5G: What is the job of Network Repository Function (NRF) in 5G network ?
Answers
As a follow up from our previous post on 5G Core Network (5GC) and system architecture, today I’d like to touch upon the 5G network functions (NFs) that are related to core network. As we’ll see, some of them look very similar to the corresponding functions in the previous generations’ core networks (CN). This of course is not surprising, as the network always has to carry out some basic functions such as: communicate with the UE, store its subscription and credentials, allow access to external networks & services, provide security and manage the network access and mobility. However, we will also see some new functions, that were not present before, which are needed to enable the new network paradigms like slicing and service-based networking.
Service-Based Architecture (SBA)
To describe the CN functions themselves, let’s firstly look at the system architecture from 3GPP SA2 on the following figure.

Figure 1: 5G System: Service-based architecture (SBA) [1]
We can see that part of this architecture, looks like good old LTE/3G with similar nodes and interfaces (lower part of the picture). However, the upper part of the figure (5GC Control Plane), has a “bus” and service-based interface exhibited by individual function. This creates a so-called Service Based Architecture (SBA), in which, one CP network function (e.g. SMF) allows any other authorized NFs to access its services. According to [1], the NFs within 5GC Control Plane, shall only use service-based-interfaces for their interactions.
Note: If you want to revisit the “good-old” reference point architecture representation for 5G, read our other blog on the general 5GC aspects: [5G CN Overview]. Yes, the 5G system architecture with reference points is still there.
Network Functions (NFs)
Ok, let’s discuss a bit of the 5GC network functions themselves and what functionalities do they support (note that not all functionalities of individual functions are present). The main 5G NFs are the following:
Access and Mobility Management function (AMF) supports: Termination of NAS signalling, NAS ciphering & integrity protection, registration management, connection management, mobility management, access authentication and authorization, security context management. (AMF has part of the MME functionality from EPC world)
Session Management function (SMF)supports: session management (session establishment, modification, release), UE IP address allocation & management, DHCP functions, termination of NAS signalling related to session management, DL data notification, traffic steering configuration for UPF for proper traffic routing. (AMF has part of the MME and PGW functionality from EPC world)
User plane function (UPF) supports: packet routing & forwarding, packet inspection, QoS handling, acts as external PDU session point of interconnect to Data Network (DN), and is an anchor point for intra- & inter-RAT mobility. (UPF has part of the SGW & PGW functionality from EPC world)
Policy Control Function (PCF) supports: unified policy framework, providing policy rules to CP functions, access subscription information for policy decisions in UDR. (PCF has part of the PCRF functionality from EPC world)
Authentication Server Function (AUSF) acts as an authentication server. (part of HSS from EPC world)
Unified Data Management (UDM) supports: generation of Authentication and Key Agreement (AKA) credentials, user identification handling, access authorization, subscription management. (part of HSS functionality from EPC world)
Application Function (AF) supports: application influence on traffic routing, accessing NEF, interaction with policy framework for policy control. (same as AF in EPC world)
Network Exposure function (NEF) supports: exposure of capabilities and events, secure provision of information from external application to 3GPP network, translation of internal/external information. (not present in EPC world)
NF Repository function (NRF) supports: service discovery function, maintains NF profile and available NF instances. (not present in EPC world)
Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) supports: selecting of the Network Slice instances to serve the UE, determining the allowed NSSAI, determining the AMF set to be used to serve the UE. (not present in EPC world)
5G technology
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Now, Currently we are using 4G technology from 2 years and now its time for 5G.
5G will come late in so many countries, But fact is that 5G will be faster than Imagination. 50X Faster than 4G.
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What is G?
First time when there was a 2G then that G was meant by Giga Hertz, But when 3G came then from that time G means GENERATION. Currently, there is a 4th Generation of the internet and thats the reason we are currently having 4G internet connection.
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Does 5G will support your phone?
This time not at all devices, But only some devices will be have compatability of 5G internet connection. It is because 5G has works on very diffrent waves and diffrent GHz and 5G technology works on only some processors.
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How 5G works?
5G internet will be totally based on wirelesly and 5G will directly come to specific device with the help of sattellite. Yes, Thats the reality that 5G will be come to your phone directly by sattelite. 5G will be having a 5Ghz to 12.5GHz.
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Processors supporting 5G!!
Here are some processors which will support 5G internet connection:
1) Snapdragon 845
2) Snapdragon 855
3) Exynos 9820
4) Exynos 9810
5) A11/A12 Apple processor
6) Snapdragon 700 series
7) Snapdragon 675
8) Snapdragon 835
9) Snapdragon 660
10) Exynos 7000 series
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India - 5G
In India it is expected to launch 5G in October 2019. Also so many Indian Internet providers are working on sharing 5G technology with India.
Jio is working on its 7.5GHz Internet connection to the world. And Airtel is working as a 5G partners with the mobile companies.
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5G internet speed?
we know that, 4G speed is 5mb/ps in India and 20 to 30 mb/ps in other countries. But 5G will have greater speed than 4G.
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1G = 250kb/ps
2G = 1.2mb/ps
3G = 2mb/ps
4G = 5mb/ps
5G = ? => 10gb/ps (343MB/ps)
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Yes! That's reality that 5G will have 10 GB/ps speed and so many mobile companies are trying to make it faster than it! 5G will have higher system capacity than other generations.
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Is 5G Harmful?
This is one of the most viral question about 5G internet. And the answer of this question is YES and NO. Because while 5G if that internet speed went more than 200MB/ps(Megabyte) then it can be harmful. But if it is under 200MB/ps then it is just like 4G. Youtube uses only 8Mb/ps internet. As well as this site(Brainly) Uses your internet in kb/ps. That's very good thing!!
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Xiaomi Mi Mix and Samsung galaxy S10 are the first smartphones which are launched with 5G supported.
Xiaomi has also shown the demo of First 5G video call live in MWC 2019. And It is said that 1080p video (654MB Video) was downloaded in 8 seconds
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