SD-Core™ is a cloud native 4G/5G disaggregated mobile core and a optional building block of Aether. The SD-Core control plane simultaneously supports 5G standalone, 5G non-standalone, and 4G/LTE deployments.
The rich runtime API of SD-Core enables operators to provision subscribers; set QoS parameters for slices; control runtime configuration of network functions; and provide telemetry data to third-party applications. Third party applications can then leverage the API to support closed loop control for edge applications.
In February 2024, the Aether project, which includes SD-Core, moved to the Linux Foundation and is continuing to evolve. Access the latest information and about Aether and SD-Core and learn how to join our vibrant community on the “Aether Project” website:
SD-Core Overview
Role of the mobile core…
- Ensure only authenticated mobile devices have network access
- Provides IP connectivity for data & voice services
- Ensures connectivity adheres to QoS and network slice policies
- Tracks user mobility to ensure uninterrupted service
- Tracks subscriber usage
SD-Core Architecture
SD-Core is a flexible, agile, scalable and configurable dual-mode 4G/5G core network platform that builds upon and enhances ONF’s OMEC and free 5GC core network platforms to support LTE, 5G NSA and 5G SA services.
The SD-Core control plane provides the flexibility of simultaneous supports for 5G standalone, 5G non-standalone and 4G/LTE deployments.
SD-Core provides a rich set of APIs to Runtime Operation Control (ROC). Operators can use these APIs to provision the subscribers in the mobile core; control runtime configuration of network functions; and provide telemetry data to third party applications. Third party applications can leverage telemetry data to create applications for closed loop control.
Multiple Distributed User Planes
SD-Core has three User Plane Functions (UPFs) designed to be deployed throughout the network edge. Each UPF is optimized to handle specific classes of application and take advantage of various hardware acceleration options. Deployments can intermix the UPF variants.
- P4-Based UPF optimized for private enterprise deployments, and providing fine-grained visibility for verifiable performance and secure operations
- Containerized Dual-Core UPF optimized for private enterprise deployments, capable of processing LTE and 5G traffic simultaneously
- Containerized Dual-Core UPF optimized for various MNO use cases, capable of processing LTE and 5G traffic simultaneously
SD-Core is an Integral Part of Aether
SD-Core is an integral component of Aether, ONF’s 5G Connected Edge platform for private mobile connectivity and edge cloud services.
SD-Core provides the 4G/5G connectivity and the SD-Core control plane at the central site controls multiple SD-Core user plane components running at each Aether Edge site.
