5G Standalone: What You Need to Know

5G is the next generation of mobile technology that promises to deliver faster speeds, lower latency, and higher capacity for wireless communications. But not all 5G networks are created equal. Depending on how they are deployed, 5G networks can be classified into two types: non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA).

What is Non-Standalone 5G and what is Standalone 5G?

Non-standalone 5G is the first phase of 5G deployment that leverages the existing 4G infrastructure to provide enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) services. In NSA 5G, the 5G radio access network (RAN) connects to the 4G evolved packet core (EPC) network, which handles the control and signaling functions. The 4G RAN also operates in parallel to provide coverage and fallback support.

NSA 5G is a cost-effective and quick way for operators to launch 5G services without investing in a new core network. It also enables users to enjoy faster data rates and more reliable connectivity with their existing 4G devices. However, NSA 5G has some limitations, such as:

• It cannot support the full range of 5G features, such as ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) and massive machine-type communications (mMTC), which require a new core network architecture.
• It depends on the availability and performance of the 4G network, which may not be able to handle the increasing traffic and complexity of 5G applications.
• It requires dual connectivity between the 4G and 5G RANs, which increases the signaling overhead and complexity of network management.

Standalone 5G is the ultimate goal of 5G deployment that replaces the 4G core network with a new 5G core network. In SA 5G, the 5G RAN connects directly to the 5G core network, which is designed as a service-based architecture (SBA) that virtualizes and modularizes the network functions. The 5G core network also supports network slicing, which allows operators to create customized virtual networks for different use cases and customers.

How to Transition from Non-Standalone to Standalone 5G?

The transition from NSA to SA 5G is not a simple switch, but a gradual process that involves multiple steps and challenges. Operators need to consider several factors, such as:

• The availability and compatibility of SA-capable devices and equipment, which may require software or hardware upgrades or replacements.
• The deployment and integration of the new 5G core network, which may require new spectrum licenses, site acquisitions, backhaul connections, security measures, and testing procedures.
• The migration and coexistence of NSA and SA users and services, which may require careful planning, coordination, and optimization of network configurations and parameters.

The transition from NSA to SA 5G may vary depending on the operator's strategy, market conditions, customer demands, and regulatory requirements. Some operators may choose to start with NSA 5G and then gradually migrate to SA 5G as they expand their coverage and capabilities. Others may opt to skip NSA 5G and go directly to SA 5G if they have sufficient resources and incentives to do so.

Implementing 5G technology has required significant investments, and it's essential to explore new revenue opportunities to justify these costs. With 5G Standalone, we can bridge this gap and drive revenue growth in several ways:

* Cost Savings: Leveraging the cloud architecture of 5G Standalone enables automation and process optimization, leading to cost reductions. By consolidating labs and implementing closed-loop automation, we can unlock substantial savings.

* Increased Agility: Collaboration within the ecosystem is crucial for faster technology adoption and accelerated time-to-market for new services. Embracing agility allows us to seize revenue opportunities swiftly and stay ahead of the competition.

* New Services and Use Cases: 5G Standalone paves the way for advanced use cases that generate additional revenue streams. From fixed wireless access (FWA) and mobile gaming to private networks and augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR) services, the possibilities are vast. 

Why does 5G stand alone matter?

5G stand alone is important because it enables many of the benefits and use cases that have been promised by 5G, such as ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), network slicing, and edge computing².

Some of the advantages of 5G stand alone over 5G NSA are:

• Improved reliability: 5G stand alone can offer higher availability and resilience for critical applications, such as autonomous vehicles, remote surgery, and smart grids.
• Lower latency: 5G stand alone can reduce the end-to-end latency to less than 10 milliseconds, which is essential for real-time applications, such as gaming, virtual reality, and industrial automation².
• Higher efficiency: 5G stand alone can optimize the network performance and resource utilization by using a cloud-native architecture that supports flexible scaling, automation, and orchestration³.
• More coverage: 5G stand alone can extend the reach of 5G services by using new frequency bands, such as millimeter wave (mmWave) and sub-6 GHz, which offer higher bandwidth and lower interference.
• Better security: 5G stand alone can enhance the network security and privacy by using advanced encryption and authentication mechanisms that are designed for 5G.

What are the challenges in realizing the full potential of 5G Standalone?

* Service Providers: Adapting to the new ways of working in a 5G Standalone environment is essential for service providers. They must deploy new sites and services faster while efficiently exploring revenue-generating opportunities. 

* Network Equipment Manufacturers (NEMs): NEMs need to comply with 3GPP standards, adapt to a multi-vendor ecosystem, and embrace agile development cycles. Collaboration with other NEMs is critical in this rapidly evolving landscape. 

* Cloud Service Providers (Cloud SPs): Cloud SPs play a vital role in building a modern 5G world. Their focus includes cloudifying the core network and RAN, developing edge and private networks, and aligning with telco requirements.

* Device Manufacturers: Device manufacturers must optimize devices to meet the demands of 5G Standalone use cases, driving user adoption through form factor innovations, positioning accuracy, UHD video, and more.

*  Government and Military: Ensuring the security and resilience of 5G services is a top priority for governments and the military. Robust testing and assurance measures are essential as they transition from trials to implementation. 

Conclusion

Non-standalone and standalone are two standards-based paths to 5G that offer different benefits and challenges for operators and users. NSA 5G is a practical and pragmatic approach to launch 5G services quickly and cost-effectively by using the existing 4G infrastructure. SA 5G is a visionary and ambitious approach to unleash the full power of 5G by building a new core network infrastructure. Both types of 5G networks are complementary and will coexist for some time until SA 5G becomes the dominant mobile access technology.

blob:https://www.spirent.com/f66d2318-674b-4f49-a31d-2098581246ba