SMF Design Overview

SMF Architecture Diagram

UPF-Adapter

The UPF-Adapter layer (optional) has been introduced to address a limitation where UPF may not support connections from multiple SMF instances using the same Node-ID.

Key Functions:

  • Acts as a multiplexer/demultiplexer for PFCP messages between multiple SMF instances and the UPF

  • Receives custom PFCP messages from SMF instances when deployed

  • Intercepts and modifies specific fields before forwarding PFCP messages to the actual UPF

  • Performs similar processing for responses from UPF back to SMF instances