About This 5G Core Network Architecture Diagram
This editable diagram summarizes major functions in the 5G Core (5GC) and helps explain how access and mobility control, session management, policy, subscriber data, authentication, and user traffic are separated. It is best used as a learning or documentation template rather than as a complete deployment specification.
Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)
The AMF is a key control-plane function for access and mobility management. It handles responsibilities such as registration and connection management and participates in mobility-related signaling for user equipment.
Session Management Function (SMF) and User Plane Function (UPF)
The SMF manages PDU sessions and controls aspects of user-plane handling, while the UPF forwards user traffic between the access network and external data networks. This separation of control and user-plane responsibilities is a central feature of 5GC architecture.
Policy, Subscriber Data, and Authentication
The PCF supports policy control, UDM manages subscriber-related data, and AUSF supports authentication. The NSSF assists with network-slice selection. Together with other network functions, these components support the service-based architecture defined for 5G systems.
How to Read the Diagram
Start with the UE and access network, then trace control-plane functions through AMF and SMF and user traffic toward the UPF and data network. When adapting the template, label interfaces or service relationships only when they are relevant to the architecture view you need to communicate.
Scope and Standards Note
5G architecture evolves across 3GPP releases, and real deployments may include additional functions, interfaces, roaming scenarios, interworking, redundancy, and vendor-specific implementation details. For standards-based engineering decisions, verify the current applicable 3GPP specifications, including TS 23.501 and related documents.
FAQs about this Template
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What are the main functions shown in a 5G core network diagram?
A simplified 5GC diagram commonly includes AMF for access and mobility management, SMF for session management, UPF for user traffic forwarding, and functions such as PCF, UDM, AUSF, and NSSF for policy, subscriber data, authentication, and slice selection.
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What is the difference between SMF and UPF in 5G?
SMF is a control-plane function that manages sessions and controls aspects of user-plane handling. UPF is a user-plane function that forwards packets between the access network and external data networks.
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Can this 5G diagram be used as a deployment specification?
It is better treated as a simplified learning and documentation template. Production architecture depends on the applicable 3GPP release, deployment scenario, interfaces, redundancy, roaming or interworking needs, and implementation choices.
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