What is 5G NSA vs SA Coverage?
When we talk about 5G, it’s important to understand the difference between Non-Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA) coverage. Both of these terms describe different phases of 5G deployment, and they have an impact on how 5G services are delivered to you. Let’s break it down to give you a clearer understanding of both.
5G Non-Standalone (NSA) Coverage
In 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) mode, the 5G network is integrated with the existing 4G LTE network. Here’s how this affects coverage:
- Relies on Existing 4G Infrastructure: In NSA, the 5G New Radio (NR) technology is used to enhance data speeds, but the control plane (signaling, mobility management, etc.) still relies on the 4G LTE network.
- Faster Deployment: Because NSA leverages the 4G LTE network for control functions, network providers can deploy 5G quickly without needing to replace or overhaul the entire network. This results in faster rollout, especially in urban areas.
- Coverage Areas: NSA offers improved coverage where 5G NR is deployed over existing 4G LTE towers. You can experience enhanced speeds in areas with both LTE and NR coverage, but your 5G experience will still depend on the availability of 4G LTE infrastructure.
- Lower Latency, But Not Full 5G Potential: While NSA offers some benefits, it does not unlock the full potential of 5G. The latency and performance might not be as low as in a full 5G Standalone network, and the service might vary based on the LTE network’s coverage and condition.
5G Standalone (SA) Coverage
5G Standalone (SA) represents the full 5G experience. In SA mode, the entire 5G network operates independently without relying on 4G LTE infrastructure. Here’s what this means for coverage:
- Dedicated 5G Core: With SA, 5G uses its own dedicated 5G core network (5GC) for both control and user data. This gives 5G greater flexibility and reduces reliance on older 4G systems.
- Enhanced 5G Experience: Since the entire network is built specifically for 5G, it can support ultra-low latency, higher speeds, and better reliability, providing a much-improved user experience, especially in dense areas and high-demand environments.
- Extended Coverage: SA coverage tends to be more extensive because it is independent of 4G LTE networks. As SA networks grow, you’ll see more consistent coverage across urban and rural areas.
- Future-Proofing: Since SA enables the full capabilities of 5G, it is a more future-proof option for delivering high-speed, low-latency services in the long run. The rollout of 5G SA will bring advanced technologies like network slicing, ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), and enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB).
Key Differences Between NSA and SA Coverage
| Feature | NSA Coverage | SA Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Network Architecture | Relies on 4G LTE for control, uses 5G NR for data | Fully independent 5G network with dedicated 5G core |
| Deployment Speed | Faster, can be deployed using existing 4G LTE infrastructure | Slower, requires building an entirely new 5G core network |
| Coverage | Limited to areas where both 4G LTE and 5G NR are present | Expanding, but requires full deployment of 5G infrastructure |
| Latency | Higher latency compared to SA | Lower latency with full 5G capabilities |
| Speed | Improved speeds over 4G LTE, but not full 5G speeds | Higher speeds, near-optimal 5G performance |
Conclusion
In conclusion, 5G NSA and 5G SA offer different levels of coverage and performance. NSA is a transitional solution that uses existing 4G LTE infrastructure, providing faster deployment and moderate improvements in data speed. However, its coverage and performance are still limited compared to the full 5G experience. On the other hand, 5G SA unlocks the full potential of 5G, offering ultra-low latency, higher speeds, and broader coverage. As the 5G network evolves, SA will become the standard for delivering next-generation services.