Table 4 Description of 5G element

Unified Data Management (Core-UDM)

The Core-UDM manages the subscriber information that is used for admission control and for defining the data path policies. Furthermore, it manages root keys for confidentiality and integrity protection of the data and control planes

Authentication Server Function (Core-AUSF)

The Core-AUSF is responsible to authenticate the users Session Management Function (Core-SMF) The Session Management Function (SMF) is responsible for the data path setup and tracking and terminating based on the policy function

Access and Mobility Management Function (Core-AMF)

The Core-AMF implements the access control and mobility aspects of the user context

User Plane Function (Core-UPF)

The Core-UPF defines the data path characteristics based on the users requirements and policy

Network Exposure Function (Core-NEF)

The Core-NEF provides a means to securely expose the services and capabilities provided by 3GPP network functions

Transport Network (TN)

The TN that is used to carry traffic between the 5G RAN and 5G Core network

Radio Access Network—Distributed Unit (RAN-DU)

The RAN-DU is responsible for real time L1 and L2 scheduling functions. RAN-DU sits close to the radio unit and runs the RLC, MAC, and parts of the PHY layer. This logical node includes a subset of the eNB/gNB functions, depending on the functional split option, and its operation is controlled by the RAN-CU

Radio Access Network—Central Unit (RAN-CU)

The RAN-CU is responsible for non-real time, higher L2 and L3. RAN-CU runs the RRC and PDCP layers. The split architecture enables a 5G network to utilize different distribution of protocol stacks between RAN-CU and RAN-DUs depending on midhaul availability and network design. It is a logical node that includes the gNB functions like transfer of user data, mobility control, RAN sharing, positioning, session management etc., with the exception of functions that are allocated exclusively to the RAN-DU. The RAN-CU controls the operation of several RAN-DUs over the midhaul interface

Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)

The SIM is a fundamental element of the cellular system, because it allows authenticating the validity of a terminal as it tries to access the network. It contains the unique identifier of the subscriber and the related security keys

5G Operation, Administration and Management (5G OAM)

5G OAM systems, such as the operation support system and the business support system, are complex applications that are required for a proper network configuration, operation and management, and for billing of customers (subscribers)

Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum is, for most parts, not a free resource, but in fact allocated and regulated into frequency bands by government bodies. Some of these frequency bands are unlicensed, which means that anyone who wants to use the spectrum can do so. Most of the spectrum however is licensed, which means that the license holder is the only authorized user of that spectrum range

Control Plane Data

Control plane is concerned with protocols, which control the radio access bearers and the connection between the UE and the network