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sa_nsa_deployment_models [2025/03/29 13:38] – kkaragozsa_nsa_deployment_models [2025/03/29 13:45] (current) – kkaragoz
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 |Latency|Higher (depends on 4G)|Ultra-low (~5-10ms)| |Latency|Higher (depends on 4G)|Ultra-low (~5-10ms)|
 |Network Slicing|Not Supported|Supported (e.g., dedicated voice slices)| |Network Slicing|Not Supported|Supported (e.g., dedicated voice slices)|
 +
 +===== 5G NSA Architecture =====
 +
 +{{  :5g_nsa_architecture_key_concept.png?nolink&400  }}
 +
 +Control Plane: Managed by 4G LTE (via the 4G Evolved Packet Core (EPC)).
 +
 +User Plane: Uses 5G NR for high-speed data, but voice relies on 4G VoLTE.
 +
 +Dual Connectivity (EN-DC): Your device connects both 4G and 5G simultaneously, but voice and data are split between two.
 +
 +What happens during a voice call on NSA 5G?
 +
 +  - Voice Call Initiation:
 +      * Your phone uses 4G LTE to set up the call via VoLTE(IMS core).
 +      * The 5G NR connection is temporarily suspended or underutilized for the duration of the call.
 +  - Data During the Call:
 +      * If the carrier supports EN-DC (E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity):
 +        * 5G NR continues handling data (e.g., browsing, streaming) while the voice call runs over 4G VoLTE.
 +      * If EN-DC isn't supported:
 +        * Data falls back to 4G LTE during the call (just like in pure 4G VoLTE).
 +  - Call Termination:
 +
 +After the call ends, your device re-establishes the 5G NR connection for data (if available).
 +
 +===== 5G SA Architecture =====
 +
 +{{  :5g_sa_architecture_key_concept.png?400  }}
 +
 +Key Architectural Differences:
 +
 +Full 5G Core (5GC): SA uses the new 5G Core network (not 4G EPC) for both control and user planes.
 +
 +No 4G Dependency: All functions (voice/data) run natively on 5G without LTE anchors.
 +
 +Single RAN: Uses only 5G New Radio (NR) base stations (gNBs), not LTE eNBs.
 +
 +Key Components
 +
 +  * AMF (Access & Mobility Management Function): Handles connection management
 +  * SMF (Session Management Function): Manage user sessions.
 +  * UPF (User Plane Function):  Routes data traffic (It is the equivalent to 4G's PGW/SGW).
 +  * UDM (Unified Data Management): Authentication / Authorization
 +  * gNB: 5G base station
 +
 +What happens during a voice call process (VoNR)?
 +
 +  - Call Setup: Uses Voice over NR (VoNR) through IMS core without 4G fallback.
 +  - Data Continuity: Maintains 5G data connection simultaneously.
 +  - No Session Suspension: Unlike NSA, SA maintains full 5G capabilities during calls.
 +
 +SA Advantages:
 +
 +  * Ultra-low Latency (<;1ms theoretically)
 +  * Network Slicing Capabilities
 +  * True end-to-end 5G Security
 +  * Massive IoT Support (mMTC [Massive Machine-Type Communications])
 +  * Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)
 +
 +Deployment Challenges:
 +
 +  * Requires complete 5G core deployment.
 +  * Limited device ecosystem (though improving)
 +  * Higher infrastructure costs
  
  
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