User Plane Function(UPF)

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.
User Plane Function(UPF)
Key Benefits
Fully Virtualized,  Highly integrated, Cloud Native UPF 
Fully Virtualized,  Highly integrated, Cloud Native UPF 
Perfect compatibility with third-party core network elements
Perfect compatibility with third-party core network elements
5GC UPF Multi-Gbps support: 10GB/25GB/40GB/100GB
5GC UPF Multi-Gbps support: 10GB/25GB/40GB/100GB
Enabled for centralized or distributed data centers
Enabled for centralized or distributed data centers
 
Highly scalable  Enable to deploy on Cloud Platform such as AWS and Azure
Highly scalable 
Enable to deploy on Cloud Platform such as AWS and Azure
High performance, low cost solution Single instance throughput is up to 100Gbps
High performance, low cost solution
Single instance throughput is up to 100Gbps
IPLOOK's Most Scalable, High Performance UPF
The IPLOOK UPF has been designed to be distributed and virtualized in 5G and offering better that 4G EPC which was designed to be more centralized in the mobile core network and running on COTS server. UPF  can be co-located in the new emerging cloud edge data centers.
Data transfer process in 5GC  though UPF:
Firstly, the data is sent by an terminal equipment, which will be transmitted over a wireless channel to gNodeB. Then, the gNodeB encapsulates the user data into GPRS Tunnelling Protocol for the user plane (GTP-U) packets. Here comes the most important part, the User Plane Function(UPF) receives users’ data from N3 interface and then sends them to the DN.
IPLOOK‘s Standalone UPF within its 5G Core Network(5GC) enables serving both 4G and 5G Radio Access Networks(RANs). Single 5GC UPF instance throughput is up to 100Gbps.
5GC UPF
Features 
 
Comply to  3GPP R15/R16 Standards
Four distinct reference points:
»  N3: Interface between the RAN (gNB) and the (initial) UPF
»  N9: Interface between two UPF’s (i.e the Intermediate I-UPF and the UPF Session Anchor)
»  N6: Interface between the Data Network (DN) and the UPF
»  N4: Interface between the Session Management Function (SMF) and the UPF
IP Protocol Stack Basic Function
»  ARP
Routing Function
»  Static Routing
»  Direct Routing
»  IP Policy-based Routing
»  Routing Policy
Distributed Packet Core Basic Function
»  Supporting SSC Mode1
»  Supporting SSC Mode2
Basic Service Function
»  Session Management
»  Path Management
»  Data Forwarding
»  Address Assignment
»  User Plane Address Assignment
»  QoS and Traffic Management
Element Management System(EMS) supported
 
Availability Function
»  DDoS Attack Proof
Operation and Maintenance
»  KPI Management
»  Fault Management
»  Log Management
»  Configuration Management
»  License Management
»  Security Management
»  Tracing Function
»  Online Support
»  Online Loading
»  SSH
»  Availability
QoS Management Basic Function
»  Supporting Reflective QoS
Basic Charging Function
»  Time Based Charging of Service
»  Volume Based Charging of Service
Charging Mode
»  Offline Charging
IPv6 Basic Function
»  IPv6 Networking on Gi/SGi/N6
»  IPv4/IPv6 Dual Stack Access
Open Northbound interface and graphical web based management interface
»  RESTful
»  API
Related Products
Network Exposure Function(NEF)
Network Exposure Function(NEF)
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
Network Repository Function(NRF)
Network Repository Function(NRF)
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.
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Network Slice Selection Function(NSSF)
Network Slice Selection Function(NSSF)
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)
Unified Data Management(UDM) / Authentication Server Function(AUSF)
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
Policy Control Function(PCF)
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.
Learn More
Session Management Function(SMF)
Session Management Function(SMF)
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
Access and Mobility Management Function(AMF)
Access and Mobility Management Function(AMF)
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)
N3IWF (Non-3GPP InterWorking Function)
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
Network Exposure Function(NEF)
Network Exposure Function(NEF)
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
Network Repository Function(NRF)
Network Repository Function(NRF)
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)
Network Slice Selection Function(NSSF)
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)
Unified Data Management(UDM) / Authentication Server Function(AUSF)
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
Policy Control Function(PCF)
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.
Learn More
Session Management Function(SMF)
Session Management Function(SMF)
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
Access and Mobility Management Function(AMF)
Access and Mobility Management Function(AMF)
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)
N3IWF (Non-3GPP InterWorking Function)
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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