on, and T-Mobile also have sizable fixed broadband market shares. Hence, the convergence of services is imminent. Some of the advantages of convergence are these: Standard interfaces Unified authentication Unified resource management FMC will allow the 5G Core network to function independently and be decoupled from access modes. FMC will enable users to be authenticated by a single operator. Overall, it will simplify resource management (see https ://www.zte.com.cn/global/about/magazine/ zte-technologies/2018/5-en/Special-Topic/1.html). FMC is not limited to 5G; rather, it is available with LTE. However, with 5G, the convergence of cloud networks, Virtual Network Functions (VNFs), and service functions allows FMC to provide diverse applications to the consumer. Figure 15.8 provides a broader view of FMC. Data Network Remote Provider Remote Provider Domains Domains Key FMC interfaces Converged Radio Access ( ( ) ) Wireline Core Network Network Multi-Dwelling/ Residential & Wireline Access Node Professional Building Homeworker Fixed, wireless and hybrid gateway and direct access Figure 15.8 - FMC: a high-level view FMC's architecture In this section, we looked at why FMC is needed and how it helps to bridge the last-mile gap in network services. Let us look at FMC's architecture next. FMC's architecture Figure 15.9 shows FMC's architecture. This figure highlights the separation of CPs and UPs, or the concept of CUPS. This helps to improve manageability for providers. 5G converged core network Standalone Fixed Wireless Access Control plane NG RAN User plane network Wireline Interworking Wireline Core Network Co-existence Figure 15.9 - FMC's architecture The architecture shown in Figure 15.9 supports the centralization of the Control Plane (CP) and the use of cloud infrastructure for scaling. This architecture allows a distributed User Plane (UP). Overall, CUPS enables the use of both virtualized and physical infrastructure for CP and UP functionality. It also gives us the flexibility to independently deploy and main