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5g nsa band

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1. 5G NSA (Non-Standalone) Architecture:

Before delving into the bands, it's essential to understand the Non-Standalone (NSA) architecture of 5G. The 5G network can be deployed in two ways: as a Standalone (SA) network or as a Non-Standalone (NSA) network.

  • NSA (Non-Standalone): In NSA deployments, the 5G network is built on top of an existing 4G LTE network. The 5G NR (New Radio) connects to the 4G LTE core network for functionalities such as mobility and voice services.

2. 5G Frequency Bands:

5G networks operate on various frequency bands to provide different coverage and data rates. These bands can be categorized into three primary frequency ranges:

  • Low-Band (Sub-1 GHz): This band provides extensive coverage but relatively lower data speeds compared to higher bands. It's suitable for broad coverage areas, including rural regions.
  • Mid-Band (1 GHz - 6 GHz): Mid-band frequencies offer a balance between coverage and capacity. They provide faster data speeds than low-band but cover smaller areas than low-band.
  • High-Band (mmWave - above 24 GHz): High-band frequencies offer ultra-fast data speeds but cover very short distances. They are suitable for dense urban areas and places with high data demand.

3. Specific Bands in 5G NSA:

When we refer to 5G NSA bands, we're talking about the specific frequency bands allocated for 5G operation in the Non-Standalone architecture. These bands can vary depending on the country and regulatory decisions. As of my last update in January 2022, some common 5G bands include:

  • Low-Band:
    • 600 MHz
    • 700 MHz
    • 800 MHz
  • Mid-Band:
    • 2.5 GHz (Sprint's Band 41)
    • 3.5 GHz (C-Band in some regions)
    • 4.9 GHz (in some regions)
  • High-Band (mmWave):
    • 24 GHz
    • 28 GHz
    • 39 GHz

4. Technical Implications:

  • Coverage vs. Capacity: Different bands offer varying trade-offs between coverage and data speed. Low-band provides wider coverage but at the expense of lower speeds, while high-band offers blazing-fast speeds but covers only small areas.
  • Equipment and Infrastructure: Deploying 5G NSA requires compatible 5G NR equipment (radios, antennas) that can operate on the specific frequency bands. Additionally, existing 4G LTE infrastructure can be upgraded or modified to support 5G NSA.
  • User Experience: With 5G NSA, users can experience improved data speeds and reduced latency compared to 4G LTE, especially in areas where 5G NR coverage is available. However, the full benefits of 5G, such as network slicing and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), are more realized in a standalone (SA) architecture.