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5g nsa architecture 3gpp

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5G NSA Architecture Overview:

1. Introduction to NSA:

  • Non-Standalone (NSA) refers to the fact that 5G NR (New Radio) is deployed alongside existing 4G LTE infrastructure. This allows for a faster rollout of 5G services, as operators can leverage the existing LTE core network.

2. Key Components:

  • UE (User Equipment): The mobile device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or other devices with 5G capability.
  • gNB (Next-Generation NodeB): The 5G base station that communicates with the UE over the air interface.

3. Radio Access Network (RAN):

  • The RAN consists of gNBs responsible for managing radio resources, connecting to the UE over the air interface.

4. Protocol Stack:

  • The protocol stack includes both the control plane and user plane protocols.
    • Control Plane: Responsible for managing signaling and control functions.
    • User Plane: Handles the actual user data transmission.

5. Dual Connectivity:

  • NSA introduces the concept of dual connectivity, where a device is connected to both 4G LTE and 5G NR simultaneously. This allows for seamless handovers and improved data rates.

6. Control Plane Architecture:

  • NGAP (Next-Generation Application Protocol): The control plane protocol used between the UE and the gNB.
  • Xn Interface: Used for communication between gNBs.

7. User Plane Architecture:

  • NG-U (Next-Generation User Plane): The user plane protocol used between the UE and the gNB for user data transfer.

8. Mobility Management:

  • The 5G NSA architecture supports mobility management functions, allowing UEs to move between cells and networks seamlessly.

9. Core Network Integration:

  • The 5G NSA architecture connects to the existing LTE Evolved Packet Core (EPC), allowing operators to reuse much of their existing infrastructure.

10. Deployment Scenarios:

  • NSA can be deployed in various scenarios, such as Frequency Range 1 (FR1) for sub-6 GHz frequencies and Frequency Range 2 (FR2) for mmWave frequencies.

11. Network Slicing:

  • 5G introduces network slicing, allowing operators to create virtualized, customized networks to meet different service requirements.

12. Security:

  • 5G NSA architecture includes enhanced security measures, including stronger encryption and authentication mechanisms.

13. Evolution Path:

  • NSA is an intermediate step towards full 5G standalone (SA) deployment, where the 5G core network is fully independent of the LTE core.

14. Service-Based Architecture (SBA):

  • 5G introduces a service-based architecture that allows for more flexible and scalable service deployments.

Conclusion:

The 5G NSA architecture provides a smooth transition from 4G LTE to 5G, leveraging existing infrastructure while introducing key features like dual connectivity and network slicing. It serves as a pragmatic approach for early 5G deployments before transitioning to a fully standalone 5G network.