Enhancements to 5G Data Transfer – Part 2

In Part 1 of this post, we looked at how enhancements within the 5G Core and RAN, including L4S, user plane redundancy, multi-access PDU sessions and network slicing , are transforming the way data is managed inside the network. These developments are critical to delivering the performance, reliability and flexibility required by modern services.

Yet even the most advanced core capabilities can only deliver their full potential if the broader infrastructure around them is designed to support that performance. The transport network, which underpins all 5G connectivity, and MEC (Multi-Access Edge Computing), which brings applications closer to users, are both fundamental to meeting the next generation of service requirements. Together, they extend the capabilities of 5G beyond the core and prepare the ground for the innovations that will shape the future of connectivity as we look ahead to 6G.

The Evolving Role of the Transport Network

When 5G first emerged, much of the discussion focused on radio capabilities , higher data rates, ultra-low latency and improved reliability. However, these attributes are only achievable if the underlying packet transport network (PTN) can support them. The PTN is responsible for connecting the NG-RAN to the 5G Core, and ultimately to application servers, cloud platforms and the wider internet.

Figure 1 – Underpinning the 5G Overlay network

As 5G traffic grows , driven by bandwidth-intensive services such as XR, real-time analytics and industrial automation , the demands on the transport network continue to rise. With 5G Advanced deployments now underway and the early groundwork for 6G beginning, operators face three main challenges:

• Scalability – Transport networks must support exponential growth in user traffic and device density without bottlenecks.
• Performance – Latency targets are tightening, and jitter must be kept to a minimum to support delay-sensitive applications.
• Resilience – High availability and fault tolerance are essential, especially as services become more critical to industrial and public infrastructure.

Designing for High Performance

Meeting these challenges requires more than simply increasing capacity. The architecture of transport networks is evolving to become more software-defined, automated and flexible, allowing traffic to be dynamically prioritised and routed based on application requirements. Segment routing, network slicing at the transport layer, and integration with programmable SDN controllers are all contributing to more efficient and adaptive networks.

User Plane Redundancy

Another key consideration is user plane redundancy , first introduced in the 5G Core but with significant implications for the transport layer. If a device establishes dual PDU sessions for ultra-reliable services, traffic load can double, and transport networks must be dimensioned to accommodate that demand without compromising performance for other users.

Figure 2 – 5G User Plane Redundancy

The transport network is therefore no longer just a conduit. It is becoming an active part of the service delivery chain, with built-in intelligence to optimise traffic handling and support the Quality of Service expectations set at the core.

MEC (Multi-Access Edge Computing): Bringing the Network Closer

While a robust transport network is vital for connecting users and services, MEC (Multi-Access Edge Computing) takes this a step further by moving compute and storage resources closer to the point of consumption. This reduces latency, improves responsiveness and enables entirely new categories of applications that would not be feasible with a traditional, centralised architecture.

By opening up their RAN Edge to authorized third parties, service providers have the potential to create a new ecosystem and value chain within their network. From the perspective of the 3rd party MEC application provider, the 5G network offers deployment flexibility and speed, providing access to new markets such as mobile subscribers, enterprises and vertical segments.

Why Edge Matters

Applications such as cloud gaming, haptic feedback systems, and extended reality (XR) demand near-instantaneous responses. Even a few milliseconds of delay introduced by backhaul transmission to a distant data centre can significantly impact the user experience. By deploying compute resources at the edge , often within or near the RAN itself , MEC allows applications to process data locally, reducing round-trip time and improving performance.

Figure 3 – Multi-Access Edge Computing

The benefits of MEC extend beyond consumer services. In industrial environments, edge computing enables real-time automation, predictive maintenance, and advanced analytics without the latency or reliability constraints of a centralised cloud. In public safety and transport, it can support time-critical decision-making and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications.

Integration with the 5G Core

MEC is not a standalone technology , it relies on deep integration with the 5G Core to deliver its full potential. Local User Plane Functions (UPFs) deployed at the edge ensure that traffic is routed to the correct local application rather than back to a central data centre. Policy Control Functions (PCFs) and Network Exposure Functions (NEFs) also play a role, enabling dynamic traffic steering and secure application access.

In some deployments, Application Functions (AFs) located at the edge interact directly with core network elements to provide session and policy information. This tight integration allows services to adapt dynamically to network conditions and user demands, ensuring optimal performance even under changing loads.

Building the Foundation for What Comes Next

Together, advanced transport networks and MEC complete the picture of how 5G is evolving. Where the enhancements explored in Part 1, such as L4S for ultra-low latency, user plane redundancy for reliability, multi-access PDU sessions for flexible connectivity, and network slicing for tailored service delivery focused on how data is managed within the network, these technologies shape how and where that data is delivered.

The result is a network that is not only more intelligent in how it handles traffic but also more distributed, adaptive and service-aware. Enhanced transport networks ensure that the performance gains achieved in the core and RAN are maintained across the entire delivery chain, while MEC brings compute and storage closer to users and devices, enabling real-time responsiveness and new levels of interactivity.

Looking ahead, the integration of these capabilities, from L4S and dynamic QoS flows to edge processing and programmable transport will be central to the evolution towards 6G. Future networks will blur the boundaries between connectivity, compute and storage, creating an environment where services are no longer tied to a single point in the network but can be dynamically instantiated wherever they are needed. For operators, enterprises and developers, this evolution will open up possibilities that go far beyond today’s use cases — from highly autonomous industrial systems to immersive digital twins and real-time AI-driven services.

Would you like to learn more about how L4S can be used in the 5G system?