Strong, Reliable Support for Mobile Networks

LTE Evolved Packet Core

Learn how the MME manages session states and mobility, and authentication. (5:19 min)

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Cisco Mobility Management Entity (MME) is critical to the network function of the 4G mobile core network, known as the evolved packet core (EPC). The MME resides in the EPC control plane and manages session states, authentication, paging, mobility with 3GPP, 2G and 3G nodes, roaming, and other bearer management functions.

The MME function is supported on the industry-leading Cisco ASR 5000 Series and provides an unrivaled combination of:

Control plane and state management
Call transaction rates
Authentication rates
Paging intelligence
Mobility management

EPC: Defining a Simplified Mobile Network

Cisco MME can be a standalone element or integrated with other EPC elements, such as:

Serving gateway (SGW)
Packet data network gateway (PGW)
Release 8 Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN)
Other 3G elements (SGSN, GGSN)

MME: Integrating Mobility and Session Management

The MME can also be integrated with 2G/3G elements, such as the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) and Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN).

By combining multiple functions into a single carrier-class platform, like ASR 5000, operators can reduce signaling overhead, distribute session management, and take full advantage of the control and user plane capabilities.

MME Primary Features

Integration of multiple core network functions in a single node
High transaction rates for attaches, activations, TAUs, handoffs, and paging
Congestion management, load sharing, and MME pooling
Self optimizing network (SON) capabilities to the radio and packet core network
Dynamic optimization of network topology based on usage patterns to reduce latency and backhaul costs
Circuit Switch (CS) Fallback for voice traffic
High-availability helps to ensure subscriber satisfaction and 99.999 percent system availability