5G • Core Network
SBA
Service-Based Architecture
The cloud-native architectural paradigm in 5G Core where Network Functions interact as microservices using RESTful HTTP/2 JSON APIs.
Technical Explanation
In contrast to legacy point-to-point telecom protocols (such as Diameter or GTP-C), the 5G Core control plane is built on a Service-Based Architecture (SBA). Every Network Function (AMF, SMF, PCF, UDM, AUSF, NRF, NEF, NSSF) exposes modular services using standard web technologies: HTTP/2 transport, TLS encryption, and JSON payloads. NFs register their service capabilities with the Network Repository Function (NRF) and discover peer NF instances dynamically, facilitating containerized orchestration (Kubernetes) and CI/CD upgrades.
Key Functions
- Microservice-oriented decoupling of network functions
- Standardized RESTful HTTP/2 APIs with JSON serialization
- Dynamic NF registration, heartbeats, and discovery via NRF
- Stateless NF operation with external data storage in UDSF/UDR
Specifications
3GPP TS 23.501, TS 29.500, TS 29.501
Interfaces
NamfNsmfNpcfNudmNausfNnrfNnefNnssf
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