Standalone 5G vs Non-Standalone 5G

As the latest and most powerful iteration of cellular networking technology, business demand has only grown for 5G adoption. Being able to offer 5G quickly and cost-effectively has become a significant priority for mobile network operators (MNOs).

The initial rollout of 5G networks largely adopted the Non-Standalone (NSA) architecture. It combines 5G New Radio (NR) technology for the radio access network (RAN) to connect to devices, and the 4G Evolved Packet Core (EPC) for fundamental network control functions, including user authentication, mobility management as devices move between cell sites, and session management for data connections.

This architecture allowed MNOs to quickly and cost-effectively deploy 5G services. The reliance on the legacy 4G core network imposes significant limitations. Reliance on the older 4G EPC prevents the network architecture from the advanced capabilities 5G uses to support time-critical applications, provide the connection density required to support billions of connected devices simultaneously, create customized virtual networks, and handle voice directly within a 5G network.

Now that the market has begun to mature, there is an opportunity to fully realize the vision and potential of 5G, using a 5G Standalone (SA) architecture.

What is 5G SA? Realizing 5G’s most advanced, transformation

5G SA represents the full realization of the 5G network vision, operating entirely independently of existing 4G infrastructure using both a 5G NR for the RAN and a completely new, dedicated 5G Core (5GC) network.

The 5GC is designed based on a service-based architecture (SBA), implementing network functions (NFs) as modular, reusable components that interact with each other through standardized interfaces. Built on cloud-native principles, it leverages technologies like virtualization, containerization (such as Kubernetes), and microservices. This cloud-native design provides unprecedented flexibility and scalability allowing operators to dynamically deploy, manage, and scale network resources and services based on demand.

Key NFs within the 5GC, such as the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), and Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), work together to enable SA’s advanced capabilities, including Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC), Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC), network slicing, and Voice over New Radio (VoNR).

SA also brings improved energy efficiency for both the network infrastructure and connected devices compared to 5G NSA, contributing to sustainability goals and extending device battery life. Furthermore, SA includes enhanced security features built directly into the 5G Core.

Benefits of 5G SA: Enabling advanced capabilities

While NSA has allowed many MNOs to get their foot in the door with 5G, SA provides the necessary framework for 5G to begin to transform operations and support new and more advanced use cases. Primarily, these include network slicing, URLLC, mMTC, 5G Reduced Capacity (5G RedCap), and multi-access edge computing (MEC).

Network slicing

Network slicing supports a wide range of applications with varying needs on a shared infrastructure, while ensuring isolation and enhancing security between slices. It is the primary mechanism for operators to monetize the full capabilities of SA by offering tailored performance for specific enterprise and industrial needs, using defined Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to offer network slices as a service.

Ultra-reliable low latency communications

URLLC, meanwhile, provides extremely low latency, as low as 1 millisecond, and five nines (99.999%) uptime, making it essential for time-critical applications where even minimal delays can have significant consequences. Examples include autonomous vehicles requiring split-second communication for safety, remote surgery that demands near-instantaneous feedback and control, and industrial automation systems that need precise, real-time coordination of robotics and machinery.

Massive machine-type communications

For applications that need vast numbers of lower power, low-data-rate IoT devices and sensors, such as in smart cities for environmental monitoring or utility metering, smart agriculture, and large-scale industrial sensing, mMTC is a standout capability. The 5G standard enables up to 1 million devices to be deployed per square kilometer, greatly increasing the potential density of IoT device deployment.

5G RedCap

5G RedCap is an emerging standard that bridges the gap between the very low bandwidth and power needs of traditional Low-Power WAN (LPWAN) devices (NB-IoT/LTE-M) and the high performance of full 5G. It balances moderate bandwidth (up to 20 MHz and 220 BMPs downlink) and superior performance over LPWAN while also offering better energy efficiency than full 5G. This makes it suitable for a wider range of IoT devices, including wearables, industrial sensors, and video surveillance cameras, expanding the diversity of devices that can efficiently connect to 5G networks.

Multi-access edge computing (MEC)

Finally, SA uses MEC to bring computing and storage resources closer to the network edge, near the user or device. This proximity provides significantly lower latency by minimizing the distance data must travel to be processed, enabling real-time applications and reducing the need to send data to centralized cloud servers.

Paving the way for 5G-Advanced

SA is not merely the final stage of 5G deployment but the foundational architecture for the future evolution of the technology, known as 5G-Advanced. This next phase, defined in standards like 3GPP Release 18, will introduce features such as improved energy efficiency, enhanced mobility, AI-native network automation, and tighter integration with non-terrestrial networks.

SA's cloud-native architecture and unlocked capabilities provide the platform needed to implement these more complex, software-driven enhancements, establishing a foundation for ongoing future innovation. For example, increasing integration of AI/ML for network automation and optimization, and the closer relationship with edge computing to bring processing closer to the user, will further enhance 5G capabilities and expand the range of supported applications, particularly for IoT.

The transition to SA is a complex but necessary evolution for MNOs. By paving the way for 5G-Advanced, it enables MNOs to be competitive at the cutting edge of a future where connectivity is not just faster but fundamentally more intelligent, flexible, and integrated into the fabric of both society and industry.

Inseego’s industry-leading 5G expertise

Inseego is an industry leader in 5G, having delivered numerous 5G firsts. All our devices are designed and built in-house from the chipset up to ensure maximum seamless 5G performance.

The Inseego FX4100 takes a significant leap forward with the integration of the Snapdragon X72 module, surpassing the FX3100 cellular router equipped with the X62. This upgrade unlocks powerful 5G Standalone (SA) capabilities, offering access to advanced downlink and uplink carrier aggregation. These enhancements ensure faster data speeds and improved connectivity stability, enabling businesses to fully leverage the potential of 5G technology. With these capabilities, the FX4100 supports seamless integration into existing network infrastructures, catering to advanced connectivity needs with greater efficiency and reliability.