What is a core network and how does it work?

What is a core network?

In telecommunications, a core network – also called a backbone network – is a central conduit designed to transfer network traffic at high speeds. Core networks focus on optimising the performance and reliability of long-distance and large-scale data communications. They connect Wide-Area Networks (WAN) and Local Area Networks (LAN) altogether.

While core networks provide a plethora of services, one of their key functions includes routing telephone calls across the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Usually, the term denotes the high-functioning communication facilities that interlink the primary nodes. Moreover, the core network provides routes to exchange information among different sub-networks. While the term ‘backbone’ is often used in enterprise network solutions rather than core network, network services providers mostly use the term core network. Furthermore, in 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE), core networks are known as Evolved Packet Core (EPC).

Main responsibilities of a core network:

• The core network is the most important part of any cellular communication system, and it differs from the radio part as it functions behind the scenes from the users’ perspective.
• The core network offers some essential functions to the users: authentication, authorisation and maintaining the location of the users in order to provide swift services.
• Core networks connect Local-Area Networks (LAN) and wide-area networks to maximise the potential, reliability, and performance of long-distance data communications.
• It is designed to be very fast, reliable and secure.
• A core network helps with routing traffic between different parts of the network. Various new and advanced technologies are used to provide improved connectivity and routing.
• Core networks are designed to be highly reliable. Even in the possibility of danger through cyber-attacks, ample protection and safety measures are set up to ensure their smooth working.
• Core networks provide gateways to access other networks.
• Core networks determine whether users are allowed to access certain services, and an active charging mechanism is already set up to ensure the smooth functioning of such services.
• Due to technological advancements, core networks must be able to accommodate the growth in network traffic demands. So, efficient network segmentation ensures less impact in case of failures.

How core networks affect IoT solutions?

Core networks are vital for IoT connectivity providers. Building a core network is not essential, but owning one enhances a connectivity provider’s ability to meet IoT deployment demands. 

A lot of essential and specific customer demands can be met, which may include:

• Subscribers/users may block networks, which allows them to avoid low-quality service areas and connect to better, superior networks.
• Enables point-to-point protocol for SIMs, which allows subscribers/users to maintain a site-to-site connection with LTE backup.
• Monitors the SIM at a signalling level.
• Designing a specific SIM profile and owning OTA (Over-The-Air) keys enables subscribers/users to store a blockchain token on a SIM and to control it remotely.

Why are core networks vital to cellular connectivity?

In the purview of mobile telecoms, a core network is very vital in order to handle crucial functions. It's the central element of a network, offering various services to customers connected by the access network. 

A core network in telecommunications provides several important services:

• It makes sure that a subscriber/user is who they claim to be.
• It determines which services subscribers/users can get access to (SMS, voice, data, etc.).
• It controls where services can be used and accessed geographically.
• It efficiently tracks the service usage of a subscriber/user.

The future of core networks

A more advanced and emerging technology in the telecommunications sector has increased the potential for new core network advancements. Starting from the first generation, it has completed its journey up to the fourth generation (4G), with the newly-developing fifth generation (5G) making significant waves and improvements.

Though 4G technology provided better services and facilities, expectations and requirements for the services offered by the telecom network have changed drastically. The preexisting 4G network was not able to fulfil connectivity requirements for some services, including AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), and real-time operations with support for intelligent farming, innovative health, smart transportation, smart cities, etc.

New and improved advancements in 5G technology have lifted a significant amount of burdens that were not previously fulfilled by its 4G counterpart.

Some of these new advancements include:

• The 5G core network market has experienced significant growth and is expected to continue growing, thanks to advancements in Network Functions Virtualisation (NFV) and Software Defined Networking (SDN).
• The evolution of hybrid 5G core networks aims to support legacy 4G and 5G to ensure a smooth transition towards a better and more efficient network architecture.
• Since the 5G core network supports network slicing, it allows for independent scalability of different services.
• They are designed to support cloud-native applications, which improves the efficient creation and consumption of network resources and is more cost-efficient.
  

Conclusion

Being one of the key network service providers, Tata Communications has been instrumental in extending cutting-edge, unified, robust, and smart network solutions for businesses across the globe. Our core enterprise network solutions can be your go-to partner in architecting the success, and growth trajectory for your business. 

Do connect with our expert today to learn more about core networks!