A virtualized evolved packet core (vEPC) is a mobile-core network system that accommodates LTE access systems.
Server Manager represents the single data model normalizing vEPC infrastructure from physical, virtual to Serving GW, PDN GW and MME layers supporting network services for 4G, LTE, and VoLTE.
Serving GW
The gateways (Serving GW and PDN GW) deal with the user plane. They transport the IP data traffic between the User Equipment (UE) and the external networks.
The Serving GW is the point of interconnect between the radio-side and the EPC. As its name indicates, this gateway serves the UE by routing the incoming and outgoing IP packets. It is the anchor point for the intra-LTE mobility (that is, in the handover between eNodeBs) and between LTE and other 3GPP accesses. It is logically connected to the other gateway, the PDN GW.
PDN GW
The PDN GW is the point of interconnect between the EPC and the external IP networks. These networks are called PDN (Packet Data Network). The PDN GW routes packets to and from the PDNs.
The PDN GW also performs various functions such as IP address / IP prefix allocation or policy control and charging.
3GPP defines these gateways independently but in practice they can be combined in a single "box" by network vendors.
MME
The MME (for Mobility Management Entity) deals with the control plane. It handles the signaling related to mobility and security for the E-UTRAN access.
The MME is responsible for the tracking and the paging of UE in idle-mode. It is the termination point of the Non-Access Stratum (NAS).
Affirmed Mobile Content Cloud Overview
The Affirmed Networks Mobile Content Cloud (MCC) solution provides Affirmed Networks services in a virtualized environment. The Affirmed Networks Mobile Content Cloud is a virtualized EPC (vEPC) to simplify and rationalize the mobile packet core and the upgraded services networks.
- Mobile gateway and the upgraded services with subscriber workflow services chaining.
- Supports all relevant 3GPP to provide 2G, 3G, 3G+, and 4G mobile data services to its home and roaming subscribers, and the voice support in the LTE radio network such as IMS-based VoLTE.
