deployment
model, it is easy to manage the vEPC instance as one entity. However, it lacks
mechanisms to individually scale one or more services. For example, if the service
provider wants to increase the number of PCRF instances, it can only be achieved by
creating multiple instances of the all-in-one vEPC.
In a deployment with standalone instances of the vEPC components, the service provider
can individually scale the components. For example, if there is a need to increase the
number of PCRF instances, it can be achieved by spinning one or more instances of the
PCRF application.
This approach helps in optimizing the resource utilization on the telco cloud and brings-
in agility. However, there will be an overhead involved in managing the standalone
instances on the telco cloud. The network equipment vendors can help offset this
management overhead, by providing a vEPC specific VNF manager along with the vEPC.
Architecturally, the vEPC will be different from that of a physical EPC. Following
are some of the key architectural differences between a physical EPC and a
Virtual EPC:
➢ A Virtual EPC may have one or more VMs for each of the components. For example,
a PCRF service may have multiple micro-services. Each of these microservices
may run on a separate VM or a Container, on the telco cloud.
➢ A subscriber’s session state information in a physical EPC may be stored in RAM or

transient memory in the hardware. A physical EPC achieves high-availability and
reliability by deploying multiple physical instances of the EPC hardware. However,
in a Virtual EPC deployment, the vEPC instance may store the session state
information in a reliable database, for session continuity during fail-overs.
➢ A physical EPC relies on the underlying hardware for data plane acceleration. A
Virtual EPC relies on software-based data plane acceleration technologies. In a
vEPC, the data plane is scaled by using technologies such as SRIOV (Single Root -
Input/Output Virtualization). SRIOV partitions a physical network interface card
into multiple virtual network interface cards (vNICs) and provides direct access to
the physical NIC, bypassing the hypervisor layer. Virtual EPC also leverages several
advancements in the data plane acceleration such as the Data Plane Development
Kit (DPDK) and FD.io (fast data input/output)

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MAILAM ENGINEERING COLLEGE

CEC331-4G / 5G COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

UNIT I EVOLUTION OF WIRELESS NETWORKS

➢ Frequency 800 MHz and 900 MHz

3. List out the disadvantages of 1G system.

➢ Poor voice quality due to interference

4. Give short notes on GSM network architecture layers.

landline or mobile network users, and also it provides services including

➢ The digital system (switching)

6. List out the disadvantages of the 2G system.

➢ Low data rate

7. List out the three distinct entities in 3G network architecture.

3G network architecture has three distinct entities:

➢ User Equipment (UE)

8. What is radio access network (RAN)?

9.What does the Core Network provides?

10.What are the functions did 3G core network architecture performs?

3G core network architecture consists of the following functions:

➢ Home Location register (HLR)

➢ Equipment Identity Register (EIR)

Home Location register (HLR):

Equipment Identity Register (EIR):

Authentication Centre (AUC):

Mobile switching center (MSC):

12. What are the Key features of the 3G system?

➢ Higher data rate

13.List out the Disadvantages of 3G systems.

➢ Expensive spectrum licenses

14. What are the Key features of the 4G system?

➢ Much higher data rates up to 1Gbps

15.List out the Disadvantages of the 4G system.

➢ Expensive hardware and infrastructure

18.List out the need of 5G.

➢ Internet of Things (IOT) will require an

➢ reduce operational expenses.

19.List out the key features of 5G technology.

➢ Ultra-fast mobile internet up to 10Gbps

20.What is Next Generation Core (NG-Core)?

21. List out the functions in Network Functions in NG-Core.

5. Network Repository Function (NRF)

22. What is Virtualization of Evolved Packet Core (vEPC).

24.Write the difference between 4G and 5G.

Now we look the evolution of wireless networks from 1 G to 5G

Key features (technology) of the 1G system:

➢ Frequency 800 MHz and 900 MHz

➢ Mode of service: voice only

➢ Poor voice quality due to interference

GSM network architecture had 2 layers:

Key features of the 2G system:

➢ The digital system (switching)

Disadvantages of the 2G system:

➢ Low data rate

it offers greater spectral efficiency and bandwidth to mobile network operators.

Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) species a complete network

3G network architecture has three distinct entities:

User Equipment (UE):

Radio Access Network (RAN):

3G core network architecture consists of the following functions:

Home Location register (HLR):

Equipment Identity Register (EIR):