5G Fixed Mobile Convergence

This chapter will focus on 5G Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC), which enables 5G for broadband networks. We will look at the drivers of and challenges for 5G FMC and the architecture that facilitates the convergence. We will discuss the initial procedures that Residential Gateways (RGs) perform to gain access to 5G services. We will explore how 5G FMC can be made secure.

Gartner describes FMC as a “Device and infrastructure technology trend that enables the transparent use of voice and data applications across the fixed and mobile access points” (see https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/glossary/fmc-fixed-mobile-convergence).

This chapter will discuss the considerations for the convergence technology for 5G. It will go into the system architecture used to facilitate FMC. We will discuss structural and functional convergence. Furthermore, we will explore the details of FMC, such as the role of Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions...

Introduction to FMC in 5G

FMC blurs the line between fixed and wireless mobile networks. Its goal is to create a seamless consumer experience by leveraging the best of fixed broadband and wireless networks. With FMC, a voice call can be transferred between a mobile or cellular network and fixed or broadband network without any interruption for the end user. Such services are also referred to as network-agnostic services. The biggest benefit of FMC to the consumer is convenience. It allows reaching a person by using a single phone number, irrespective of where that person is. For businesses, it helps to improve customer experience. Businesses can bring their point of presence closer to the target market. Wireless 5G provides agility, and FMC offers enterprise-grade capabilities that are traditionally limited to wired access. Some of the common FMC use cases are listed here:

• Initiating a phone call from a home phone and then continuing the call on your smartphone as you walk...

FMC’s architecture

Figure 15.9 shows FMC’s architecture. This figure highlights the separation of CPs and UPs, or the concept of CUPS. This helps to improve manageability for providers.

Figure 15.9 – FMC's architecture

The architecture shown in Figure 15.9 supports the centralization of the Control Plane (CP) and the use of cloud infrastructure for scaling. This architecture allows a distributed User Plane (UP). Overall, CUPS enables the use of both virtualized and physical infrastructure for CP and UP functionality. It also gives us the flexibility to independently deploy and maintain the CP and UP functions, often referred to as CPFs and UPFs, respectively. This composability allows flexibility in the upgrading of the hardware and software infrastructure and loosely couples the CP and UP.

The Broadband Forum’s specification TR-459 provides details on how to separate the UPFs and CPFs. It describes three interfaces...

FMC security considerations

Let us look at the security considerations for FMC. Potential adopters of FMC, especially enterprise users, often ask whether having their data travel wirelessly over long distances makes it more vulnerable to cybersecurity breaches. Once the data leaves the enterprise wired network and enters the 4G or 5G wireless network, it relies on the encryption of the wireless network.

Let us look at the potential security risks of FMC. Overall, cybersecurity risks for mobile operators are on the rise. In July 2022, the French mobile operator La Poste Mobile experienced a ransomware attack. La Poste Mobile was a victim of the LockBit ransomware operation (see https://cybersecurityworldconference.com/2022/07/10/french-telephone-operator-la-poste-mobile-suffered-a-ransomware-attack for more details).

Since FMC depends on many protocols and technologies, such as SIP and UMA, it is dependent on the underlying security of those technologies.

SIP security

SIP...

Summary

In this chapter, we looked at the factors driving the need for FMC. We looked at how FMC works and the industry standards around it. Then, we looked at the architectural details for FMC. Finally, we looked at the security concerns of FMC and how to overcome some of those concerns.

In the next chapter, we will learn about 5G and satellite communications. We will learn about recent developments in non-terrestrial networks that can be used to improve the overall capabilities of 5G networks.