With the introduction of 5G and the long-term coexistence of 2G/3G/4G/Fixed, operators are facing the challenge of diverse network architectures and rising costs. ZTE 5G Common Core is the world’s first convergent core for 2G/3G/4G/5G/Fixed access based on a complete 5G-oriented cloud native solution. The common core supports all previous core networks and the fixed networks, along with 5GC (5G Core). It also supports NSA and SA deployment (NSA: Non-Standalone, SA: Standalone). ZTE 5G Common Core contains these key network functions: AMF/MME/SGSN, SMF/SGW-C/SGW-U, UPF/SGW-U/PGW-U, UDM/AUSF/HSS/HLR, PCF/PCRF, NRF, NSSF, UDR, UDSF, etc.

ZTE 5G Common Core implements a convergent network by using the 5GC architecture, e.g. SBA (Service based architecture), CUPS (Control and User Plane Separation), unified cloud database, stateless designing. The existing networks can be expanded easily to achieve 5GC architecture and features by using Common Core.

ZTE 5G Common Core can work as anchor point for end users to provide consistent experiences of 2G/3G/4G/5G/Fixed. All services and traffic flow of 2G/3G/4G/5G/Fixed are anchored in Common Core, which makes handover faster and packet forwarding more optimized. Both NSA and SA are supported by ZTE 5G Common Core for different deployment purposes. It is implemented by functioning as EPC/EPC+/5GC or any combination of them. The Common Core can adaptively adjust resource allocation and forwarding path between NSA and SA.