Sign in Subscribe

Can the Same 5G Cell be used for NSA and SA?

Last updated on 

5G (Fifth Generation) cellular networks, NSA (Non-Standalone) and SA (Standalone) refer to two deployment options. These options describe how the 5G network is implemented and its relationship with existing 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) networks. Let's delve into the technical details of each and then discuss whether the same 5G cell can be used for both NSA and SA.

  1. NSA (Non-Standalone):
    • In NSA deployment, 5G infrastructure relies on the existing 4G LTE network for certain functions, such as control signaling and mobility management.
    • The 5G New Radio (NR) is used for user data transmission, while the 4G LTE network handles control functions.
    • The core network is mainly based on the LTE Evolved Packet Core (EPC).
  2. SA (Standalone):
    • In SA deployment, the 5G network operates independently without relying on the existing 4G infrastructure.
    • Both user data and control signaling are handled by the 5G NR, and the core network is based on the 5G Core (5GC).
    • SA provides the full suite of 5G capabilities, including ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC).

Now, regarding whether the same 5G cell can be used for both NSA and SA, the answer is generally no. The architecture and functionality of the 5G cell would need to align with the specific deployment mode (NSA or SA) it is intended for. The key reasons are as follows:

  • Radio Interface: The 5G cell in an NSA deployment needs to be compatible with both 4G LTE and 5G NR interfaces. In an SA deployment, it would only need to support the 5G NR interface.
  • Control Plane: The control plane functions, including signaling and mobility management, differ between NSA and SA. In NSA, the 4G LTE core network handles these functions, while in SA, they are managed by the 5G Core.
  • Core Network Compatibility: The 5G cell needs to be integrated into the appropriate core network architecture, either the LTE EPC for NSA or the 5G Core for SA.