What is pfcp?

The Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP) is a communication protocol used in the 5G core network to manage the data plane functionality. It is responsible for the control and management of user plane resources and services in a 5G network.

PFCP allows for the dynamic allocation and management of resources such as Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, traffic steering, and policy enforcement. It enables communication between the control plane functions (such as the Policy and Charging Rules Function) and the user plane functions (such as the User Plane Function) in a 5G network.

PFCP uses a session-based approach to manage user plane resources, with each session representing a specific flow or connection within the network. It allows for the establishment, modification, and deletion of these sessions to meet the changing requirements of the network.

Overall, PFCP plays a crucial role in enabling efficient and dynamic control of user plane resources in a 5G network, ensuring optimal performance and quality of service for users.