China Mobile and Huawei have used Mobile World Congress Shanghai to showcase the world's first 5G core network prototype using service-based architecture (SBA).
The prototype is based on the 3GPP's 5G SBA standard. Under SBA, core network functions are defined as loosely coupled, combinable services that can be flexibly scheduled based on standard interface protocol. These elements are self-contained, reusable and able to be independently managed.
Functions of the 5G SBA prototype include service registration, discovery and authorization, as well as service operations and service-oriented 5G basic business processes such as device registration and connection establishment and release.
"The service-based architecture shows that 5G is a truly Cloud Native design. It makes carrier networks more agile, flexible, scalable, and open,” China Mobile Research Institute GM Yang Zhiqiang said.
“We will work to reduce its complexity, and look forward to working with all industry players to accelerate completion of international standards and product R&D. Our goal is to quickly put SBA into large-scale commercial use and enable 5G operations."
The companies said the successful demonstration of the 5G SBA prototype provides a foundation for the IMT-2020 Promotion Group's 5G core network testing.