With 5G standalone (SA), you’re able to take your network performance to the next level. The technology gives you access to new functions, thus ensuring maximum user satisfaction. Among other things, 5G standalone will increase your 5G efficiency, opening a plethora of new opportunities for your company.
Compared to the past products, 5G standalone uses a 5G core solution that is stored on the cloud. Another characteristic of this technology is the use of 5G RAN (Radio Access Network), which is also used for non-standalone. Such a flexible service-based architecture allows users to create, upgrade, and deploy all sorts of services.
Most importantly, 5G standalone allows you to roll out new digital products within hours, which will significantly increase your profitability. Given that the solution is fully cloud-based, this means it won’t interfere with your current business operations.
However, the advantages don’t end there. Together with automation, network exposure, local packet core gateway, and slicing, its capabilities ensure optimal delivery. Your 5G will be much more programmable, offering unprecedented connectivity and high service quality.
What Is 5G Non-Standalone?
When the 5G technology was initially introduced, consumers had access to incredibly high data speed transfers. The secret behind the technology was a combination of LTE EPC (Evolved Packet Core) and RAN.
Given that the radio access network is still dependent on 4G technology for information signaling and control management, and 4G RAN is still in effect, we refer to this solution as NSA or non-standalone architecture.
By utilizing the 4G solution that is already in place, providers are able to ensure reliable and faster eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband). The best thing yet is that businesses don’t have to make any alterations to their basic technology or force clients to switch to new devices.
What Is 5G Standalone?
The great thing about this technology is that it doesn’t rely on LTE EPC to function as intended. Instead, it combines its features with 5G radios and a cloud-based network. The core is made as an SBA (Service-Based Architecture) offering virtualization of the available network functions.
As a result, 5G standalone gives users access to numerous functions relevant to modern companies, such as autonomous vehicle operation, factory automation, smart devices, and more.
Through digitalization, companies will gain access to new forms of revenue. Leveraging high capacity coupled with low latency is only possible with a standalone architecture, as well as a 3GPP core network architecture.
5G Standalone Vs. 5G Non-Standalone
Using a non-standalone solution was a vital step on our path to advanced 5G telecommunication. In fact, since 2019, most companies have used this technology to connect to their devices. According to rough estimates, the global number of connected 5G devices should reach 1.8 billion by the end of this year.
As mentioned, the great thing about this tech is that it allows you to utilize legacy infrastructure. Instead of setting up new hardware and paying IT experts for this kind of service, you can simply utilize the resources already at your disposal.
As a result, you’ll have access to an incredibly fast internet. With 5G non-standalone, you would be able to utilize the IoT devices and enhance your general performance.
Implementing Standalone Infrastructure
With standalone technology, you’re able to tap into brand-new functions and features, aside from getting more bandwidth. For example, you’ll benefit from URLCC or Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication. This is a must-have functionality that allows software to work in real-time.
With URLCC, companies can utilize specialized machines and robots for precise work. Another key benefit of standalone technology is getting access to machine-to-machine communication.
Companies that want to deliver a mixture of massive IoT and URLLC to their clients have to use a standalone 5G infrastructure. With standalone solutions, you’re able to split (slice) the network into unique pieces for different use cases. Each of these slices will fulfil a specific need for the client’s business while enhancing their efficiency.
Main Benefits of 5G Standalone
In a nutshell, 5G standalone is dominant over all other past technologies. Here are some of the benefits you’ll receive with this solution.
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Low Latency
Using 5G ensures low latency for your projects. Furthermore, you can rest assured that the connection will remain stable throughout the year. This would allow you to utilize various real-time services without ever worrying about lag.
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Better Coverage
5G SA’s multi-band carrier aggregation can use several 5G frequencies to improve downlink and uplink capacity. 5G standalone technology covers a relatively wide area, although not as wide as 4G networks.
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Enhanced Spectral Efficiency
Through increased 5G offload and advanced multi-layer coordination, we’re able to reap the benefits of higher downlink and uplink data rates. Some vendors even provide specialized toolkits that will further improve connectivity support.
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Higher Energy Efficiency
Instead of wasting time on NSA, you’ll save it with 5G standalone. This will enhance the company’s energy efficiency when transferring data.
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5G Voice Features
The use of VoNR (Voice over New Radio) is one of the major breakthroughs that came with the implementation of 5G SA. The technology gives us access to real-time call connections. With the highest possible bandwidth and low latency, you can ensure high audio quality and seamless communication between parties.
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Service Agility
Service-based architecture of 5G core allows for unparalleled scaling. If we keep in mind that these solutions are used online, via the cloud, this gives us complete independence from in-house infrastructure. You can upgrade and reuse the service without suffering any operational delays.
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Enhanced Security
Modern 5G SA solutions get amazing cybersecurity protection from their providers. This includes identity protection and full encryption. No one can access your private company data without your say-so.
Conclusion
5G standalone infrastructure is a major step forward compared to the previous non-standalone infrastructure. The solution gives businesses much more flexibility and unparalleled scaling options. Given low latency and high bandwidth, you’re able to use smart equipment without ever worrying about downtime.
PHD in Economics, Associate Professor, Department of Business Process Management, Faculty of Market Technologies IOM