The 5G standalone (5G SA) feature refers to the capability of a 5G network to operate independently without relying on the existing 4G LTE network infrastructure. In a 5G SA network, both the control plane and the user plane are entirely implemented using 5G technologies, providing a native and comprehensive 5G experience. This is in contrast to non-standalone (NSA) deployment, where 5G is initially deployed as an overlay on existing 4G infrastructure.
Here are the key aspects and features of the 5G standalone architecture:
- End-to-End 5G Core Network: In 5G SA, the core network is entirely based on 5G technologies. This includes the deployment of a new 5G core network (5GC), which supports advanced features and services specific to 5G. The 5G core provides a service-based architecture, enabling network functions to interact through well-defined interfaces.
- New Radio (NR) as Primary Radio Access Technology: 5G SA utilizes the 5G New Radio (NR) as the primary radio access technology. NR introduces advanced features such as higher data rates, lower latency, massive MIMO, and beamforming, offering improved performance compared to previous generations.
- Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS): The 5G SA architecture continues to support the separation of the control plane and user plane, enhancing network flexibility and scalability. This separation allows for optimized resource utilization and efficient traffic handling.
- Network Slicing: 5G SA supports network slicing, allowing operators to create virtualized, isolated networks tailored to specific use cases or industries. Network slicing enables the customization of network resources to meet the diverse requirements of different applications.
- Low Latency and High Data Rates: With the native implementation of 5G core and NR, 5G SA networks can achieve lower latency and higher data rates, meeting the requirements of latency-sensitive applications, such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and critical IoT services.
- Improved Coverage and Capacity: The deployment of NR, along with advanced antenna technologies like massive MIMO and beamforming, contributes to improved coverage and increased network capacity. This allows 5G SA networks to handle a higher number of connected devices and deliver enhanced user experiences.
- Support for Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC): 5G SA is designed to support ultra-reliable low-latency communication, catering to applications that require extremely reliable and low-latency connectivity, such as industrial automation and critical infrastructure.
- Enhanced Security: The 5G SA architecture incorporates enhanced security measures, including improved encryption algorithms and authentication mechanisms, to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of communication between devices and the network.
- Independence from 4G Infrastructure: Unlike NSA deployments, which rely on the existing 4G infrastructure for certain functions, 5G SA operates independently, offering a fully native 5G experience without dependencies on legacy technologies.
- Global Standardization: The specifications for 5G SA are defined by international standardization bodies such as the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), ensuring a consistent and interoperable implementation of 5G technologies worldwide.
In summary, the 5G standalone feature represents a native and comprehensive implementation of 5G technologies, including a new 5G core network and the use of 5G New Radio as the primary radio access technology. This architecture provides the foundation for realizing the full potential of 5G, supporting diverse use cases and delivering advanced services and capabilities.