5G Standalone: a technological revolution
With staggering evolution, technology is constantly pushing back the limits of what we thought was possible and unattainable by humans. At the core of this revolution is 5G. The promise of a hyperconnected future beyond our expectations, where everything is instantaneous, efficient and interconnected. Beyond the media buzz around 5G, there was a heavy reliance on 4G infrastructure, The standalone 5G represents a major breakthrough in telecommunications by becoming self-sufficient. It offers fast, reliable connectivity without dependence on existing 4G infrastructure. With significant improvements in performance and resource management, 5G standalone launches a new era in mobile networks.
What is 5G standalone?
5G standalone (SA) is a network architecture that operates independently of 4G LTE infrastructures. Unlike non-standalone 5G (NSA), which relies on existing 4G networks for signaling and control, 5G SA uses a new infrastructure to deliver advanced network capabilities. This includes ultra-low latency, enhanced bandwidth, and the ability to support millions of simultaneously connected devices. The 5G standard is based on a set of 6,400 patents covering 3 key technologies. First, current mobile networks with frequency bands of 0-6 GHz, which will be extended to 52.6 GHz. This enables much higher frequencies to be exploited, and translates into download speeds approaching ten Gbits per second, with virtually non-existent latency. Second, new-generation antennas direct the radio wave directly to the various devices, avoiding broadcasting in all directions. This technology, known as beamforming, improves signal quality. And third, Massive MIMO (Multi-Input, Multi-Output) antennas provide hundreds of antennas in a single network, so they can reach thousands of different devices simultaneously. This architecture allows great flexibility and the implementation of advanced technologies such as network slicing and IoT.
Differences in 5G standalone and 5G non-standalone
The main difference between 5G SA and 5G NSA lies in their infrastructure. 5G NSA uses 4G networks for certain functions, which limits its capabilities. By contrast, 5G SA operates on an entirely new infrastructure, offering superior performance and reliability. 5G SA also enables more efficient network slicing, allowing operators to create virtual networks tailored to specific needs. With 5G SA, the entire infrastructure, including base stations, core networks and backhaul links, is dedicated exclusively to 5G.
Frequencies used by 5G standalone
5G SA uses a wide range of frequencies, including the sub-6 GHz bands and millimeter waves (mmWave). These frequencies offer high data rates and low latency, ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications such as AR and VR.
What are the key benefits of 5G standalone?
Improved network performance
5G SA delivers a significant boost to network performance, with much faster download speeds and improved responsiveness. 5G SA also optimizes frequency utilization. Managing much more data on the spectrum, is very useful as available radio frequencies are restricted resources. This provides a better user experience for video streaming applications, online gaming and real-time communications.
Reduced latency
One of the most striking features of 5G SA is the reduced latency to less than 10 milliseconds. This 5G standalone low latency is fundamental for applications that require near-instantaneous responses, such as telemedicine with remote robotic surgery that requires instantaneous critical acts, and self-driving cars.
Better network resource management
5G standalone enables optimized management of network resources, with the ability to handle a vast number of devices connected simultaneously on the same spectrum. This is proving highly important for the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), AI and industrial applications.
5G standalone sectors
Industry 4.0 and automation
5G SA plays a key role in Industry 4.0. This network enables advanced automation and real-time communication between machines. This leads to more efficient production and lower costs in manufacturing sectors.
Healthcare and telemedecine
For health, 5G standalone enables innovations such as telemedicine, where doctors can diagnose and treat patients from remote locations with minimized latency. This enhances access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas.
AR and VR
Augmented reality (AR) and VR applications benefit greatly from 5G SA, which offers the bandwidth and responsiveness needed for smooth, seamless immersive experiences. These technologies are used in fields from entertainment to professional training.
5G standalone deployment
Global deployment status
Migrating or setting up a new infrastructure is no simple task. 5G SA deployment is ongoing in many countries, with operators like SFR and Orange in France leading the way. These deployments are delivering 5G standalone benefits to businesses and consumers alike. 5G SA not only represents the fulfillment of 5G's ambitions, it is also the gateway to yet unexplored technological horizons. Like a navigator staring into the distance, the telecommunications industry is already forecasting the streams and winds that will guide the next stage of this journey.
Challenges and opportunities
For telecommunications specialists, the keen interest shown by the public and governments in 5G and its mobile broadband networks is quite amazing. Deploying standalone 5G raises several challenges, including high infrastructure costs and data security concerns. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of new 5G SA-enabled devices is necessary to take full advantage of this technology.
Prospects and innovations
The future of 5G SA is bright, with anticipated innovations in the fields of AI and IoT. Autonomous 5G paves the way for technological advances that are already transforming industrial sectors and will improve quality of life. 5G SA will revolutionize the telecommunications and digital sectors.
Standalone 5G represents a major breakthrough in telecommunications. It offers enhanced performance and new innovation possibilities. The surge of 5G standalone represents a major milestone in the evolution of mobile communications. While the frenzy and media debates surrounding 5G still arouse curiosity, not only symbolizes the culmination of the initial 5G vision, but also unlocks new innovations and possibilities as yet unimagined. With deployments already ongoing in France and internationally, 5G SA is set to transform the way we use technology in our data centers and in our daily and professional lives.
With 5G standalone as a fellow traveler, it looks very promising, paving the way for 6G and other revolutions to come!