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title: <center><i class="fa fa-edit"></i> 5G Architecture </center>

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# <center><i class="fa fa-edit"></i> 5G Architecture </center>
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[TOC]

### 5G network architecture

![](https://i.imgur.com/kfje3OG.jpg)

Figure-1 depicts 5G network architecture. This is generic architecture. As shown 5G network uses flat IP concept so that different RANs (Radio Access Networks) can use the same single Nanocore for communication. RANs supported by 5G architecture are GSM, GPRS/EDGE, UMTS, LTE, LTE-advanced, WiMAX, WiFi, CDMA2000, EV-DO, CDMA One, IS-95 etc.

Flat IP architecture identify devices using symbolic names unlike hierarchical architecture where in normal IP addresses are used. This architecture reduces number of network elements in data path and hence reduces cost to greater extent. It also minimizes latency.

5G aggregator aggregates all the RAN traffics and route it to gateway. 5G aggregator is located at BSC/RNC place. 5G mobile terminal houses different radio interfaces for each RAT in order to provide support for all the spectrum access and wireless technologies.

Another component in the 5G network architecture is 5G nanocore. It consists of nanotechnology, cloud computing, All IP architecture.

Cloud computing utilizes internet as well as central remote servers to maintain data and applications of the users. It allows consumers to use applications without any installation and access their files from any computer across the globe with the use of internet.

###  5G NR overall architecture 
5G NR overall architecture is shown in the following figure-2. This is as defined in the 3GPP TS 38.300 specification.

![](https://i.imgur.com/uadB7hb.jpg)

As shown in the figure, gNB node provides NR user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE (i.e. 5G terminal device such as smartphone, tablet, laptop etc.) and it is connected via the NG interface to the 5GC. The ng-eNB node providing E-UTRA (i.e. LTE) user plane and control plane protocol terminations towards the UE, and connected via the NG interface to the 5GC.
Here AMF stands for Access and Mobility Management Function and UPF stands for User Plane Function.
### 5G Protocol Stack

![](https://i.imgur.com/B4XUGWq.jpg)

The figure-5 below depicts 5G protocol stack mentioning 5G protocol layers mapped with OSI stack. As whown 5G protocol stack consists of OWA layer, network layer, Open transport layer and application layer.

OWA Layer: OWA layer is the short form of Open Wireless Architecture layer. It functions as physical layer and data link layer of OSI stack.
Network Layer: It is used to route data from source IP device to the destination IP device/system. It is divided into lower and upper network layers.
Open Transport Layer: It combines functionality of both transport layer and session layer.
Application Layer: It marks the data as per proper format required. It also does encryption and decryption of the data. It selects the best wireless connection for given service.
