Overview
This note summarizes the 5G core and highlights representative open-source 5GC projects.
The current comparison covers:
Comparison Snapshot
| Project | Short read | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Open5GS | Mature EPC + 5GC stack with SA/NSA support, Helm/Kubernetes support, and a management UI | private networks, migration from 4G, broader lab work |
| free5GC | SA-first community core with strong research visibility and low resource usage | teaching, research, PoC, experimental testbeds |
| Magma | More platform-like than a simple core; emphasizes orchestration, edge gateways, and automation | distributed private wireless, edge, telco-style operations |
| OpenAirInterface (OAI) | Full SBA core closely aligned with the OAI ecosystem and strong data-plane positioning | MEC, OAI-based validation, high-performance labs |
| Aether 5G | Cloud-native private 5G stack oriented around Kubernetes-native operations | enterprise private 5G, campus, edge |
| Ella Core | Lightweight single-binary SA core optimized for minimal footprint and simple deployment | remote, industrial, SME, rapid-deployment use |
| QCore | Experimental ultra-minimal Rust core for constrained environments, not feature-complete relative to mature stacks | novel research, drones, space, highly constrained systems |
Reading The Landscape
- Open5GS is the most rounded practical choice in this list when dual-mode support and broad feature coverage matter more than radical minimalism.
- free5GC is the most natural SA-first option for learning, standards exploration, and repeatable academic testbeds.
- Magma should be evaluated as an operating platform, not just as a drop-in 5GC binary set. Its orchestration model is part of the decision.
- OpenAirInterface (OAI) is attractive when the surrounding workflow already depends on OAI RAN, srsRAN interop, or performance-focused validation.
- Aether 5G and Canonical Charmed Aether SD Core are best read as cloud-native private-5G operational stacks, not just standalone telecom functions.
- Ella Core stands out for collapsing the core into a very small operational footprint.
- QCore is notable mainly for experimentation in environments where size and simplicity matter more than completeness.
5G Core Key Functions
Within the 5G system, the core network is the part responsible for registration, session control, policy, mobility management, and connectivity to data networks.
Reference List
- NgKore Foundation, “Open-Source 5G Core Comparison,” published June 26, 2025, page last updated February 16, 2026: https://docs.ngkorefoundation.org/5g-core/os-5gc-compare/
- https://medium.com/rahasak/deploying-5g-core-network-with-free5gc-kubernets-and-helm-charts-29741cea3922
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plFFX_geCZs&ab_channel=COSCUP%E9%96%8B%E6%BA%90%E4%BA%BA%E5%B9%B4%E6%9C%83