Participating Operator Core Network Domain Manager

Description

The Participating Operator Core Network Domain Manager (POP-CORE-DM) is a key management entity defined within the 3GPP Management and Orchestration (MANO) framework, specifically in TS 32.130. It operates as a Domain Manager (DM) with a scope limited to the Core Network (CN) domain of a Participating Operator. A Participating Operator is an operator that provides resources or services within a multi-operator ecosystem, such as in network sharing, roaming, or multi-operator core network (MOCN) scenarios. The POP-CORE-DM is subordinate to a higher-level management entity, typically the Network Manager (NM) of the hosting or primary operator, but it retains delegated authority over its own CN resources.

Architecturally, the POP-CORE-DM interfaces with the managed CN Network Functions (NFs) within its domain using specific management reference points, such as the Itf-N for northbound communication with the superior NM and southbound interfaces (e.g., based on NETCONF/YANG, SNMP, or proprietary protocols) towards the CN elements like the AMF, SMF, UPF, and other 5G Core components. It implements the Fault, Configuration, Accounting, Performance, and Security (FCAPS) management model for its domain. Its primary role is to provide an abstraction layer, translating high-level service and policy directives from the superior NM into specific configuration commands, performance monitoring tasks, and fault management actions for the CN elements under its control.

Functionally, the POP-CORE-DM performs lifecycle management (LCM) of CN software and functions, manages CN-specific configuration parameters, collects and reports performance measurements (PM), and handles fault detection and localization within its domain. It ensures that the CN domain adheres to the service-level agreements (SLAs) and policies agreed upon with the superior NM. By acting as a delegated manager, it allows the Participating Operator to maintain operational control and visibility over its own CN infrastructure while integrating seamlessly into a larger, multi-operator managed service environment. This separation of management domains is essential for security, accountability, and efficient operation in complex, collaborative network deployments.

Purpose & Motivation

The POP-CORE-DM was introduced to address the management complexities arising from advanced network sharing and multi-operator collaboration scenarios that became prominent around 3GPP Release 12. Prior approaches often involved monolithic management systems or required one operator to have full administrative access to another's network, which posed significant security, operational, and regulatory challenges. The purpose of the POP-CORE-DM is to enable a structured, secure, and scalable delegation of management authority.

It solves the problem of how a Participating Operator can contribute its Core Network resources to a shared service (like a neutral host network or a roaming hub) without surrendering direct control over those resources. It allows for clear demarcation of management responsibilities: the superior Network Manager (e.g., of the hosting operator) manages the end-to-end service, while the POP-CORE-DM manages the technical specifics of its own CN domain. This model supports operational independence, facilitates troubleshooting within defined boundaries, and enables each operator to use its own vendor-specific element management systems (EMS) underneath the DM. The creation of POP-CORE-DM was motivated by the industry's move towards network virtualization, slicing, and more dynamic forms of collaboration, which required a standardized, hierarchical management framework that could accommodate multiple administrative domains.