Terminology » LTE » EPS vs EPC in LTE: Understanding the Key Differences

EPS vs EPC in LTE: Understanding the Key Differences

lte eps epc core network packet system

This page compares LTE EPS vs EPC and highlights the functional differences between EPS and EPC in an LTE system.

Introduction

4G (4th Generation) LTE (Long Term Evolution) was initially introduced with 3GPP release-8. It has evolved further with release-15 and beyond to include even more features than the initial release.

A 4G network consists of a radio functionality part and a core functionality part. The radio function is based on LTE 3GPP standards, and the core network is based on EPC 3GPP standards.

EPS vs EPC, Difference between EPS and EPC

EPS vs. EPC

  • EPS stands for Evolved Packet System, while EPC stands for Evolved Packet Core.

  • EPS is a combination of E-UTRAN, EPC, and UE. UE (User Equipment) refers to any device controlled by the user, such as a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, USB dongle, etc. The figure above depicts the EPS architecture, where the UE is connected to the EPC over the E-UTRAN network. The evolved NodeB (eNodeB) is the base station of the LTE radio system.

  • EPS architecture consists of the User Equipment (UE), radio network (E-UTRAN), core network (EPC), and IP network (IMS).

  • EPC consists of the SGW (Serving Gateway), PGW (Packet Data Network Gateway), MME (Mobility Management Entity), and HSS (Home Subscriber Server). It is connected to external networks such as IMS (IP Multimedia Core Network Subsystem).