By the end of this module you should be able to:
- Define UPF
- Explain local breakout
- Connect user-plane placement to edge services
User Plane Function
The UPF forwards user packets between the access network and data networks. It can enforce forwarding rules, collect usage information and act as an anchor point.
Local breakout
Traffic can be routed through a UPF close to the user or site rather than travelling to a distant central Core location. This can reduce round-trip delay and keep industrial data local.
Placement trade-offs
More distributed UPFs can improve latency and locality, but they increase operational complexity, resilience requirements and lifecycle management.
Knowledge check
What is the main benefit of local breakout?