Cloud Core Resource Controller

Ericsson Cloud Core Resource Controller (CCRC) provides control and optimization of both network function and network slicing resources. It maximizes network efficiency by dynamically selecting network functions and slices, reducing OPEX (ease of use, automation) and CAPEX (cost effective network).

CCRC implements the 3GPP NRF, NSSF and NSACF network functions. CCRC is built using cloud native and Service Based Architecture technologies to deliver a flexible and high resilient software product.

The NRF is the heart of the service-based architecture (SBA) to monitor the status for service consumers and producers and control how to connect them dynamically. NRF removes the need for network configuration every time a new NF is added/removed from the network, or every time NF capacity is updated due to scale-in or scale-out procedures, and by that it greatly reduces operational costs.

The NSSF is defined in 3GPP as the network function responsible to dynamically place a UE on the most suitable slice according to the defined policies. CCRC provides a policy-based realization of NSSF enabling the implementation of the operator policies for network slicing in real time based on NSSF user and network context awareness.

The NSACF is the latest function defined in 3GPP as Network Slice Admission Control Function to support network slice access control based on maximum number of UEs or PDU sessions. NSACF contributes to fulfill service level agreements (SLA) and monetize network slicing with usage-based charging.

CCRC also provides lightweight cloud native DNS for EPC and 5GC node resolution to enable efficient network operation.