By the end of this module you should be able to:
- Identify shared versus dedicated functions
- Understand function selection
- Recognise cloud infrastructure beneath the Core
Service-based functions
The 5G Core is composed of network functions exposing services to one another. Relevant functions include the AMF, SMF, UPF, NSSF, PCF, UDM and NRF.
Shared or dedicated
A slice may share some functions and use dedicated instances of others. Dedicated UPFs are common where traffic separation, local breakout or performance objectives require them.
Cloud does not mean infinite
Core functions run on compute, storage and networking infrastructure that still has capacity limits. Cloud-native design improves flexibility and lifecycle management, but resources must still be engineered.
Knowledge check
Must every Core function be dedicated to create a slice?