5G NSA vs. SA The Dynamics of 5G Deployment: 5G NSA vs. SA

5G NSA vs. SA

The anticipation surrounding 5G technology has transitioned into reality, with U.S. mobile network operators (MNOs) embarking on nationwide 5G distributions. As 5G matures, it’s crucial to explore the two primary deployment options chosen by MNOs: non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA).

Understanding NSA and SA:

5G NSA vs. SA: Both NSA and SA leverage the 5G New Radio (5G NR) interface, adhering to the standards set by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). This interface empowers them to deliver a myriad of features, with a fundamental capability being the seamless transition from 4G LTE to 5G.

Non-Standalone 5G (NSA):

5G NSA vs. SA: NSA, aptly named, signifies 5G’s reliance on existing infrastructure, particularly the legacy 4G LTE core (Evolved Packet Core or EPC). In NSA 5G, the 5G radio access network (RAN) coexists with a 4G LTE core, managing control plane functions. While both 4G and 5G base stations are present, the 4G base station takes precedence. This configuration, also known as Release 15 by 3GPP, marked the initial stage of 5G deployment, allowing MNOs to leverage their current infrastructure for a swift 5G network setup.

Drawbacks of NSA 5G:

Limited Capabilities: NSA falls short in delivering certain capabilities, notably the low latency that distinguishes 5G.
Energy Consumption: Operating 5G networks with 4G infrastructure demands higher energy levels, offsetting the energy efficiency gains of 5G NR.

5G NSA vs. SA: NSA 5G should not be confused with dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS), another 5G deployment method. While NSA establishes a 5G network with 4G infrastructure using dual connectivity, DSS allows 4G LTE and 5G NR to coexist in the same frequency band, offering flexibility based on user demands.

Benefits of NSA 5G:

Cost Efficiency: MNOs can minimize costs by building a 5G network on existing 4G infrastructure, avoiding the need for an entirely new 5G core.
Ease of Deployment: Leveraging familiar 4G infrastructure streamlines both configuration and updates for MNOs.
Rapid Rollout: NSA facilitates a swift release of operational 5G networks by utilizing the familiarity of current 4G infrastructure.
Path to SA 5G: Acting as a foundational step, NSA networks pave the way for the development of SA networks. As SA networks evolve, MNOs can seamlessly replace outdated 4G elements with advanced 5G infrastructure.

5G NSA vs. SA: In conclusion, while NSA 5G serves as a pragmatic approach for MNOs leveraging existing infrastructure, the advent of SA 5G brings forth a new era of capabilities, promising enhanced performance and efficiency in the evolving landscape of cellular networking.