The full forms of NSA and SA, in the context of 5G mobile network deployment, are:
- NSA: Non-Stand Alone
- SA: Stand Alone
These terms refer to two different architectures for deploying 5G networks, as defined by 3GPP standards. In short, they denote how a 5G network integrates, or doesn't integrate, with existing 4G LTE infrastructure.
Detailed Explanation:
NSA (Non-Stand Alone)
- Definition: Non-Stand Alone (NSA) architecture relies on the existing 4G LTE infrastructure for control plane functions. This means that the 5G network uses the 4G core network for managing connections and signaling.
- Deployment: NSA allows for a faster rollout of 5G services because it leverages the existing 4G infrastructure, which reduces the cost and complexity of deployment. Typically, the initial 5G rollouts utilize the NSA architecture.
- Functionality: While user data is transmitted over the 5G radio, the connection is still managed and controlled by the 4G core. In simple terms, 5G acts as an accelerator for 4G in NSA mode.
- Advantage: Faster deployment and relatively lower cost.
- Disadvantage: Limited utilization of full 5G capabilities. Latency and network slicing, features that are core to 5G, are not fully realized in NSA.
SA (Stand Alone)
- Definition: Stand Alone (SA) architecture represents a complete, independent 5G network with its own 5G core (5GC). It doesn't rely on the 4G LTE infrastructure for control plane functions.
- Deployment: SA requires a new 5G core network, which involves more significant investment and deployment time. However, it unlocks the full potential of 5G.
- Functionality: The 5G SA network has its own control plane and user plane, offering lower latency, network slicing, and other advanced 5G features.
- Advantage: Full utilization of 5G capabilities, including ultra-low latency, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and network slicing.
- Disadvantage: Slower deployment and higher initial costs.
Summary Table:
| Feature | NSA (Non-Stand Alone) | SA (Stand Alone) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Network | Relies on existing 4G LTE core | Independent 5G core (5GC) |
| Deployment | Faster, leverages existing infrastructure | Slower, requires new infrastructure |
| Functionality | 5G as an accelerator for 4G | Full 5G capabilities |
| Latency | Higher compared to SA | Lower, ultra-low latency possible |
| Network Slicing | Limited | Fully supported |
| Cost | Lower initial investment | Higher initial investment |
| Purpose | Early 5G deployment, enhanced speed on existing 4G | Full 5G experience, advanced use cases and services |
