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EPC IN A BOX & CLOUD EPC

               The Evolved Packet Core (EPC) is an IP-based core network infrastructure that provides packet data services to support the convergence of licensed (2G/3G/4G) and unlicensed (Wi-Fi*) radio technologies. The EPC also provides the capability for the integration of wireless with wireline and other alternative networks to enable IP-based communications and services over both wireless and wireline networks. The EPC provides a common subscriber anchor for mobility, billing, policy, and charging. The three core elements of the EPC are the Mobility Management Entity (MME), Serving Gateway (SGW), and Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW). The schematics shown in the images below provide a simplified view of the virtual EPC (vEPC) architecture and topology.

              The 3rd Generation Partner Project (3GPP*) defines the details of the EPC architecture, functional elements, and interface requirements. As stated above, the EPC is designed to support any on-access technology. The following links provide a good introduction to EPC-based on-access technology.

               EPC Integration with Policy and Charging Architecture Mobile service provider networks have comprehensive policies, charging controls and policy enforcement architecture that support 3GPP standards. These standards define the manner in which the policy functions are deployed within the CSP’s network. An example of the logical policy architecture for a mobile network is shown below, as defined in 3GPP TS 23.002. ​

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               Next-Generation EPC Architectures Efforts 3GPP-related efforts are driving solution architecture definition for next-generation software defined network/Network Function Virtualization (SDN/NFV)-based EPC architecture. These efforts include the following.

EPC Decomposition and Separation of User and Control Plane

  • 3GPP Dedicated Core Networks (DECOR) 

  • 3GPP Enhanced Dedicated Core Networks (eDECOR)

  • 3GPP Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS)

Solution Architecture for NextGeneration Networks ​

3GPP Rel-14 study SMARTER; TR 22.891

  •  22.861 Massive Internet of Things (IoT)

  •  22.862 Critical Communications

  •  22.863 Massive Broadband

Separation of Control Plane and User Plane for EPC

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            The EPC was designed to separate control plane and bearer/user (data) plane requirements to specific function elements. Some of the more common EPC nodes grouped as control plane or date plane elements are shown in Table 1. Some EPC nodes require simultaneous, multi-dimensional scaling of both data and control/signaling planes. This is especially true for EPC data plane elements that interface with the authentication, billing, and policy and charging functions. The image provides an example of the signaling and bearer interfaces required for the SGW, PGW, and TDF. Leveraging the concepts of SDN, work is underway to further modify the existing vEPC architecture to enable a more comprehensive separation of control plane and data plane. This work is captured in the 3GPP technical study on CUPS.6

             This will enable functions to scale in a more predictable manner, while providing the capability to distribute network functions more efficiently when using NFV. While this is still a technical study in the 3GPP, the industry is quickly migrating to such an architecture. This will accommodate EPC decomposition to scale more efficiently for business drivers, such as IoT and video services. 

Before exploring EPC in a Box, it's crucial to understand the traditional Evolved Packet Core (EPC). EPC is a fundamental component of the 4G LTE architecture, responsible for managing data and voice connectivity. It comprises several key nodes, each with specific functions:

  • MME (Mobility Management Entity): Manages user mobility, session states, and authentication.

  • SGW (Serving Gateway): Routes and forwards user data packets within the network.

  • PGW (Packet Data Network Gateway): Connects the LTE network to external packet data networks and handles IP address allocation and quality of service.

  • HSS (Home Subscriber Server): Stores user profiles and subscription data.

  • PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function): Enforces policies for resource usage and manages charging functions.

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CLOUD IN EPC

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              The telecom industry is on the brink of a revolutionary transformation with the advent of Cloud EPC (Evolved Packet Core). Leveraging cloud computing, Cloud EPC offers unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and efficiency, setting the stage for the next generation of telecom services. Let’s delve into the unique aspects of Cloud EPC and how it’s poised to redefine network operations.

Unique Advantages of Cloud EPC

1- Dynamic Resource Allocation:

  • Auto-scaling Capabilities: Cloud EPC can automatically adjust resources based on real-time demand, ensuring optimal performance without over-provisioning.

  • Elasticity: This flexibility allows for the efficient handling of traffic spikes, such as during large events or emergencies, without the need for permanent infrastructure expansion.

2- Global Reach and Edge Computing:

  • Geographic Flexibility: Cloud EPC can be deployed across various locations worldwide, bringing network functions closer to the user, which reduces latency and improves user experience.

  • Edge Computing Integration: By integrating with edge computing, Cloud EPC can support low-latency applications and services, crucial for technologies like autonomous vehicles and augmented reality.

3- Operational Agility and Innovation:

  • DevOps Integration: Cloud EPC supports continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, allowing for rapid innovation and deployment of new features and services.

  • Microservices Architecture: The modular nature of cloud-native EPC facilitates easier updates, testing, and scaling of individual network functions without affecting the entire system.

4- Enhanced Security and Compliance:

  • Advanced Security Protocols: Cloud environments often come with robust security measures, including encryption, intrusion detection, and automated threat response.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Cloud EPC providers typically offer compliance with various international standards and regulations, ensuring secure and lawful data handling.

5- Cost Efficiency and Sustainability:

  • Pay-as-You-Go Model: Operators only pay for the resources they use, leading to significant cost savings compared to traditional infrastructure.

  • Energy Efficiency: Cloud data centers are often optimized for energy efficiency, contributing to reduced carbon footprints and supporting sustainability goals.

IN DEPTH OF TELECOM IN EPC & CLOUD PACKET CORE

Innovative Use Cases and Applications

  • 5G Network Slicing: Customized Services: Cloud EPC supports network slicing, allowing operators to create virtual networks tailored to specific use cases, such as ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) for industrial automation or enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) for high-definition streaming.

  • Massive IoT Connectivity: Scalability for IoT: The scalability of Cloud EPC is ideal for managing the massive influx of IoT devices, ensuring reliable connectivity and data management for smart cities, agriculture, and healthcare applications.

  • Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Resilience: Cloud EPC can quickly reallocate resources and reroute traffic in case of network failures or natural disasters, ensuring uninterrupted service.

  • Private LTE/5G Networks: Custom Networks for Enterprises: Cloud EPC enables enterprises to deploy private LTE or 5G networks, providing secure and high-performance connectivity for critical applications in manufacturing, mining, and other industries.

Future Trends and Prospects

6G and Beyond:

  • Next-Generation Networks: Cloud EPC will evolve to support the advanced capabilities of 6G networks, including even higher data rates, ubiquitous connectivity, and enhanced AI integration. 

  • Convergence of Networks: Integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (e.g., satellite, aerial) for global seamless connectivity.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:

  • Self-Optimizing Networks: AI-driven analytics for real-time network optimization, predictive maintenance, and automated decision-making.

  • Enhanced User Personalization: Machine learning algorithms for personalized network experiences, adapting to individual user behavior and preferences.

Edge Computing Expansion:

  • Decentralized Architectures: Greater reliance on edge nodes for localized processing and storage, reducing latency and enhancing the performance of real-time applications.

  • Hybrid Cloud Models: Combining public cloud, private cloud, and edge computing resources for a versatile and resilient network infrastructure.

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