What is EPC?
The EPC is the all-IP core network architecture for 4G LTE, standardised in 3GPP Release 8. It handles subscriber authentication, mobility management, session management, QoS policy, and interconnection to external IP networks. The EPC remains operational in 5G NSA deployments and is being progressively replaced by the 5GC in standalone 5G networks.
How Does EPC Work?
The EPC comprises: MME (Mobility Management Entity — control plane), S-GW (Serving Gateway — user plane anchor), P-GW (PDN Gateway — internet connectivity and QoS), HSS (Home Subscriber Server — subscriber database), and PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function). These nodes communicate via defined interfaces: S1-MME, S11, S5/S8, Gx, S6a.
Use Cases
4G LTE service delivery globally, anchor core for 5G NSA (EN-DC) deployments, roaming between 4G networks worldwide.
3GPP / Standards Reference
3GPP TS 23.401 (EPC Architecture), TS 29.274 (GTPv2-C Protocol), Releases 8–15
Related Terms
4G | LTE | eNB | HSS | NSA | 5G
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