The current implementation of 5G technology is spread over two distinct operating models. These operating models include hybridized networks that leverage both LTE and 5G technologies, and pure 5G networks.
Term | Acronym | Definition |
|---|---|---|
5G Non-standalone | 5G NSA | Refers to 5G service implemented in conjunction with an existing LTE service infrastructure instead of a pure 5G network. For example, in a 5G NSA network all devices must first use their LTE radio to establish a connection with LTE service and then if available secondarily use the 5G radio to establish a 5G connection. Due to leveraging existing LTE infrastructure, 5G NSA can be easier to deploy than building a 5G standalone network. 5G NSA is well suited for initial rollouts as it decreases the time to market for introduction of 5G technologies to consumers. 5G NSA also helps alleviate LTE congestion by improving overall broadband speeds. |
5G Standalone | SA | An implementation where the entire 5G service is built solely on 5G infrastructure and does not rely on any LTE infrastructure for operation. This includes support for 5G New Radios (NR) and core 5G networks. 5G SA is currently best suited for purpose-built 5G networks that require high bandwidth and low latency. Examples of applications for pure 5G networks are smart factories/cities, autonomous vehicles, and anywhere you require massive, machine-to-machine communication. |
Access Point Name | APN | An auto-configured or auto-detected name of a gateway between a mobile network and another computer network, often the public internet. Used in LTE. |
Citizens Broadband Radio Service | CBRS | The Citizens Broadband Radio Service is a 150 MHz wide broadcast of the 3.5 GHz band (3550 MHz to 3700 MHz) featuring a dynamic spectrum access system, allocated by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for commercial broadband used on a shared basis with the federal government. |
Data Network Name | DNN | The point through which a mobile device connects the packet data network and accesses the internet and other services. Used in 5G. |
E-UTRAN New Radio - Dual Connectivity | EN-DC | A technology available for 5G NSA that allows LTE and 5G connections on the same band and allows you to use whichever connection is stronger. EN-DC allows seamless connection changes between LTE and 5G on 5G NSA networks and limits service disruptions when switching. |
Network Slice Selection Assistance Information | NSSAI | Enables the selection and management of network slices within a 5G mobile network. |
Network Slicing | A new method of providing quality assurance for packet data transmitted over 5G radio networks. Network slicing is analogous to quality of service (QoS) in 4G networks. Network slicing is designed for 5G SA networks (FR1 and FR2) and allows an end user and a network operator to activate specific, dedicated ‘slices’ of radio frequency. Network slices are negotiated and operated directly between an end user device and the slice's serving 5G cell. These network slices can be configured to operate within set, managed parameters by the radio network. Network slices can typically be provided as prioritized radio network traffic with specific bandwidths. Network slicing effectively guarantees minimum-data-transmission speeds. | |
Packet Data Network | PDN | A network infrastructure that allows the transmission of data packets between different devices, based on the packet switching technology. |
Packet Data Unit | PDU | The smallest unit of data, specified in the protocol of a given layer, that can be transmitted over a network. |
Radio Bearer | Within 3GPP standardized networks, the eNode B is comprised of radio transceiver equipment which establishes and maintains radio network connectivity between the network and the end user device. The eNode B has a number of radio ‘cells’ broadcast from the transceiver equipment. Within each cell, the transceiver uses specific radio bearers to broadcast and receive radio signals within the specific radio frequencies defined by the network. Each bearer has a hierarchical QoS setting to enable prioritization of radio traffic. This is typically how radio network traffic is prioritized in 4G (LTE) networks. 5G uses network slicing to provide QoS on radio traffic. | |
Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information | S-NSSAI | S-NSSAI is an extension of NSSAI that specifically supports single network slice selection. |
User-Equipment Route Selection Policy | URSP | This is the capability built into the operator network that enables and identifies the PDU session within which a network slice is or may be established. This protocol enables operators to dynamically establish, tear down, configure and alter network slices and their parameters. |