All-IP core network architecture for LTE providing mobility, session, and policy management.
Description
The Evolved Packet Core (EPC) is the core network for LTE, providing all-IP connectivity with seamless mobility. It consists of MME (control plane), S-GW/P-GW (user plane), HSS (subscriber data), and PCRF (policy).
EPC eliminates circuit-switched domain, treating all services as packet data. It supports multiple access technologies and provides seamless handover between LTE and legacy networks.
Purpose & Motivation
EPC was designed to:
- Provide all-IP flat architecture for lower latency - Separate control and user planes for scalability - Support diverse access technologies (LTE, Wi-Fi, 3G) - Enable policy-based QoS and charging
Key Features
- ✓All-IP architecture
- ✓Flat network design
- ✓Control/User plane separation
- ✓Policy and charging control
- ✓Multiple access support
- ✓Seamless mobility