What the UPF does
The UPF is the principal packet-forwarding function in the 5G Core. It applies forwarding rules supplied by the SMF and can perform traffic detection, usage reporting, QoS handling and packet routing.
How it relates to slicing
Different slices can use common or dedicated UPFs. Dedicated placement can support traffic separation, local data-network access, regulatory locality or service-specific scaling.
Local breakout
A UPF located near a factory, venue or regional edge can forward traffic directly to a nearby application, reducing unnecessary transport towards a distant central site.
Standards note: this page is an explanatory summary. Precise procedures, services and information elements are defined in the applicable 3GPP specifications.