What's the Difference Between NSA 5G and Standalone (SA) 5G by Kevin Baker

What are three capabilities that 5G brings?
Three capabilities that 5G brings include:

  • Increased speed.
  • Latency under 10 milliseconds.
  • The ability to connect many more devices at any given time.

What backbone does 5G rely on to connect cell sites and radio equipment?
The backbone that 5G replies on to connect cell sites and radio equipment is optical fiber.

What is the approach that some early 5G developments have taken?
The approach that some early 5G developments have taken is using existing 4G and LTE equipment as a base instead of moving right into full 5G buildouts.

What is this approach of using 4G and LTE equipment in conjunction with new 5G equipment called?
This approach of using 4G and LTE equipment in conjunction with new 5G equipment called 5G Non-StandAlone (5G NSA).

What is the benefit and downside of rolling out 5G Non-StandAlone (NSA)?
The benefit and downside of rolling out 5G NSA is:

  • It requires less capital investment.
  • It doesn't capture the full potential of the 5G spectrum.

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