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5g nsa options

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5G Non-Standalone (NSA) refers to the initial 5G deployment option where the 5G network is deployed alongside the existing 4G LTE network. This allows operators to use the existing 4G infrastructure to provide some of the essential services and functionalities while gradually transitioning to a full 5G standalone (SA) architecture.

  1. EN-DC (EUTRA-NR Dual Connectivity):
    • This is a common 5G NSA deployment option where both 4G LTE and 5G NR (New Radio) technologies coexist.
    • In EN-DC, the LTE network acts as the anchor, providing control signaling and management for both LTE and 5G NR.
    • Users can benefit from the higher data rates and low latency of 5G while still having the reliability and coverage of the 4G LTE network.
  2. Options for Data Traffic Split:
    • Operators have the flexibility to decide how they want to split the traffic between 4G and 5G. This can be done based on various parameters like user demand, network load, and service requirements.
    • Traffic can be split in a way that prioritizes certain services or applications to use the 5G network while others continue to operate on the 4G network.
  3. Different Deployment Scenarios:
    • Depending on the operator's strategy and network requirements, there are different deployment scenarios possible for 5G NSA.
    • For instance, an operator might initially deploy 5G in densely populated urban areas where there is a higher demand for high-speed connectivity, while continuing to use 4G in suburban or rural areas.
  4. Network Slicing and Service Differentiation:
    • With 5G NSA, operators have the capability to implement network slicing, allowing them to create multiple virtual networks tailored to specific services or applications.
    • This enables service differentiation, where operators can offer customized services with specific quality of service (QoS) parameters based on user requirements.
  5. Evolution Path to 5G SA:
    • One of the significant advantages of deploying 5G NSA is that it provides a smooth evolution path to a full 5G standalone (SA) architecture in the future.
    • Operators can gradually migrate their networks by first deploying 5G NSA and then transitioning to 5G SA as the ecosystem matures and more 5G-specific functionalities become available.

5G Non-Standalone (NSA) options provide operators with the flexibility to deploy 5G alongside existing 4G LTE networks, leveraging the benefits of both technologies. This approach enables a phased migration to 5G, allowing operators to optimize their network resources, meet user demand for high-speed connectivity, and prepare for the full transition to 5G standalone (SA) architecture in the future.