Sign in Subscribe

5g nsa nr

Last updated on 
  1. 5G Overview:
    • 5G Standards: 5G is the fifth generation of mobile networks, standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). 3GPP has defined two main deployment options for 5G: NSA (Non-Standalone) and SA (Standalone).
    • Frequency Bands: 5G operates in a variety of frequency bands, including sub-6 GHz and millimeter-wave (mmWave) bands, to provide a mix of coverage and high data rates.
  2. NSA (Non-Standalone) Architecture:
    • Definition: NSA refers to the deployment of 5G on an existing LTE (4G) infrastructure. In NSA, 5G NR uses the LTE radio and core network as an anchor for control functions.
    • Dual Connectivity: NSA enables dual connectivity, where a user device is connected to both LTE and 5G NR simultaneously. This allows for a smooth transition between 4G and 5G networks.
  3. NR (New Radio):
    • Air Interface: NR is the air interface for 5G, providing the radio connectivity between the user equipment (UE) and the base station (gNB - gNodeB). It uses advanced modulation schemes, such as QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, and higher-order MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output), to enhance data rates and spectral efficiency.
    • Waveforms: NR supports both Frequency Range 1 (FR1), which includes sub-6 GHz frequencies, and Frequency Range 2 (FR2), which includes mmWave frequencies.
    • Numerology: NR uses flexible numerology to support different use cases, including enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC).
  4. Protocol Stack:
    • Physical Layer: The physical layer includes functions such as modulation and coding, MIMO, and beamforming to ensure efficient and reliable wireless communication.
    • MAC (Medium Access Control) Layer: MAC controls access to the physical layer and manages scheduling and resource allocation.
    • RRC (Radio Resource Control) Layer: RRC handles the configuration and release of radio resources, connection establishment, and mobility management.
    • User Plane and Control Plane: Like LTE, 5G has a separation between the user plane and control plane, allowing for more flexibility and scalability in the network.
  5. Key Technologies:
    • Massive MIMO: 5G NR utilizes massive MIMO technology to increase spectral efficiency and improve network capacity by using a large number of antennas at the base station.
    • Beamforming: Beamforming techniques are employed to focus the transmission and reception of signals in specific directions, enhancing coverage and capacity.
    • Network Slicing: 5G introduces network slicing, allowing operators to create multiple virtual networks on a shared physical infrastructure, each tailored to specific use cases with different requirements.

5G NSA NR combines the existing LTE infrastructure with the new 5G NR technology, enabling a faster and more efficient rollout of 5G services while leveraging the capabilities of both networks. The dual connectivity in NSA allows for a seamless transition between 4G and 5G, providing users with improved data rates and network performance.