Back in the day, 5G technology was advertised as something that would completely change our daily lives. Its potential seemed limitless, serving as a basis for many other advanced systems and machines.
Unfortunately, despite all its benefits, 5G came with its fair share of problems. Specifically, creating a solid yet cheap 5G RAN infrastructure was a tall task. Operators had to invest in micro and macro-cell base stations that have powerful computing capabilities.
As a result, many providers were forced to use non-standalone deployment instead of the sophisticated, standalone model. In this article, we’ll explain both of them, their benefits, and their specifications.
Non-Standalone 5G Basics
As the name indicates, non-standalone (NSA) deployment involves a combination of different technologies. NSA utilizes 5G RAN that is deployed on the old 4G LTE Core, otherwise referred to as EPC or Evolved Packet Core.
Non-standalone deployment relies on a mixture of 5G and 4G base stations. However, it’s worth noting that the 4G infrastructure has a more important spot in the hierarchy. Given that the NR control plane depends on EPC, the signals are sent directly to the 4G base station.
Non-standalone 5G deployment is often referred to as Release 15 by 3GPP. Its performance is much weaker compared to standalone infrastructure, but it is also much cheaper. The best part about it is that providers could use their legacy infrastructure to build a new infrastructure for 5G.
Many operators still use NSA configuration as it allows them to introduce 5G RAN on top of their current 4G LTE network. As such, they could slowly build an SA infrastructure while relying on NSA solutions to keep them afloat until then.
Issues with NSA
As mentioned, the biggest problem with NSA 5G configuration is that it doesn’t provide the same functionality as the standalone infrastructure. Out of several issues, the inability to support low latency is probably the most glaring one.
Another issue with the NSA is that it drains much more energy. Using 4G infrastructure for 5G is simply inefficient, although it will initially save a lot of money. The biggest problem is using two separate cellular techs, as their combined use would drain all your company resources.
We also have to mention that DSS (Dynamic Spectrum Sharing) and NSA 5G are completely different methods, although they both deploy 5G with 4G infrastructure. On the one hand, non-standalone deployment relies on dual connectivity, while DSS allows the coexistence of 5G NR and 4G LTE within the same frequency band.
Advantages of NSA 5G
These are some of the main reasons why operators rely on 5G NSA:
- Low Cost: Instead of spending all this money to develop expensive, modern 5G infrastructure, companies are able to utilize their existing resources.
- Fast Deployment: Given that a company already has well-developed 4G LTE infrastructure, they’re able to deploy a 5G network relatively quickly.
- Easy Deployment: Everyone within the company has a good understanding of 4G infrastructure. This allows the provider to slowly build up their SA infrastructure and train their staff without experiencing any pressure.
- Step Toward 5G: For most operators, NSA is a necessary stepping stone. It eliminates many risks that a direct switch to SA brings and is almost mandatory for most operators.
Standalone 5G Basics
Standalone networks consist of cloud-native 5G core and 5G RAN. It is a powerful upgrade over the previous 4G LTE, allowing users to utilize various devices and equipment without a hitch.
Given that the standalone configuration relies on a 5G core, it is able to execute all the basic 5G network functions. This type of approach provides users with all sorts of benefits, including enhanced performance, reduced latency, and full control over network management functions.
As with any other new technology, mobile operators have to get accustomed to SA. Aside from learning more about the architecture, they have to find the optimal ways to configure and manage the system. This is precisely why the majority of operators are in no rush to switch from legacy systems to SA.
Issues with SA
Unfortunately, if you’re a new provider on the market, you won’t have the option of using the legacy 4G LTE architecture. Instead, you would have to build an expensive 5G infrastructure, which could potentially put your business in a disadvantageous position compared to providers who use the NSA approach.
The introduction of SA is extremely costly. To make matters worse, it requires that you place antennae all over the cities, which would require numerous permits. Going through all this red tape would further delay your efforts and ability to survive on the market.
Regardless, all operators will eventually have to switch to 5G infrastructure.
Advantages of SA 5G
Here’s what makes SA 5G great:
- Better Performance: As mentioned several times, standalone deployment is much better in terms of latency, bandwidth, and stability than any previous iteration of telecom technology.
- Reduced Consumption: Given that standalone doesn’t require 4G LTE, operators are able to save a lot of money on energy consumption.
- Wider Use: Standalone configuration is vital for modern applications and machines. Due to its enhanced performance, it can be used for automated cars, precise medical equipment, and IoT devices, just to mention a few.
Comparing 5G NR Specifications
Perhaps the biggest difference between the two infrastructures comes in the form of 5G NR specifications. On one hand, we have a non-standalone configuration that combines 4G LTE Core and 5G RAN. On the other, the standalone configuration utilizes NR core and 5G RAN.
The main specifications include:
- Massive Machine-Type Communications: Allows connection of 1 million devices, ensuring straightforward, unobstructed communication within a network.
- Improved Mobile Broadband: It works as an addition to 4G, enhancing data rates in order to boost overall speed.
- Low-Latency Communications: Makes a 5G network much more stable by providing a latency that is well below 5 milliseconds.
Due to much better performance in all these categories, SA infrastructure is ideal for modern users and devices.