NEC Enables Hybrid Cloud-Edge UPF Deployment

Telecom operators are distributing core network functions closer to users to support low-latency applications and future 6G services. NEC Corporation has extended its User Plane Function (UPF) to operate on second-generation AWS Outposts racks, enabling consistent operation across on-premises, cloud, and edge environments.

Placing packet processing where traffic actually flows
The UPF processes user data traffic inside the 5G Core Network (5GC). Running it near subscribers reduces latency for applications such as private industrial networks, real-time analytics and network slicing within an industrial IoT architecture.

With the update, the same UPF software can run in centralized data centres, operator facilities, edge sites and AWS Outposts installations located inside telecom networks. This allows operators to position packet processing based on bandwidth demand, congestion points or service type rather than fixed infrastructure topology.

Throughput and compute efficiency on Outposts hardware
On second-generation AWS Outposts racks, the UPF reaches 200 Gbps throughput while using approximately 20 % of CPU cores. The lightweight processing footprint allows the rack to host additional workloads alongside packet handling.

Second-generation AWS Outposts systems provide up to 40 % higher compute performance compared with the first generation and are designed for low-latency, high-throughput operation. This enables local deployment of latency-sensitive services, including service application integration and network slicing, without moving traffic to central cloud regions.

One software architecture across all locations
The UPF uses a unified software architecture regardless of deployment location. Operators can therefore apply identical configuration, lifecycle management, and update procedures across edge and cloud infrastructure.

Continuous updates and automated operations support large-scale network operations while reducing manual configuration effort. The multi-deployment model accommodates both legacy infrastructure strategies and cloud-native network rollouts, supporting gradual migration rather than full replacement.

Preparing distributed networks for 6G traffic patterns
By combining space- and power-efficient UPF processing with hybrid cloud infrastructure, the platform supports wider edge deployment in preparation for higher device density and local processing requirements expected in future networks.

www.nec.com