Integrating the EPC for seamless 3G/4G backhaul

 

The most flexible approach would be to treat all of the Evolved Packet Core elements (MME, SGW, PGW) as logical entities that can be combined and hosted on available equipment in a variety of ways as network service demands evolve. This could allow operators to align the EPC components with current 3G elements and to create tunnels between 3G and EPC for packet traffic (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network, or TRAN, traffic) where appropriate. As voice, data or all traffic evolves off of the 3G network, the location of the logical functions could be revised by changing the hosting points.

 

Many mobile operators and planners still think in terms of discrete devices when they think of mobile service elements, but that trend is reversing as operators understand the flexibility and operations benefits of having their packet edge devices host EPC roles. If that hosting is further enhanced by a "logical EPC" capability to permit rapid reconfiguration of the relationship between the EPC and the underlying metro/core network, the result is a structure that adapts not only to the evolution from 3G to 4G, but also to the changes in traffic and services needs that will inevitably come in a mature 4G market.