One core – the best

of two worlds
Ericsson’s dual-mode
5G Cloud Core solution

ericsson.com/
October 2019 5g-core
2 Ericsson  |  One core – the best of two worlds

Taking a dual-mode approach

to core evolution

Ericsson’s experience is now applied to 5G. We firmly believe in

“one core” for multi-access and services, as well as what we call a
“dual-mode 5G Cloud Core”. But what do we mean by this?

5G has the potential to achieve up to enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB),

131EB
65 percent population coverage and fixed wireless access (FWA), massive
1.9 billion 5G subscriptions for enhanced Internet of Things (IoT) and critical IoT with
mobile broadband in 2024. In the same automotive Vehicle to Everything (V2X),
period, mobile data traffic is expected manufacturing industries and other verticals.
to see a 30 percent compound annual For CSPs to maximize profitability Mobile data traffic is predicted to reach
growth rate (CAGR), with 35 percent of and take advantage of the wide range of 131 exabytes by the end of 2024.
this being carried by 5G networks. business opportunities, flexibility in balancing
For over 140 years, Ericsson has been cost-optimized versus performance-

35%
learning from each and every technology shift. optimized network deployment is crucial.
Now, that vast knowledge is being applied New technologies including, but not
to 5G, with a dual-mode 5G Cloud Core, for limited to, 5G New Radio (NR) Stand Alone
communications service providers (CSPs). (SA), 5G Core (5GC), network slicing,
While optimizing the deployment of automation and cloud native are needed to By 2024, 35 percent of mobile data
mobile broadband services, new business meet the needs of an efficient, flexible and traffic will be on 5G.
opportunities are to be addressed, including programmable network.

Figure 1: Smartphone subscriptions by technology (billion)

8
7.2
+1.8 billion
7

5G 5G
6
5.1 +1.3
billion -1.0
5
2G/3G 4G

4G
3 4G

1
2G/3G
2G/3G
0
2018 2024

Ericsson Mobility Report (June 2019)

3 Ericsson  |  One core – the best of two worlds

Figure 2: Supporting gradual and flexible evolution to 5G

2G/3G 4G 5G

Dual-mode Core
EPC 5G EPC
(5G) EPC + 5GC

Opt.1 Opt.1 Opt.3 Opt.1 Opt.3 Opt.2

GSM/ GSM/ GSM/

LTE LTE LTE LTE NR LTE LTE/NR NR
WCDMA WCDMA WCDMA

1 1 1
3 3
2

From a core perspective, there are two main when it makes most business sense.1 Signaling functions. These products consist
steps to support 5G NR, as described in During this journey, Ericsson’s dual-mode entirely of microservice-based cloud
Figure 2. The first phase – NR Non-Stand- solution for 5G EPC and 5GC Network native NFs that deliver 5GC and 5G EPC
Alone (NSA) – is based on an enhanced Functions (NFs) will support your current functionalities, including support for new
Evolved Packet Core (EPC), which Ericsson services, fast and flexible 5G introduction and SBA. The dual-mode 5G Cloud Core enables
calls 5G EPC. The second phase – NR SA smooth network evolution, at your own pace. new network capabilities that allow you to
– is a new 5GC built on a Service-Based This paper focuses on Ericsson’s release the full potential of new 5G-enabled
Architecture (SBA). The timings and dual-mode 5G Cloud Core solution and its use cases. This also secures a smooth
steps each CSP takes on the 5G journey products, including Packet Core, Subscriber migration from existing network capabilities.
will depend on market conditions and Data Management (SDM), Policy and

Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Cloud Core supports 5G EPC and 5GC

1
Ericsson, “Core Evolution from EPC to 5G Core” (June 2018)
4 Ericsson  |  One core – the best of two worlds

A cloud native and

programmable solution

Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Cloud Core solution delivers cloud native

applications that support EPC and 5GC 3GPP architectures.

This allows for a multi-access and programmable 5G Cloud Core solution, including
support of 5G NR (NSA and SA) deployments, as well as all previous generations, in
a single software platform for operational efficiency. It incorporates Ericsson’s Cloud
Packet Core, Cloud Unified Data Management (UDM) and Policy as well as Signaling
Controller NFs in eight new, efficient products.

Figure 3: Ericsson’s new product family, delivering a dual-mode 5G Cloud Core

Solution highlights:
Cloud Core Data-Storage Manager – One platform for EPC
and 5GC functionalities
Database for subscription – Cloud native/microservices
and network applications data
architecture
DATA LAYER
– Automated and simplified
Operation and Maintenance (O&M)
– High user plane (UP)
performance and scalability
– Efficient allocation and
Cloud Core Cloud Core Cloud Core Cloud Core control of network resources
Resource Controller Subscription Manager Policy Controller Exposure Server – Network exposure capabilities
Dynamic control of Multi-access/device Policies for access, Exposure of network for programmability
network resources control (auth., mobility, QoS and capabilities and
and slice selection registration, mobility) charging control API management

SBA architecture
Signaling
Packet Core Controller
Controller
Diameter and
Access, session, mobility
HTTP signaling
and gateway control functions
network functions

CONTROL PLANE

Packet Core Gateway

Common EPC/5GC user plane

NR SA with feature-rich Gi functions
LTE/NR NSA
USER PLANE
LTE
GSM/WCDMA
5 Ericsson  |  One core – the best of two worlds

Why 5GC is different

5GC is a new network architecture

introduced in the 3GPP Release 15.

The major difference, compared to EPC, (AMF) and Session Management Functions NFs with Virtualized or Physical NFs
is that 5GC’s control plane (CP) functions (SMF). 5GC includes the separation of (VNFs and PNFs) in the same network, and
interact in SBA. A key NF of SBA is the UP and CP functions of the gateway, an offers different migration paths to bring
Network Repository Function (NRF), evolution of the gateway CP/UP separation all NFs into a full cloud native, dual-mode
which provides for NF service registration (CUPS) that was introduced in EPC Release 5G Cloud Core over time. This permits
and discovery, enabling NFs to identify 14. 5GC also introduces a completely new deployment flexibility, full interworking
appropriate services in one another. protocol HTTP/2 as compared to Diameter with legacy networks and smooth
SBA principles apply to interfaces between in 4G to communicate between various evolution to 5GC.
CP functions within 5GC only, so interfaces network functions. 5GC specific Signaling Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Cloud Core
toward Radio Access Network (RAN), user functions include Service Communication solution is fully based on cloud native
equipment or User Plane Functions Proxy (SCP), Binding Support Function principles, with software architecture
(UPF – N1, N2, N3, N4, N6 and N9) are (BSF) and Security Edge Protection Proxy based on microservice technology. It
excluded. Leveraging the capabilities (SEPP). Other changes include a separate ensures capacity, elasticity and agnosticity
within SBA with common O&M interfaces Authentication Server and several new to underlying infrastructure, and high
across the complete portfolio shows functions, such as the Network Slice levels of orchestration and automation for
estimated savings of up to 75 percent Selection Function (NSSF) and Network operational efficiency. See the “Automated
when adding new NFs, compared to the Exposure Function (NEF). operations for speed and efficiency” section
traditional way of building networks. Considering a CSP’s concerns to protect for more on Ericsson’s cloud native design
Another major difference in 5GC’s CP is investments made in their networks, principles and microservice architecture.
the structure, with different functional Ericsson has designed a solution that
separation of Access and Mobility Functions allows full integration of new cloud native

5G is here and Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Cloud Core will greatly help CSPs reap the benefits
6 Ericsson  |  One core – the best of two worlds

Figure 4: Inside Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Cloud Core

5GC Network Function EPC Network Function

Cloud Core Data-Storage Manager

UDR

UDSF

DATA LAYER

Cloud Core Cloud Core Cloud Core Cloud Core

Resource Controller Subscription Manager Policy Controller Exposure Server

NSSF F
NRF UDM AUSF PCF NEF

EPC NSSF HSS 5G-EIR PCRF SCEF

SBA architecture

Packet Core Controller Signaling Controller

TDF-C AMF SMF SEPP BSF

MME SGW-C PGW-C DRA* SCP

CONTROL PLANE

Packet Core Gateway

TDF-U UPF SGW-U

NR SA
LTE/NR NSA
LTE
PGW-U
GSM/WCDMA
USER PLANE

* DA and DEA functions also supported

Dual-mode 5G Cloud Core NFs:

– 5G-EIR: 5G Equipment Identity Register – NSSF: Network Slice Selection Function – SGW-U: Serving Gateway User Plane
– AMF: Access and Mobility – PCF: Policy Control Function – SMF: Session Management Function
Management Function – PCRF: Policy and Charging Rules Function – TDF-C: Traffic Detection
– AUSF: Authentication Server Function – PGW-C: Packet Data Function – Control Plane
– BSF: Binding Support Function Network Gateway – Control Plane – TDF-U: Traffic Detection
– DRA: Diameter Routing Agent – PGW-U: Packet Data Function – User Plane
– EPC NSSF: Evolved Packet Core Network Gateway – User Plane – UDM: Unified Data Management
Network Slice Selection Function – SCEF: Service Capability – UDR: User Data Repository
– HSS: Home Subscriber Server Exposure Function – UDSF: Unstructured
– MME: Mobility Management Entity – SCP: Service Communication Proxy Data Storage Function
– NEF: Network Exposure Function – SEPP: Security Edge Protection Proxy – UPF: User Plane Function
– NRF: NF Repository Function – SGW-C: Serving Gateway Control Plane
7 Ericsson  |  One core – the best of two worlds

The eight products

Here, we look deeper into the eight products

and how they can help evolve your network.

Packet Core Gateway when outside of 4G and 5G coverage or for

30%
Packet Core Gateway provides a common roaming.
UP with UPF, PGW-U, SGW-U and Similar to how virtual EPC was
TDF/Multi-Service Proxy (MSP) and successfully introduced with a virtual
other Gi functions. It delivers advanced MME as part of a hybrid pool, the product
and highly efficient processing of data An open and flexible UP with internal can support the same model. This allows
service chaining leads to 30 percent
payload, including support for distributed for a reliable method to introduce new
less footprint.
deployment. It further supports tight cloud native MMEs into a network with
interworking with an existing EPC. georedundant pooling across Ericsson’s
The product provides high capacity with The Packet Core Gateway secures container, virtual and physical MMEs,
193Gbps per dual-socket server, as well development of new services, at both for capacity expansions and operational
as 5G peak rates, such as individual peak distributed and centralized locations. It is transformation in a low-risk way.
rates of 20/10Gbps (downlink/uplink) per also designed to be stateless with user data One major driver in 4G and 5G EPC for
UE, in a loaded system without impacting in a centralized database. This is key in network evolution is CUPS. The product
individual user performance. providing superior high availability, session could be deployed as CUPS CP, integrated
With scalable software architecture, continuity, in-service software updates and with existing native or virtual GW nodes
the UP and CP scale independently to smooth scale in/out. deployed as UP.
accommodate a range of services and To allow for more seamless mobility
associated traffic profiles. Topological Packet Core Controller across EPC and 5GC, the PGW-C and
scalability is also supported, where CP Packet Core Controller is efficient at SMF business logic is implemented as a
functions are centralized while the UP controlling device network access, mobility combined service. This enables UEs to
functions are widely distributed to and session management including 5GC maintain IP address and session contexts
support efficient traffic offload and low capabilities with AMF, SMF and SMSF. for GW and Gi service chains, also in case of
latency services. It comes with complete support for EPC handovers between 5GC and EPC. Similar
It supports advanced payload, signaling with SGW-C, PGW-C and MME to the Packet Core Gateway, this product is
processing value-added traffic functions based on millions of lines of also designed to be stateless with user data
management functions based on redesigned, industry-hardened code in a centralized database.
intelligent traffic steering, in combination from Ericsson MME and SGW-C/PGW-C Building on how most CSPs are
with service chaining and integration business logic. This is all to be fully cloud deploying and operating their networks
with the UPF as one managed solution. native with complete functionality for MBB, today, organization flexibility with access
With internal service chaining for both Voice over LTE and IoT. and mobility management, separated from
Ericsson and Third-Party Products (3PP) The product also provides low risk IP service delivery, is supported. This is
value-added services, there is 30 percent and the best time to market (TTM) for provided with one set/pool of instances for
less footprint, compared to traditional 5GC deployments by supporting overlay combined MME/AMF and other instances
Gi-LAN deployments. deployments with a rich feature set in for SGW-C and PGW-C functionalities
Examples of traffic management AMF and SMF, validated in leading Tier 1 across EPC and 5GC. Operation and
functions include deep-packet inspection, operator trials. maintenance of Northbound Interfaces
content insertion like header enrichment, Though optimized for 4G and 5G access, (NBI) and information models are also
content optimization and Transmission the Packet Core Controller supports 2G unified for all underlying NFs to greatly
Control Protocol (TCP) optimization, and 3G using Control User Plane Split improve ease of use and total cost of
comparable to an external TCP optimizer. (CUPS), and provides seamless services ownership (TCO).
8 Ericsson  |  One core – the best of two worlds

The products that make up Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Cloud Core can help evolve your network

Signaling Controller Cloud Core Resource Controller Cloud Core Subscription Manager
Signaling Controller handles all the Cloud Core Resource Controller is the Cloud Core Subscription Manager is the
communication signaling between various commercial realization of the NSSF and NRF commercial realization of the UDM/
5G Core network functions. The product functions in the 5GC. Authentication Credential Repository
implements the 3GPP network functions such The product provides control of network and Processing Function (ARPF), AUSF
as SCP, BSF and SEPP in the service-based resources and services, securing awareness functions in 5GC and evolves HSS-EPC,
architecture of the 5GC. The SCP function of the status and use toward the other NF. HSS-IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and
inside the product is a central element in Based on this, the Cloud Core Resource EIR functions in 3G and 4G core networks.
the overall 5GC network which simplifies Controller can dynamically steer the UE’s It supports a dual-mode operation, with
the network topology, aggregates signaling traffic from one slice to another to fulfill all 3G, 4G and 5G NFs in the same VNF,
from all 5GC NFs, performs load balancing/ commercial service requirements and deliver providing optimal and efficient interworking
distribution, signaling throttling, signaling the expected Quality of Experience (QoE). with existing HSS in the legacy domain.
prioritization, parameter harmonization, The key role of NRF inside the product is The product handles identifiers,
and handles signaling storms etc. The BSF to provide resource control in the network authentication, registration, mobility and
function inside the product ensures various in an automated way, where resources subscription data management for multiple
sessions belonging to a single subscriber include NFs and NF services. NRF maintains end-user devices. It executes access
originating on different interfaces are bound the NF profile of available NF instances authentication of these devices connecting
together and routed towards the same PCF. and their supported services, received from over 3G, 4G and 5G, and secures the
It is mandatory when there are two or more NFs during registration. NRF functionality radio-access type with the best quality
PCFs in the network removes the need for network configuration at any time, harmonizing the service
to select from. It also enables 5G voice. every time a new NF is added or removed experience over the different access
The SEPP function connects to roaming from the network, or every time NF capacity technologies (service continuity). The Cloud
partner networks and is mandatory to enable is updated due to scale-in or scale-out. NRF Core Subscription Manager also supports
5G roaming and security. also provides key functionalities to improve overload-protection mechanisms to secure
Signaling Controller also comes with robustness in the network due to its crucial high, resilient telco-grade performances.
complete support for Diameter-based role in 5GC architecture.
signaling functions such as Diameter Agent The key role of NSSF inside the product is
(DA), Diameter Edge Agent (DEA), Diameter to dynamically place a UE on the most suitable
Routing Agents (DRA) and Server Lookup slice according to a CSP’s defined policies. It
Function (SLF). Signaling Controller includes provides policy-based realization of NSSF,
a Unified Signaling Firewall that secures enabling the implementation of CSP policies
networks across 2G/3G/4G/5G technologies. for network slicing in real time, based on NSSF
The product is designed on robustness user and network context awareness.
principles and covers both the 4G and 5G The Cloud Core Resource Controller
signaling needs for CSPs. It implements the also supports a slice selection mechanism
same logic and behavior across the Diameter applicable to the 3G/4G network. This is
and HTTP signaling domains. called EPC NSSF and is based on Packet
Gateway allocation.
9 Ericsson  |  One core – the best of two worlds

Cloud Core Policy Controller The Cloud Core Policy Controller is a Service APIs can be designed around the
Cloud Core Policy Controller provides perfect fit for new networks, giving a fresh concrete use cases that CSPs want to address
the PCF function in 5GC and includes programmability dimension. Closed loops in the market, enabling them to securely
support for EPC (2G/3G/4G) networks with artificial intelligence modules will expose and monetize the 3G, 4G and 5G core
with PCRF capabilities. allow fresh information flow from the UP, network capabilities toward external parties.
It offers a centralized policy control point adapting the policies to the actual network The product supports the modular
for the new-generation core networks, behavior. All of this is complemented by the and flexible deployment of embedded or
providing the tools to dynamically optimize geographical redundant configuration for stand-alone NEF, SCEF and API Gateway
the service delivery settings to provide maximum resilience and robustness. and management modules, offering the
the best QoE. It offers all the cloud native CSPs maximum flexibility in designing their
advantages together with Ericsson’s Cloud Core Exposure Server network-exposure platform. With
experience in policy with the main Exposure Server is the commercial multi-layered and flexible security
global operators. realization of the NEF function in the 5GC, mechanisms, it also secures a CSP’s
The product takes policy control to a new as well as the evolution of SCEF in 3G and network while exposing the capabilities
dimension. User Experience (UX) is one of 4G core networks. and new business innovations to third
the key assets. Policy handling has been As seen in Figure 5, it is an exposure parties. The product can also be used to
simplified and flexibility increased, allowing platform able to aggregate 4G and 5G expose network capabilities internally to
multiple configuration options. It is possible network Application Programming Interfaces the CSP’s trusted domain.
to deploy different flavors specialized in (APIs), enabled by SCEF and NEF, and to The Cloud Core Exposure Server plays a key
either session management or in user, access compose them for the creation and the secure role in making a network really programmable,
and mobility management. exposure of advanced service APIs. supporting a 2 percent increase in total
revenue by Open Network APIs.2

Figure 5: Foster business innovation with network exposure capabilities

Portal Security
Service APIs
API gateway and management

Composition Application
function
4G Ntw APIs 5G Ntw APIs

SCEF NEF

Business logic
Business logic
(generic events, insights, 5G ntw
(3GPP events, 4G dev. prov.)
services, 5G dev. prov.)

T4, S6t,
Rx T6a SGi Nnef
SMPP S6m

EPC 5G Core

2
Ericsson, “5G Core programmability: an underestimated opportunity” (April 2019)
10 Ericsson  |  One core – the best of two worlds

Cloud Core Data-Storage Manager different network slices and NFs, to address securing high-level telco-grade robustness
Cloud Core Data-Storage Manager is the all the various needs for data centralization based on unique protection mechanisms
commercial realization of the UDR and UDSF or distribution. that are well consolidated and proven in the
functions in the 5GC, including some key As described in Figure 6, this is a cloud market, like overload protection.
functionalities for interworking with 3G and native database, fulfilling the needs of cloud To support smooth migration toward
4G application front ends. native deployments, but still coping with 5G, the product can store 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G
It stores subscriber and network control telco-grade characteristics. subscription profiles, thanks to its ability to
data, and user and service profiles for 5G NR The Cloud Core Data-Storage Manager interwork with legacy Data Bases (CUDB)
as well as 2G, 3G and 4G access. It is based addresses telco data repository needs and Front Ends (HSS-FE), and new 5G
on UDR and UDSF NFs that allow flexible (dynamicity, access speed and frequency, and Front Ends (UDM).
distribution of data storage points across data structure) in a cloud native environment,

Figure 6: Highly resilient and flexible data storage, combining telco-grade and cloud native design

UDR UDSF

Nudm Nudsf
Npcf Nudm Nausf Nnssf Nnrf Nnef
UDSF
PCF UDM AUSF NSSF NRF NEF

Flexible deployment
Iwk with Ud
legacy DB
Enhanced Ud
Flexible allocation

Cloud Core
MBB Data-Storage Manager Iwk with legacy
Dual-mode

Front End
Massive IoT UDR UDSF

HSS Nudr Nudsf

Critical MTC

High resiliency 2G/3G/4G/5GNSA 5G SA

Overload protection Georedundant

+
Data consistency Data replication
11 Ericsson  |  One core – the best of two worlds

Automated operations
for speed and efficiency

Beyond functional compliance to 3GPP specifications

and advanced functionalities, Ericsson’s dual-mode
5G Cloud Core solution includes several enhancements.

Examples include in cloud native software

architecture, Continuous Integration/
Continuous Delivery (CI/CD), unified O&M
The adopted cloud
and MANO/ONAP support, as well as native design principles:3
network slice optimizations. All these enable
service differentiation and efficient network Agnosticity State-optimized design
operation with lower TCO. The ability to run applications in any This is decided based on the type of
cloud infrastructure, regardless of the state/data and application context. A
Cloud native and microservice architecture CaaS and Infrastructure as a Service state-optimized design considers the
Ericsson’s software architecture is based on (IaaS) combination. The cloud native impact severity of a state/data loss to
cloud native design principles. Applications applications (CNA) must be able to run CNA function, impact on the user, and
are delivered and executed as a set of in any modern kernel without requiring also the cost/benefit considerations
containers and designed to run on a Vanilla any proprietary additions. pending frequency of changing states.
Kubernetes Container as a Service (CaaS). It Decomposed software Orchestration and automation
is designed to get the right balance between Leveraging containers and microservice Fully automated Lifecycle Management
requirements from two different domains – architecture, common across the entire (LCM) of internal microservices. Some
IT and the telecom environment. Ericsson portfolio. examples of automation are auto-
The modularity of Ericsson software, Application resiliency scaling, auto-healing and update/
known as microservices (see Figure 7), has Fault tolerance in applications and upgrade containers orchestrated by
been selected to facilitate a short TTM for services, supporting the combination of Kubernetes. MANO/ONAP support is
future functionalities with limited inter- failures at any time, without full restart provided in alignment with cloud native
module dependencies. LCM is moved from and loss of service. If one instance of orchestration and automation. For
NF to microservice level, including support each required microservice is alive, the example, software image registry during
for In-Service Software Update (ISSU) and service will be provided. software updates.
automated upgrades. ISSU greatly improves
TCO, going from maintenance windows and
traffic migration to smaller daytime updates
as a subscription offering service (CI/CD).

Figure 7: Best practices and leveraging microservices

Following cloud native best practices: Leveraging dozens of microservices that are common across the whole Ericsson portfolio

Agnosticity Identity and PM Server Search Document

access Engine Database PG
management
Decomposed SW and LCM

CM YANG Message Log Alarm

Provider Bus KF Transformer handler
Application resiliency

State-optimized design Log License Distributed

Shipper Manager Trace
Collector

Orchestration and automation CI/CD with LCM of individual microservices improves software quality, minimizes risks,
reduces costs and enables a faster TTM.

3
Ericsson, “Cloud native design for telecom applications” (2018)
12 Ericsson  |  One core – the best of two worlds

Figure 8: Our approach – automating the entire flow – CI/CD

Continuous Software Software

releases distribution upgrades

Acceptance
Ericsson
Service tests
provider

Dev. team Feedback Data

collection

CI/CD It can be used for dynamic and flexible Furthermore, new functions and procedures
Ericsson’s continuous software integration, scaling of individual software modules based are supported which allow for better control
delivery and deployment are based on decades on capacity needs, e.g. rebalance EPC versus of how devices can connect to slices and for
of experience in telco app characteristics and 5GC resource usage as terminal fleet evolves end-to-end monitoring.
have been explored with several CSP leaders in over time. Network slicing, in combination with
Virtual Network Function (VNF) introduction. Cloud infrastructure can be dimensioned the possibility to distribute applications
CI/CD is fundamental in leveraging on an aggregated level and our calculations across centralized and distributed edge data
cloud native benefits, and Ericsson is now show savings in the order of 20 percent. centers, depending on use case requirements,
introducing “zero touch” to automate software is a key enabler to simplifying operations and
LCM to the next level. This includes an Network slicing and distributed increasing deployment flexibility.
automated pipeline that developers commit to cloud support
testing, deploy in production and continuously The dual-mode 5G Cloud Core solution
feed back on from live deployments within comes with built-in network slicing
minutes of delivery. All this is to secure capabilities to enable new business models Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Cloud Core
continuously improved software quality, across a wide range of industries. and its products are built on these
reduced opex and faster TTM. It allows CSPs to segment the network design principles and tools through:
A key enabler to cut time and cost of software to support particular services, and deploy – Common design rules
deployment is Ericsson’s Automated Acceptance multiple logical networks for different service – Common architecture principles
Tests (AAT) tool for CSP acceptance test types over one common infrastructure. – A common reference
procedure. It simulates RAN, including 5G NR Ericsson and BT’s study on network orchestration platform
and end-user traffic, and can perform automatic slicing shows up to 35 percent increased – A common set of platform services
verification of the whole dual-mode solution. revenue, based on a network with 40 slices.4 – Common and powerful CI/CD
Network slicing capabilities are supported and deployment pipelines
LCM, high automation and unified O&M in 4G, e.g. enhancements for Dedicated
Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Cloud Core solution’s Core Networks (eDECOR) in EPC, and are This enables true DevOps with all
NFs offer a common management interface, further enhanced with new functionality in its benefits. If applications are not
covering both EPC and 5GC capabilities, the dual-mode 5G Cloud Core. With 5GC, a ready for cloud native data center
designed to fit with a next-generation device can simultaneously be connected to infrastructure, Ericsson can deliver a
Operations Support System (OSS). multiple slices, opening up some new use CaaS layer. Ericsson CaaS can operate
This simplifies automation of the cases. Slice selection can be made based on top of an IaaS VM or bare metal for
solution’s O&M, but does not prevent more on user-subscription data and any dynamic x86-compliant hardware infrastructure.
granular LCM of individual software modules. policies, supported by the slice database.

4
Ericsson and BT, “Network Slicing is key for the IoT Business Case” (2018)
13 Ericsson  |  One core – the best of two worlds

TCO benefits

Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Cloud Core has been conceived

to handle the programmability, automated operation
and digital exposure required to meet future challenges
and business needs.

As outlined in this paper, TCO is addressed Leveraging the SBA together with one Together with the application of CI/CD
in numerous ways. Benefits from new unified O&M reduces network and O&M with smaller upgrades to always assure
technology and architecture are introduced integration costs by up to 75 percent when the latest software, software assurance
while protecting current investments for adding new NFs, compared to today. The and automated testing create significant
smooth migration to a 5G Cloud Core. dual-mode software platform also creates savings and improved quality. Ericsson’s
The introduction of 3GPP SBA and a foundation for new capabilities and simulations show up to 90 percent CI/CD
microservice-based cloud native NFs, ways of working. ISSU permits software savings in a fully cloud native environment.
delivered as one software platform, upgrades during daytime, leaving the costly
enables substantial benefits. nightly maintenance windows behind.

Figure 9: One unified O&M

Common services components i.e. O&M O&M North Bound Interface (NBI)

Fault Performance Configuration Other common

Logging Prometheus
Management Management Management microservices

Microservice communication (message bus, etc.)

Microservice Microservice Microservice Microservice

Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type N

Business logic components for VNF functionality

Container as a Service (CaaS)

A cornerstone in Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G will move between LTE and NR during One example of an additional function
Cloud Core is the unified O&M for EPC and the day. With dynamic allocation of in the platform that can significantly
5GC, as described in Figure 9. A unified NBI resources, dimensioning can be done on improve ease of use and reduce TCO
with information models, naming of counters, aggregated traffic, saving up to 20 percent is the built-in software probe solution
alarms etc. helps to reduce complexity of infrastructure, though this will be specific which enables efficient interface mirroring
and learning. The platform also includes from case to case. As mentioned before, and event reporting with KPIs.
MANO/ONAP support, enabling automation Ericsson also sees significant footprint and Data is streamed to external consumers
with artificial intelligence and machine integration cost savings with an open and which reduces the need for external
learning, and flexibility in the orchestration flexible UP with internal service chaining. tapping and probes.
solution for easy migration from EPC. Peak rates of 20/10Gbps (downlink/uplink) Another example is the Network
The dual-mode 5G Cloud Core solution per UE and up to 193Gbps per dual-socket License Server, which handles licenses
also contributes to efficient use of resources. server also contribute to efficient TCO. from one network area instead
During the uptake period of 5G, terminals of local certificates per VNF.
14 Ericsson  |  One core – the best of two worlds

Summary

Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Cloud Core

solution delivers a programmable core
network for secure and cost-efficient
evolution of your existing networks.
It is based on cloud native design
principles, a flexible combination of NFs
and a multi-access core solution that
includes support for 5G NR (NSA and SA).

Figure 10: A brief look at the benefits

Manage one
network instead
of two

Migrate at your
own pace

Add
programmability
to your network

High-
performance
user plane

Telco-grade
cloud native
database
User and
network
policies with
efficiency

Ericsson’s dual-mode
5G Cloud Core includes:
– 20 percent savings in infrastructure
– 30 percent less user plane footprint
– 90 percent reduced opex for
software upgrades
– 75 percent cost savings in network
and O&M integration

For more insight into how TCO can

be managed, please see Ericsson’s
“Dual-mode 5G Cloud Core: TCO
benefits” report (October 2019).
5G will greatly change how consumers use their devices and experience the world
 Ericsson enables communications service providers
to capture the full value of connectivity. The company’s
portfolio spans Networks, Digital Services, Managed
Services, and Emerging Business and is designed to
help our customers go digital, increase efficiency and
find new revenue streams. Ericsson’s investments in
innovation have delivered the benefits of telephony
and mobile broadband to billions of people around
the world. The Ericsson stock is listed on Nasdaq
Stockholm and on Nasdaq New York.
www.ericsson.com

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