PANCER

Research Spotlight: PANCER – Mobile Access Server for 4G/5G Core Virtualization

Author: DENOP Research Team
Category: Research
Published by: DENOP (Digital Engineering Technology and Innovation Program), Sekolah Vokasi, Universitas Diponegoro
Tags: #Open5GS #5GCore #MobileAccess #DENOP #Virtualization #NetworkEngineering

Abstract

The future of mobile networks is defined by flexibility, virtualization, and cloud-native architectures. In response to this need, DENOP developed PANCER (Portable Access Network Core Engine & Router), a mobile access server platform optimized for deployment and management of 4G/5G core network functions. Built on Open5GS and enhanced with UI-based server management, PANCER simplifies core network deployment across various environments—from educational testbeds to real-world emergency communication systems.

Introduction

Next-generation mobile networks demand robust, agile, and cost-efficient solutions for managing core network components. PANCER answers this challenge by enabling virtualized mobile core networks that can operate on lightweight hardware and be managed through an intuitive web-based platform.

PANCER integrates multiple core network components (UDM, HSS, MSC, GSN, etc.) into a unified system with support for Open5GS, an open-source 4G/5G core implementation. It is designed to operate across a wide range of server infrastructures using virtualization and cloud technologies, making it ideal for universities, startups, and localized telco setups.

Key Features

1. Virtualized Mobile Core Architecture
   • Seamless deployment of 4G LTE and 5G Core elements in virtual environments.
2. Open5GS Compatibility
   • Built on top of Open5GS, enabling the deployment of EPC (Evolved Packet Core) and 5GC components such as:
     • UDM, HSS, RNC, MSC, GSN, HLR
3. User Interface & Cloud Dashboard
   • Custom web UI to simplify administration and user provisioning.
   • Supports real-time monitoring and service orchestration.
4. Hardware Agnostic
   • Operates across multiple hardware configurations—from 1U servers to cloud VMs.
5. HLR/HSS Integration
   • Subscriber database supporting 3,000+ users for authentication and mobility management.
6. SMSC/MSCC Support
   • SMS operations and message routing across GSM and UMTS networks.
7. HSPA+/LTE/5G Support
   • Full spectrum compatibility for evolving wireless protocols.

Technical Foundation

The core platform leverages:

• Open5GS: Modular 4G/5G core network components.
• Virtualization: Compatible with KVM, Docker, and Proxmox for scalable deployment.
• Web Interface: Developed for intuitive management (user creation, policy setup, configuration).
• PANCER Stack:
  • Web UI + Backend API + Virtualized Core Functions + Database (MongoDB, PostgreSQL)

Use Cases

• Academic Research and Simulation: Universities and students can simulate core networks.
• Disaster Recovery Communication Nodes: Rapidly deployable mobile access cores.
• Private LTE/5G Networks: SMEs and enterprises can build localized mobile networks.
• 5G Testbeds and Innovation Labs: Perfect for developing and validating next-gen applications.

Impact

PANCER contributes to the democratization of mobile core networks, allowing organizations without access to expensive telecom-grade equipment to experiment, build, and deploy 4G/5G infrastructure. It also supports Indonesia’s digital transformation by providing a locally-developed, customizable, and deployable mobile core engine.

Next Steps and Development Roadmap

• 🧠 AI-based Core Monitoring
• 📡 NB-IoT Integration for smart infrastructure projects
• 🌐 Federated Multi-Core Support across multiple data centers
• 🔐 Enhanced Security Layer using blockchain-based authentication models

Contact & Collaboration

📧 Technical Contact: Dimas.Arjun@denop.org
📩 Sales/Collaboration: sales@denop.co.id
📍 Location: DENOP Bootcamp, Sekolah Vokasi, Universitas Diponegoro
🌐 www.denop.org