ROLE OF 5G SA CORE NETWORKS IN ENABLING IOT, M2M, AND SMART INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ACROSS SAUDI ARABIA’S VISION 2030 PROJECTS

Abstract

The current paper is devoted to the application of 5G Standalone Core Networks for deployment of IoT solutions, machine-to-machine interactions, and intelligent infrastructure in connection with Vision 2030 programs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. On the basis of the literature published between 2020 and 2025 and the standards and other technical materials of a more regulatory character, it is shown that 5G SA Core is not only a communication network but also an infrastructure with several programmable features. Network slicing, user plane isolation, edge computing, policies management, service exposure, and cloud infrastructure orchestration are the key functions which allow working on performance, security, and compliance levels for each vertical separately. It is discussed how each function mentioned above can be helpful for the implementation of Saudi vision via smart cities, oil and gas sector, mining activities, transportation chains, manufacturing companies, and utilities. At the same time, certain issues related to the implementation process are outlined.