5GC PCF, Policy Control Function ∣ IPLOOK

Policy Control Function(PCF)

The 5G PCF performs the same function as the PCRF in 4G networks.

• Provides policy rules for control plane functions. This includes network slicing, roaming and mobility management.
• Accesses subscription information for policy decisions taken by the UDR.
• Supports the new 5G QoS policy and charging control functions.
Policy Control Function(PCF)
Key Benefits
Converged EPC PCRF and 5GC PCF core network function
Converged EPC PCRF and 5GC PCF core network function
Perfect compatibility with third-party core network elements
Perfect compatibility with third-party core network elements
Deployed on X86 COTS server, NFV platform and Cloud 
Deployed on X86 COTS server, NFV platform and Cloud 
Enabled for centralized or distributed data centers
Enabled for centralized or distributed data centers
 
IPLOOK's  5GC  PCF
IPLOOK 5GC PCF is a direct evolution of the IPLOOK EPC PCRF on the existing CPS Cloud Native Docker container based platform. The new PCF will have support for all the existing features of the legacy 3G/4G CPS PCRF in addition to new 5G QoS policy and charging control functions and the related 5G signaling interfaces defined for the 5G PCF by the 3GPP standards (eg. N7, N15, N5, Rx, ..).
Through various configuration options, operators will have the flexibility to enable or disable various features, protocols, or interfaces. The PCF evolution is planned in an incremental manner keeping legacy CPS PCRF functionality intact, and enabling hybrid 4G/5G PCRF/PCF solution where necessary for customer operations.
5GC PCF
Features 
 
Comply to  3GPP R15/R16 Standards
Interface Function
»  N7 Interface
»  N5 Interface
»  N15 Interface
»  Nrsf Interface
»  Nbsf Interface
»  Web Server
»  Northbound Interface (RESTful API)
Network Function Management
»  NF Register
»  NF Deregister
»  NF Subscription
Operation and Maintenance
»   KPI Management
»  Fault Management
»  Log Management
»  Configuration Management
»  License Management
»  User group management
»  The business management
»  SPR network element configuration management
»  PCF network element configuration management
 
Basic Service Function
»  Overload control function
»  Dynamic policy control based on usage
»  Dynamic policy control based on time period
»  Dynamic policy control based on service area
»  Dynamic policy control based on terminal type
»  Dynamic policy control based on Shared usage
»  Dynamic policy control based on contract information
»  Dynamic policy control based on APN
»  Default hosted QoS control
»  Proprietary hosting management support
»  VoLTE basic business support (voice, video)
»  VoLTE supplementary business support (CFW, CW, CH, etc.)
»  PCF redundant backup design
»  Conversion of Rx messages to N5 messages
»  Support capabilities open and MEC
»  PCF roaming
»  PCF Multi-rules
»  PCF Predefined rules 
»  PCF support URSP
Open Northbound interface and graphical web based management interface
»  RESTful
»  API
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The User Plane Function (UPF) represents the data plane evolution of a Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS) strategy, which is a fundamental component of the 3GPP 5G core network(5GC).

The UPF plays the most critical role in the process of data transfer. It provides the interconnect point between the mobile infrastructure and the Data Network (DN), i.e. encapsulation and decapsulation of GTP-U.
Learn More
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NEF, located between the 5G core network and external third-party application functionaries (and possibly some internal AFs), is responsible for managing the external open network data, and all external applications that want to access the internal data of the 5G core must pass through the NEF.

By opening the network capability to third-party applications, it can realize the friendly connection between network capability and business requirements, improve business experience and optimize network resource allocation.
Learn More
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NRF, one of the network functions of the 5G core network(5GC). It supports the service discovery feature, which receives NF discovery requests from NF instances and provides information about the discovered NF instance (discovered) to another NF instance. Registration information includes NF type, address, service list, etc.
Learn More
Network Slice Selection Function(NSSF)
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Network slicing is a key native capability of 5G that can maximize the performance of communication networks and reduce network construction and operation and maintenance costs, and it has become an industry consensus that 'slicing is capability and slicing is product' in the 5G era.
The core network, as a key anchor point for network differentiation and operation, has emerged as a more important network in the 5G era, providing the ability to deploy network functions and resources on-demand to meet the diverse business needs of future vertical industries.
Learn More
Unified Data Management(UDM) / Authentication Server Function(AUSF)
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UDM: The same as 4G’ s HSS (Home Subscriber Services), UDM is a centralized way to process network user data in 5G through Nudm interfaces to provide services for AMF, SMF, SMSF, AUSF, NEF and GMLC. It also provides services such as authorization of accessing, registration, uninterrupted services.

AUSF: As a major part of 5GC to facilitate security processes, AUSF performs the authentication function of identifying UEs and storing authentication keys.
Learn More
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SMF is a fundamental element of the 5G Service-Based Architecture (SBA). The SMF keeps trace of PDU sessions and QoS Flows in the 5GC for UEs and make sure their states and status are in sync between Network Functions in Control and User Planes.
It also receives PCC (Policy and Charging Control) Rules from PCF (Policy Charging Function) and convert PCC Rules into SDF Templates, QoS Profiles and QoS Rules for UPF, gNB and UE respectively for QoS Flows establishment, modification and release etc.
Learn More
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AMF terminates the control plane of different access networks onto the 5G Core Network(5GC) and control which UEs can access the 5GC to exchange traffic with DNs. It also manages the mobility of UEs when they roam from one gNB to another for session continuity, whenever possible.
Learn More
N3IWF (Non-3GPP InterWorking Function)
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N3IWF (Non-3GPP InterWorking Function) is responsible for connecting untrusted non-3GPP access network to 5GC. UE and N3IWF establish an IPSec tunnel, N3IWF connects to the User Plane and Control Plane of 5GC through N2 interface and N3 interface separately.
Learn More
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Tell us your business needs, and we' ll find the perfect solution.
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