The first video below gives a visual look at some of the things that interfere with Cellular service. This video was created by a 3rd party (SOLID) that sells solutions for property management companies to increase the cellular signals in their buildings. It is important to note that SOLID and their products exists because of the nature of issues with delivering wireless transmissions as a whole.
The second video is a brief explainer of what Carrier Aggregation is. Carrier Aggregation essentially combines multiple frequency bands to increase throughput and capacity.
Alright, let's dive into the world of 5G, specifically focusing on Standalone (SA) and Non-Standalone (NSA) architectures. These terms might sound a bit abstract, but they're pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. Think of 5G networks as a new generation of mobile communication that's faster, more reliable, and can connect more devices than ever before. The distinction between SA and NSA lies in how these networks are built and operate.
Depends on existing networks: NSA 5G is like a new, high-speed train running on old tracks. It leverages existing 4G LTE infrastructure for certain functions, such as signaling and network management.
Faster to deploy: Because it uses existing networks, NSA 5G can be rolled out more quickly. This is why many early 5G networks were NSA.
Limitations: While it offers faster data speeds compared to 4G, it doesn't fully utilize all the new capabilities of 5G, such as ultra-reliable low-latency communication.
Built from scratch: SA 5G is like constructing entirely new tracks for that high-speed train. It's a 5G network that's built independently of existing networks, using a new 5G core.
Full capabilities: SA 5G can fully leverage the new technologies of 5G, offering significant improvements in speed, latency, and network efficiency. It allows for innovations like network slicing, where the network can be divided into virtual networks with different characteristics.
Takes longer to deploy: Building a new network infrastructure takes time, so SA 5G deployment is generally slower than NSA.
Infrastructure reliance: NSA relies on existing 4G infrastructure, while SA does not.
Deployment speed: NSA can be rolled out faster, while SA offers a more future-proof solution but takes longer to deploy.
Capabilities: SA unlocks the full potential of 5G, including lower latency and higher reliability, while NSA is somewhat limited by its reliance on 4G technology.
The choice between SA and NSA architectures depends on various factors like the urgency of deployment, investment capabilities, and long-term digital transformation goals. NSA offers a quick way to jump onto the 5G bandwagon, making it appealing for immediate implementation. On the other hand, SA, with its full suite of 5G features, represents the future of fully realized 5G capabilities, offering a more robust and versatile network.