Converged Core Architecture
The converged core solution provides a single unified platform which is based on SMI architecture. The supporting architecture integrates the cloud-native S-GW and SMF deployment with 5GC and cnSGW-C functionalities. The solution uses 3GPP-defined SBA interfaces for policy and charging functions.
In the converged core architecture, the 4G and 5G capable UEs are anchored on the same control plane instance. The control plane instance provides the SMF, 5GC, and cnSGW-C functionalities.
The handoffs between 4G and 5G access types are seamless for 5G capable devices. The handoffs from LTE to UTRAN (bi-directional communication between 4G/5G and 3G/2G) are not seamless for 4G capable devices.
The following figure illustrates the supported network architecture.

The UPF deployed as a part of this solution is a VPC-SI VM. The UPF deployment is VM-based, and supports:
-
SGW-U, PGW-U, and UPF functionalities in the same instance, and exposes the Sxa, Sxb, Sxab, or N4 interface towards the control plane.
-
Multiple CP instances (up to 4) simultaneously.