non standalone 5g

Non-standalone (NSA) 5G refers to an initial implementation of the 5G network that relies on the existing 4G infrastructure for certain functions. It's a transitional phase before the full deployment of standalone 5G, which doesn't require any dependency on older networks. To explain non-standalone 5G technically, we need to delve into the architecture and key components involved.

1. Architecture:

Non-standalone 5G architecture consists of both 4G (LTE) and 5G components. It primarily relies on the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) of the existing LTE network, incorporating a new component called the 5G Next Generation Core (5G NGC). The 5G NGC is responsible for managing 5G-specific functions.

2. Core Network:

The core network is a critical part of the 5G system, and in the case of non-standalone deployment, it comprises both the LTE EPC and the 5G NGC. The EPC is responsible for handling tasks such as mobility management, session management, and policy enforcement for LTE users. The 5G NGC handles the new 5G-specific functions.

3. Radio Access Network (RAN):

Non-standalone 5G uses the existing LTE radio access network for communication between user devices (UEs) and the core network. The LTE eNodeB (base station) is responsible for connecting UEs to the core network and supporting LTE radio access.

4. Dual Connectivity:

One of the key features of non-standalone 5G is dual connectivity. This involves simultaneous connections to both the LTE and 5G networks. The user device maintains a connection to the LTE network for control signaling and establishes a secondary connection to the 5G network for data transfer.

5. Control Plane and User Plane Separation:

The control plane (responsible for signaling and control messages) and user plane (responsible for data transmission) are separated in the 5G architecture. In non-standalone mode, the control plane for 5G is handled by the 5G NGC, while the user plane utilizes the existing LTE eNodeB.

6. 5G New Radio (NR):

Non-standalone 5G introduces the 5G New Radio (NR) interface for the data connection between the UE and the 5G NGC. The NR interface supports higher data rates, lower latency, and enhanced connectivity compared to LTE.

7. Migration to Standalone:

The goal of non-standalone 5G is to provide an initial introduction to 5G capabilities while leveraging the existing 4G infrastructure. As the standalone 5G infrastructure matures, the network can transition to a fully independent 5G system without relying on 4G components.

In summary, non-standalone 5G is a phased approach that combines both LTE and 5G components, leveraging the existing 4G infrastructure to introduce 5G capabilities. It serves as a transitional step before the deployment of a standalone 5G network.