5G Standalone (5G SA)

5G SA Definition

5G Standalone (5G SA) refers to 5G networks that operate independently of existing 4G infrastructure, providing a fully 5G-driven experience. Unlike Non-Standalone (NSA) networks that rely on a 4G core with 5G enhancements, standalone 5G uses a dedicated 5G core (5GC) to manage all traffic and data. This means that 5G SA is not bound by the limitations of older technology, allowing for a more robust and efficient network.

What is 5G standalone (5G SA), and why is it important? 5G SA maximizes the potential of 5G, offering faster data speeds, lower latency, and enhanced reliability. By operating on a 5G core, it supports advanced features such as network slicing, which allows operators to create multiple virtual networks tailored to different use cases. This flexibility makes 5G SA ideal for a range of applications, from industrial automation to autonomous vehicles and smart cities.

In addition to its improved speed and efficiency, 5G SA provides greater flexibility and scalability. The 5G core architecture is cloud-native, meaning it leverages virtualization and containerization technologies to ensure the network can dynamically adapt to changing demands. For instance, during peak times, the network can allocate more resources to high-priority services while maintaining optimal performance for other users.

Another key aspect of 5G SA is its ability to integrate edge computing. By processing data closer to the source, standalone 5G reduces the distance that data must travel, dramatically improving response times. This is particularly beneficial for industries that rely on real-time communication, such as healthcare (e.g., remote surgery) and manufacturing automation (e.g., controlling robots or machinery in factories).

5G SA is a complete, future-proof solution for next-generation connectivity, providing the foundation for a new wave of innovations and services that will reshape how businesses and consumers interact with technology.

What Is the Difference Between 5G SA and NSA?

When comparing 5G Standalone (SA) and 5G Non-Standalone (NSA), the key difference lies in their infrastructure. 5G NSA builds on existing 4G LTE networks, using the 4G core for control functions while adding 5G radio access for faster data speeds. In contrast, 5G SA uses a dedicated 5G core, making it a fully independent system. What is the difference between 5G SA and NSA in practical terms? Here are several examples to illustrate the distinctions:

Core network infrastructure

The most fundamental difference between 5G SA and NSA is the core network they rely on. 5G NSA uses a 4G LTE core (Evolved Packet Core) to manage network operations, meaning it still depends on 4G infrastructure for certain functions like control signaling. As a result, while users benefit from faster speeds through 5G radio technology, the full potential of 5G is not realized. Conversely, standalone 5G utilizes a dedicated 5G core for a complete transition to 5G technology. This enables features like network slicing, ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC) that are not fully supported in 5G NSA.

Latency and performance

One of the significant advantages of 5G SA over NSA is its lower latency. Standalone 5G supports ultra-low latency, which is critical for real-time services like remote healthcare, autonomous driving, and industrial automation. With 5G SA, data can be processed and transmitted faster because it doesn't need to go through a 4G core. By contrast, 5G NSA, while providing faster data speeds than 4G, still inherits some latency from the 4G network. This difference in latency is vital for applications that require immediate response times, such as augmented reality (AR) or critical IoT systems.

Network slicing

A key feature of standalone 5G is its support for network slicing. This technology allows operators to create multiple virtual networks within the same physical infrastructure, each optimized for different use cases. For example, one slice of the network might be dedicated to critical services like emergency response or industrial control, while another slice is tailored for consumer applications like video streaming or gaming. This ensures that each service gets the bandwidth and performance it needs without competing for resources. By contrast, 5G NSA is limited in its ability to offer network slicing because it relies on a 4G core, which lacks the full capabilities to manage and separate multiple virtual networks.

Scalability and future-proofing

Another important distinction between 5G SA and NSA is scalability. 5G SA offers a more flexible and scalable network architecture. Since standalone 5G is cloud-native, it can adapt more easily to growing demands and new applications. This makes it better suited for industries looking to deploy large-scale IoT networks, smart cities, or advanced healthcare systems. In contrast, 5G NSA is seen as a transitional technology, an interim step that enables faster deployment of 5G services by leveraging existing 4G infrastructure. While it offers immediate benefits, 5G NSA will eventually need to be upgraded to standalone 5G to fully unlock the capabilities of next-generation networks.

While both 5G SA and NSA offer improvements over previous generations, standalone 5G represents the future of connectivity with its dedicated 5G core, ultra-low latency, and support for advanced features like network slicing. To leverage the full power of 5G, it’s essential to move toward 5G SA is essential for achieving optimal performance, scalability, and the flexibility required for the next wave of technological innovations. Understanding what is 5G standalone and the difference between 5G SA and NSA will help organizations make informed decisions about their network infrastructure and future connectivity strategies.