The core network is a central part of mobile communication systems that manages access, mobility, sessions, data processing, and intelligent services across LTE, 5G, and future 6G networks.
Definition
The core network may be an LTE core network, a 5G core network, or a core network evolved after 5G, such as a 6G core network. The type of core network is not limited and may evolve according to future communication requirements.
The core network is responsible for providing control, data handling, and service management functions for user equipment (UE) and network nodes. As mobile networks evolve toward 6G, the core network architecture expands beyond traditional control and user plane separation to include computing and intelligence-aware functions.
Network Functions
A core network includes one or more network functions that cooperate to support end-to-end communication services. These network functions may include at least one of the following.
- Access function
- Mobility management function
- Network repository function
- Unified data management
- Authentication server function
- Session management function
- User plane function
- Policy control function
- Network exposure function
- Computing plane function (for example, in a 6G core network)
- Data plane function (for example, in a 6G core network)
- Smart plane function (for example, in a 6G core network)
In a 6G core network, additional planes such as the computing plane and smart plane are introduced to support intelligent task execution, data processing, and AI-native network control.
Examples
Optionally, a network function of the core network is configured to provide one or more services. These services enable communication, security, mobility, and service continuity for users and applications.
The services may include a subscription service, an authentication service, a registration service, and a mobility management service. Additional services such as policy management, data processing, charging, and session management are also supported.
In a core network evolved after 5G, such as a 6G core network, advanced services may be provided. These services support intelligent applications, computing-aware communication, and new service types that extend beyond traditional mobile broadband.
By supporting flexible network functions and service provisioning, the core network enables seamless evolution from LTE to 5G and toward future 6G communication systems.
References
Next-Generation Core Network Architecture and Network Function Evolution
(LTE, 5G, and 6G Core Network Concepts)