GL’s Message Automation & Protocol Simulation (MAPS™) 5G-N4 Interface Emulator is a highly advanced protocol simulator and tester designed for 5G simulation across the N4 interface. It is capable of simulating PFCP messages and signaling specifications that adhere to the 3GPP standards. The N4 reference point plays a critical role in the Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS) architecture, as illustrated in the network diagram.

The PFCP is located on the N4 reference point between the Session Management Function (SMF) and the User Plane Function (UPF). The SMF is responsible for carrying policy rules obtained from the PCF, governing packet handling, forwarding, and usage reporting, to the UPF. Additionally, the SMF implements the Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS) in 5G core networks, enabling the management of control plane tunneling and user plane Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions.

The MAPS™ 5G-N4 software can simulate and test the Session Management Function (SMF) and User Plane Function (UPF) components. The SMF in the 5G N4 interface is primarily tasked with managing the PDU sessions of the User Equipment (UE). This includes establishing, modifying, and releasing PDU sessions. Meanwhile, the UPF is responsible for handling user data and reporting traffic usage data to the SMF in the CUPS architecture.

5G N4 Testing Features

• Simulation of 5G Core network functions, specifically SMF (Session Management Function) and UPF (User Plane Function).
• Support for 5G Control plane and User plane.
• Capability to simulate Mobile Traffic and Packet Traffic.
• Generation and processing of PFCP messages, both valid and invalid.
• Customization of call flow and message templates through the use of Script and Message Editor.
• Ready-to-use scripts to enable quick testing.
• Support for scripted call generation and automated call reception.
• Support for GTP Traffic (GTP User Plane Data) and HTTP traffic generation.
• Provision of Call Statistics and Events Status.
• Automation, Remote access, and Schedulers to run tests continuously 24/7.

5G N4 Interface Procedure