Cisco Cisco ASR 5000
Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) Overview
Features and Functionality ▀
SGSN Administration Guide, StarOS Release 18 ▄
Network Sharing
In accordance with 3GPP TS 23.251, the 2G and 3G SGSN provides an operator the ability to share the RAN and/or the
core network with other operators. Depending upon the resources to be shared, there are 2 network sharing modes of
operation: the Gateway Core Network (GWCN) and the Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN).
core network with other operators. Depending upon the resources to be shared, there are 2 network sharing modes of
operation: the Gateway Core Network (GWCN) and the Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN).
Benefits of Network Sharing
Network sharing provides operators with a range of logistical and operational benefits:
Enables two or more network operators to share expensive common network infrastructure.
A single operator with multiple MCC-MNC Ids can utilize a single physical access infrastructure and provide a
single HPLMN view to the UEs.
Facilitates implementation of MVNOs.
GWCN Configuration
For the 3G SGSN with a gateway core network configuration, the complete radio access network and part of the core
network are shared (for example, MSC/SGSN) among different operators, while each operator maintains its own
separate network nodes (for example, GGSN/HLR).
network are shared (for example, MSC/SGSN) among different operators, while each operator maintains its own
separate network nodes (for example, GGSN/HLR).
Figure 6.
GWCN-type Network Sharing
With the GWCN configuration, the SGSN supports two scenarios:
GWCN with non-supporting UE
GWCN with supporting UE