Access networks implement technology-specific functions, for example in the Radio Base Station (RBS) or Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM). The transformation of access technologies enables and drives the evolution of services. The Multi-Access Edge domain contains access specific as well as common capabilities that support mobility– including authentication, 3GPP mobility, IP-level mobility, roaming, converged policy control and charging capabilities. 3GPP Policy and Charging Control (PCC) and System Architecture Evolution (SAE) provide the foundation for integrating 3GPP and non-3GPP accesses.
 
IMS & Communication Enablers include functions for establishing and maintaining end-to-end communication sessions, as well as standard applications such as multimedia telephony and interactive and personalized TV services.
 
The IMS & Common Enablers, along with the Multi-Access Edge, interface with the operator Service Delivery Platform (SDP), which contains the operator business processes for managing and selling services. The SDP also connects those business processes with customer relationship management, billing, network and other essential supply chain elements such as residential and enterprise self-service portals.
 
The common transport layer is designed for carrier-class, cost- and performance-optimized routing and switching. It is kept independent of service delivery capabilities, so that these can be independently introduced, scaled and distributed. The transport layer provides transmission and IP-VPN services to higher-layer services and external networks, for example for enterprises. The routing and switching are access technology-independent, enabling different access technologies to co-exist and be upgraded or introduced easily.
 
The physical location of functionality depends on several factors, including:
-site topology and costs
-geographical distribution of users
-service utilization transport costs versus site OPEX and CAPEX
-level of mobility
-location of peering points
All in all, this calls for flexibility, so that functions can be optimally distributed using open IP protocols. One example is the deployment of a multi-edge solution, where content caches are distributed as the service grows in popularity.
 
Each area needs to be managed, and tie into the overall Telecom Management structure.