5G Architecture refers to the comprehensive framework that enables fifth-generation wireless network technology, characterized by high data speeds, ultra-low latency, massive device connectivity, and improved reliability compared to previous mobile network generations.

For enterprise architects, 5G architecture represents a paradigm shift in how networks are designed and deployed. Unlike previous generations, 5G adopts a service-based architecture (SBA) with disaggregated components that can be virtualized and deployed as microservices. This modular approach allows for network slicing—the ability to create multiple virtual networks with tailored characteristics atop a shared physical infrastructure. The architecture consists of three primary layers: Radio Access Network (RAN), Transport Network, and Core Network, with each undergoing significant transformation toward software-defined functionality. Enterprise architects should evaluate how 5G’s ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) capabilities might enable new business models and operational capabilities, particularly for IoT initiatives, industrial automation, and edge computing deployments. The significantly increased bandwidth and reduced latency (under 1ms in ideal conditions) create opportunities for real-time applications previously impossible under 4G constraints, while simultaneously introducing new security and compliance considerations that must be addressed at the architectural level.