4G TO 5G MIGRATION THROUGH CORE NETWORK

In this paper, we consider 5G as an evolution of 4G, thus we propose logical connections between LTE-A entities such as SGW, PDN firstly. Then, we present a new configuration and accordingly data/control realization of 5G EPS (Evolved Packet System) based on a carrier-grade hypervisor and an intelligent core server (IC server) to provide virtualization and flexibility to the network. In addition, we define two new entities hAN (heterogeneous access network) and TNT-Gateway (TENANT Gateway) for access and core, respectively and define their functions and data/signaling connections. Some important advantages of these configurations are: 1) cost reduction, 2) network efficiency improvement, and 3) increase of network flexibility and service availability which approaches LTE to 5G.