In the early stages of 5G deployment, many networks are using a Non-Standalone architecture. This means that 5G relies on the existing 4G infrastructure for certain functions.
The control plane signaling and mobility management may still be handled by the 4G network, while the 5G radio access network (RAN) is responsible for data transmission.
Dual Connectivity:
Dual Connectivity is a concept where a user equipment (UE) is simultaneously connected to both 4G and 5G networks. This allows for better data rates and improved user experience.
The 4G network serves as the anchor, handling control plane functions, while the 5G network is responsible for the user plane data transmission.
LTE-Advanced Pro:
Some features of 5G, such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), can be implemented within the 4G LTE-Advanced Pro standard.
LTE-Advanced Pro includes technologies like carrier aggregation, massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output), and higher order modulation schemes that contribute to 5G-like capabilities.
Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS):
DSS enables the simultaneous use of 4G and 5G in the same frequency band. This allows operators to dynamically allocate spectrum resources between 4G and 5G based on demand.
It provides a smooth transition for operators to deploy 5G without having to allocate new frequency bands exclusively for 5G.
Software Upgrades:
In some cases, existing 4G infrastructure can be upgraded through software updates to support certain 5G features. For example, upgrading to the 5G New Radio (NR) standard might be possible without extensive hardware changes.
Interworking and Interference Management:
Ensuring smooth coexistence between 4G and 5G involves managing interference and optimizing the interaction between the two networks. This includes techniques like beamforming and interference coordination.
