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5g standalone deployment

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Deploying a 5G Standalone (SA) network involves transitioning from a non-standalone (NSA) 5G deployment or directly setting up a new 5G SA network that does not rely on the existing 4G LTE infrastructure for core network services. Let's delve into the technical details of a 5G SA deployment:

1. Core Network Architecture:

a. AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function):

This function is responsible for mobility management, session management, and UE (User Equipment) context management. It plays a critical role in handling user plane and control plane functions during mobility.

b. SMF (Session Management Function):

It manages the session and ensures the data path between the UE and the external data network. SMF can be involved in functionalities like packet routing, forwarding, and traffic anchoring.

c. UPF (User Plane Function):

UPF handles and forwards the user plane data packets. It might include functionalities like packet inspection, filtering, and forwarding based on policies.

d. PCF (Policy Control Function):

PCF manages policies related to user access control, QoS (Quality of Service), and flow-based charging control.

e. UDM (Unified Data Management):

UDM manages user profile data, authentication, authorization, and subscription-related information.

f. AUSF (Authentication Server Function):

AUSF is responsible for authenticating and generating security credentials for the UE.

g. NSSF (Network Slice Selection Function):

In 5G SA, network slicing allows the creation of multiple logical networks on top of a shared physical infrastructure. NSSF assists in selecting and steering traffic to the appropriate network slice based on service requirements.

2. Radio Access Network (RAN):

5G SA requires a new or enhanced RAN to support the 5G New Radio (NR) technology. This includes:

a. gNB (Next-Generation NodeB):

gNB is the base station in the 5G RAN. It communicates directly with the 5G-enabled UE using the 5G NR air interface.

b. NR (New Radio):

This is the air interface standard for 5G. It operates in both sub-6 GHz and mmWave frequency bands, offering enhanced throughput, reduced latency, and improved reliability compared to previous generations.

3. Network Slicing:

As mentioned earlier, 5G SA introduces network slicing, allowing operators to create isolated logical networks tailored to specific use cases or services. This requires coordination between the core network, RAN, and transport network to ensure end-to-end service delivery.

4. Transition from NSA to SA:

If an operator is transitioning from NSA to SA, it involves migrating core network functionalities from the 4G LTE EPC (Evolved Packet Core) to the 5G core. This might require updates to network elements, configurations, and protocols to ensure seamless interoperability and service continuity.

5. Security:

5G SA introduces enhanced security mechanisms, including:

  • Enhanced encryption algorithms.
  • Improved authentication and key management procedures.
  • Protection against various types of attacks.

Conclusion:

Deploying a 5G Standalone network is a complex process that involves upgrading the core network, establishing a new or enhanced RAN, implementing network slicing, ensuring security, and potentially transitioning from existing 4G LTE infrastructures. The objective is to deliver higher data rates, lower latency, improved reliability, and support for a diverse range of use cases and applications in the evolving digital landscape.