5G: How can we compare 5G AMF selection at NG-RAN node to MME selection at LTE-eNodeB ?
Answers
I’d answer with the following items: Firstly, the nomenclature: in LTE we have a simple pure naming using the “Evolved” term: E-UTRA (radio interface), eNB (base station), E-UTRAN (RAN), EPC (CN), EPS (system); in 5G, in turn, we have many different names with a variation of “5G” and “new/next generation”: NR (radio interface), gNB or ng-eNB (base station), NG-RAN (RAN), 5GC (CN), 5GS (system); Secondly, the function split in the CN: in LTE we have a bit mixed CP and UP functions between different network nodes; in 5G we have a full CP/UP split, with many CP network functions and UPF, doing solely data plane processing; Thirdly, in 5G we have some new functionality not present before, like: network slicing implying different configurations of RAN new QoS framework with flows instead of end-to-end bearers new approach to 5GC using service based architecture (SBA) concept; … and more that I’ll try to write about in the next posts (if I decide to make a series out of this :)).