4G Core Network Solution

While 5G is the future of network infrastructure, 4G is likely to remain a critical part of the network ecosystem for many years to come. The migration from 4G to 5G is a gradual and often costly process, with significant challenges in integrating and managing both technologies concurrently.

Although 5G is considered the more advanced form of cellular communication, there is still merit in using 4G core. Specifically, these networks provide superior results when you’re looking for stable, widespread coverage.

Fast Speed 

Many users downplay 4G as it's significantly slower than 5G networks. However, we shouldn’t forget that these networks served businesses for the longest time. 4G is fantastic if you’re looking to make real-time calls, transfer files at a fast speed, browse data, and perform other tasks online. 

Excellent Coverage

The biggest advantage of 4G over the newer generation networks is the fact it offers much broader coverage. It offers amazing connections in rural areas, which still rely on old telecommunication towers.

In comparison, 5G companies are still scrambling to install as many cell towers as possible. In many cases, they’re forced to go through a long permit phase that is stalling installation. Furthermore, 5G is almost non-existent in smaller villages and nature, as it doesn’t pay off for providers to install a large number of small 5G cell towers. 

Increased Reliability

4G networks use old legacy infrastructure with high coverage. No matter where you are, you can get a clean, reliable signal. As a result, buying a 4G solution is often the best course of action for businesses that don’t care much about download speed, but can’t afford downtimes.

Cost-Effective

Given that infrastructure is already in place and is, by many, considered obsolete, you can get 4G internet relatively cheap. It is also a cheaper solution if you have legacy infrastructure and you don’t want to switch to 5G cloud core.

Here is a breakdown of the main 4G network components:

• LTE user equipment (UE) includes all sorts of smartphones and IoT devices, rely on 4G Radio Access Network to connect to the 4G core. Through RAN, UE can connect further down the line to the external network (e.g. Internet, IMS etc).
• LTE Radio Access Network (RAN) is the wireless component of a 4G mobile network that connects devices to the core network. It utilizes radio frequencies to provide wireless connectivity, enabling devices to communicate with the network and access services like the internet. 
• Mobility Management Entity (MME) handles signaling, security, tracking area, roaming, and authentication of user equipment (UE). It also manages the connection between the UE and the core network, ensuring seamless mobility as users move between cells.
• Serving Gateway (SGW) acts as the anchor point for data sessions as users roam between eNodeBs (base stations) and is responsible for routing and forwarding user data packets. 
• Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW) provides connectivity to external packet data networks, such as the internet, IMS or other operator networks. 
• Home Subscriber Server (HSS) is a central database that stores user-related information, including subscription details, user profiles, and authentication data. It also manages user access authorization and roaming capabilities. 
• Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) is a crucial network element within the Evolved Packet Core (EPC). It acts as the central policy decision-making entity.
• OCS (Online Charging System) and OFCS (Offline Charging System) are crucial components for managing and billing user service usage. OCS handles real-time charging for services like voice calls and data sessions, while OFCS records usage data for later billing.

Other important 4G network components are

• Evolved Packet Data Gateway (ePDG) in a 4G network acts as a secure gateway between untrusted non-3GPP networks like WiFi and the core 4G network (EPC).
• Home eNodeB gateway (HeNB-GW) Integrates small cell networks into carrier infrastructure, ensuring efficient data transfer and optimized network communication.
• Security Gateway (SeGW) Provides strong security protocols, protecting data transmission between the networks, with encrypted communication and secure access.