An Ultra-Flexible Software Architecture Concept for 6G Core Networks
Marius Corici, Eric Troudt, Pousali Chakraborty, Thomas Magedanz
Abstract
5G networks made a first step towards increasing the core network flexibility by optimizing the interactions between the network functions with specific web-based interfaces and protocols. However, this has not extensively changed the architecture, as the allocation of roles of the 5G core network functions has remained the same as that of the classic telecom architecture. In this paper, we present a new perspective, stemming directly from webservices software architectures, on how to optimize the concept of network functions towards even more flexibility, scalability and use case adaptability. Furthermore, we present how the new concept can be applied to the current 5G core network architecture. We underline the extreme simplification of scaling, network migration, and equivalent management procedures, which make the concept an attractive option for very dynamic deployments. With this, we prove that the proposed concept highly outperforms the previous 5G one and represents a viable basis for the future 6G core network architecture.