What is PGW?
PGW is an abbreviated form of PDN Gateway (P-GW/PDN-GW), the equipment in the 4G LTE Evolved Packet Core that connects the LTE network to external packet data networks. See PDN-GW / P-GW for the complete description. PGW handles IP address allocation, quality of service enforcement, charging, and serves as the user plane anchor for mobile data sessions in 4G and 5G NSA architectures.
How Does PGW Work?
The PGW operates identically to the P-GW described above — it is simply an alternative shorthand notation. The PGW connects to the S-GW via the S5/S8 interface (GTP or PMIP), to external PDNs via the SGi interface, to the PCRF via Gx for policy rules, and to the OCS/OFCS via Gy/Gz for charging. In roaming scenarios, the S8 interface connects a visited S-GW to the home PGW for home-routed traffic. The PGW’s functions are split between UPF (user plane) and SMF (control plane) in the 5G Standalone architecture.
Use Cases
4G LTE internet gateway, mobile data charging point, policy enforcement point, 5G NSA user plane anchor, and inter-PLMN roaming gateway.
3GPP / Standards Reference
3GPP TS 23.401 (EPC architecture), 3GPP TS 29.274 (GTPv2-C)
Related Terms
PDN-GW or P-GW | EPC | S-GW | UPF | 4G
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This glossary entry is part of the 5GWorldPro Complete 5G Glossary. To go deeper into 5G architecture and technology, explore our 5G Training courses.
