Sign in Subscribe

5g nsa bands

Last updated on 

The deployment of 5G (fifth-generation) networks has brought about significant advancements in terms of speed, latency, and connectivity. When discussing 5G networks, it's essential to understand the various bands in which 5G operates. Here, we'll delve into the NSA (Non-Standalone) 5G bands.

5G NSA vs. SA:

Firstly, it's crucial to distinguish between NSA and SA:

  • NSA (Non-Standalone): In this deployment mode, the 5G network uses the existing 4G LTE infrastructure for certain functions, especially for the control plane. It means that while the data plane benefits from 5G speeds, the control signaling might still rely on the 4G infrastructure. This approach allows for a faster rollout of 5G services since operators don't have to build an entirely new 5G core network from scratch.
  • SA (Standalone): This is a full-fledged 5G network that doesn't rely on the 4G infrastructure for any of its functions, including the control plane. SA allows for all the benefits of 5G, including improved latency and scalability.

5G NSA Bands:

5G operates across a range of frequencies or bands. The choice of bands determines the coverage, speed, and latency characteristics of the 5G network. Some of the primary 5G bands in the NSA deployment include:

  1. Sub-6 GHz Bands:
    • Low Band (600 MHz - 1 GHz): Provides wide coverage and is particularly useful for suburban and rural areas. The lower frequencies can penetrate buildings better than higher frequencies but might not offer the ultra-fast speeds that higher bands can.
    • Mid Band (2.5 - 6 GHz): Strikes a balance between coverage and speed. It offers faster speeds than low-band frequencies and is suitable for urban areas, providing both coverage and capacity. Bands like 3.5 GHz fall into this category.
  2. mmWave (Millimeter Wave) Bands (24 GHz and above):
    • These are high-frequency bands that offer ultra-fast speeds but have limited coverage. Due to their high frequencies, mmWave signals don't travel far and are easily obstructed by buildings, trees, and even rain. However, they are instrumental in delivering the gigabit speeds often associated with 5G.

Technical Aspects:

  • Frequency Characteristics: Each band has specific frequency characteristics, affecting its propagation, coverage, and penetration capabilities. For example, lower frequencies (like sub-6 GHz) can travel longer distances and penetrate obstacles better than higher frequencies (like mmWave).
  • Modulation and Coding: 5G employs advanced modulation and coding schemes to achieve higher data rates. Techniques like orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) and multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) are integral to 5G's efficiency and speed.
  • Beamforming: Particularly relevant for mmWave bands, beamforming technology focuses signals directly at devices rather than broadcasting them in all directions. This technology helps improve the range and reliability of high-frequency 5G signals.
  • Channel Bandwidth: 5G allows for wider channel bandwidths than its predecessors, enabling higher data rates. Depending on the band and deployment scenario, operators can utilize varying bandwidths to achieve desired speeds and capacities.

The NSA 5G bands encompass a range of frequencies, from low to high, each offering specific advantages in terms of coverage, speed, and capacity. The choice of bands and deployment strategies will vary based on operators' requirements, geographic considerations, and user demands.