Choosing the right 5G architecture is crucial for enhancing operations while keeping scalability and budget in mind. Learn whether SA or NSA is more suitable for your business needs with this article.
1. Introduction to 5G Network Architectures
2. What is 5G SA?
3. What is 5G NSA?
4. Factors to Consider When Choosing Between SA and NSA
5. Conclusion
Widespread implementation of 5G is transforming how businesses across verticals operate, providing enhanced speed, low latency, and massive connectivity. The advancements in 5G system architecture enable new use cases, from autonomous vehicles to smart cities.
There are currently two types of 5G network architecture, namely 5G standalone (5G SA) and 5G non-standalone (5G NSA). These two architectures differ in how they connect to the existing 4G infrastructure, the type of equipment required, and the level of network independence. Therefore, understanding the difference between SA and NSA is crucial for companies and organizations implementing 5G architecture.
5G SA architecture is an entirely new technology that uses 5G core network architecture, independent of the current 4G LTE network. It has various use cases, such as combining 5G with AI and edge use cases.
Independent Network: All components of the architecture, including the 5G core architecture, radio access network, and user equipment, are not reliant on any 4G technology.
High Performance: 5G SA architecture is optimized for high performance and low latency, enabling fast data transfer rates and near-instantaneous response times.
Distributed Architecture: This allows efficient resource allocation and dynamic management of network resources.
End-to-End Encryption: It provides end-to-end encryption, which ensures that data is secure and protected from unauthorized access.
Higher Cost: 5G SA architecture is more expensive to implement than NSA architecture due to the need for a fully independent 5G network infrastructure.
Low Latency: Applications of 5G that require real-time processing are only possible with SA architecture.
Customization: As SA does not depend on existing network architecture, it can be tailored to company requirements. It also enables network slicing for 5G enterprise private network use cases.
Security: End-to-end encryptions ensure a more secure network, and 5G network slicing keeps various access levels separate.
Scalability: 5G architecture is designed to be highly scalable and handle large volumes of data and devices.
Future-proofing: SA architecture will be able to support upcoming 5G features and capabilities by design.
5G NSA provides a transition into 'true' 5G architecture by incorporating 4G network infrastructure for deployment.
Non-Independent Network: 5G NSA architecture is designed to leverage the existing 4G infrastructure to deliver 5G services.
Transition to SA: NSA offers lower latencies and faster speeds than 4G LTE without deploying 5G architecture.
Integrated Deployment: 5G NSA can be deployed quickly since it integrates existing infrastructure.
Limited Scalability: As it relies on the existing 4G infrastructure, NSA is limited in scaling.
Low Scalability: There is a lower limit on how many devices can join the network and the data volume that can be processed on NSA.
Faster Deployment: 5G NSA architecture can be deployed more rapidly than SA architecture.
Easier Integration: 4G integration with existing networks is easier since it uses architecture.
Cost-effective: 5G NSA architecture is generally less expensive to implement as it doesn't require a complete overhaul of the existing infrastructure to a 5G core architecture.
Improvement Over 4G: While not providing the speed and low latency of 'true' 5G, NSA offers significant improvements over 4G networks.
SA architecture requires a complete overhaul of the existing infrastructure, which can result in higher infrastructure and deployment costs. However, SA architecture can be more cost-effective in the long run due to its future-proof design and ability to provide greater scalability and customization.
On the other hand, NSA architecture leverages the existing 4G infrastructure, resulting in lower infrastructure and deployment costs. However, upgrading and maintaining an existing 4G network to support 5G technology can be complex and may result in higher operational costs in the long run.
SA architecture is designed to be future-proof and scalable, supporting upcoming 5G features and capabilities. This can give organizations greater flexibility and agility to respond to changing business needs and emerging technologies. On the other hand, NSA architecture may be less future-proof and require additional investments in infrastructure and resources to support new 5G features and capabilities.
While NSA architecture may offer lower upfront costs and a faster deployment timeline, SA architecture may be more future-proof and scalable in the long run. Choosing the appropriate 5G architecture is a critical determinant for organizations aiming to utilize 5G technology in building a connected industry of the future. Organizations must evaluate their requirements and consider each architecture's short and long-term costs and operational implications before making a decision.