5GS

5GS refers to the 5th Generation System, a comprehensive framework that encompasses various components crucial for the operation of advanced telecommunications networks. At its core, 5GS comprises the 5G Core, Next-Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN), and User Equipment (UE). These elements work in tandem to deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity for a wide range of applications and services. The 5G Core serves as the central intelligence of the network, providing advanced capabilities such as network slicing, edge computing, and service-based architecture. NG-RAN, on the other hand, is responsible for wireless access and connectivity, utilizing advanced radio technologies to deliver high-performance, reliable connections to end-users. User Equipment represents the devices and terminals that connect to the network, enabling users to access a wide array of services and applications.

In the context of Rail Telecommunications (RT) and the Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS), 5GS plays a crucial role in enabling the next generation of communication technologies for the rail industry. By leveraging the capabilities of 5GS, railway operators can enhance their communication infrastructure to support a wide range of services, including train control, passenger information systems, video surveillance, and maintenance applications. The advanced features of 5GS, such as ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) and massive machine-type communication (mMTC), are particularly well-suited for the demanding requirements of railway operations.

Furthermore, 5GS provides a scalable and flexible platform that can adapt to the evolving needs of the railway industry, supporting future innovations and technologies. By adopting 5GS as the foundation for their communication networks, railway operators can benefit from increased efficiency, reliability, and performance, ultimately enhancing the overall passenger experience and operational efficiency. With its robust architecture and advanced capabilities, 5GS is poised to revolutionize rail telecommunications and drive the development of the FRMCS, ushering in a new era of connectivity and innovation for the railway industry.

At its foundation, the 5G System (5GS) introduces a service-based architecture within the 5G Core, where network functions interact through standardised interfaces to enable more flexible and efficient network operations. Key components such as the Network Repository Function (NRF), Policy Control, Network Exposure Function (NEF), and Service Communication Proxy (SCP) allow operators to manage network entities dynamically and expose capabilities to external applications securely. By enabling different network slices tailored for specific requirements—such as critical communications, mobile broadband, or IoT devices—5GS ensures that resources are allocated efficiently while guaranteeing service continuity and low latency performance across diverse use cases.

A major advantage of 5GS lies in its ability to support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) alongside emerging services. With 5G NR (New Radio) and advanced air interface techniques like millimeter wave operation and dual connectivity, operators can deliver higher data rates, peak data rates, and more capacity compared to previous generations. This leap in network performance makes it possible to support data-intensive services such as virtual reality, video streaming, and immersive smart cities applications. At the same time, 5GS integrates seamlessly with existing LTE to provide a migration path, allowing mobile operators and infrastructure vendors to evolve towards standalone networks while ensuring backward compatibility.

Beyond consumer services, 5GS also plays a transformative role in industrial and specialised domains. Features such as network slicing, edge computing, and network data analytics allow operators to design mobile core networks that optimise network efficiency while supporting session management, mobility management, and remote control for industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation. For example, non-terrestrial networks can extend coverage to remote areas, while application functions powered by artificial intelligence can enhance data collection, automate protocol stack management, and improve network capacity. By combining fifth generation capabilities with fixed line broadband and cellular networks, 5GS establishes itself as a truly end-to-end platform, delivering ultra-reliable, high-performance connectivity to the end user across a wide spectrum of new services.