5G SA versus 5G NSA: What's the Difference？

Since the development of 5G technology, we have heard a lot about the NSA and SA models of 5G networks, but we rarely understand their meaning.
NSA refers to Non-Standalone 5G network, a one-to-many networking mode, a core network with two base stations, to increase the bandwidth of the hotspot area as the main goal, with no independent signaling plane. It requires an existing 4G LTE infrastructure to enable 5G connectivity and relies on 4G base stations and core networks to work.



SA refers to a Standalone network, a one-to-one networking model, in which one core network is equipped with one base station. From the terminal, the New Radio to the core network, it conforms to 5G-related standards, supports various 5G interfaces, and realizes 5G functions and services.



In terms of meaning, it may not be easy to understand. Now I take a simple example to explain NSA and SA.
There are two classes, Class 2 and Class 3.
The NSA mode seems a teacher serving both classes 2 and 3. In this way, the cost of the school is low and there is no need to employ many teachers to take care of each class. However, a teacher with two classes of students will inevitably be difficult, because unable to meet all the needs of the two classes and take care of each student at the same time.



The SA mode is like having two teachers in charge of Class2 and Class3 respectively. The school cost is higher, but in this way, two teachers can carry out fine management of their class and take care of each student more comprehensively.



In this example, the teacher is the core network, and the two classes are 4G and 5G base stations.
The advantage of NSA is to make the most effective use of the original 4G network. The original 4G base station can also support 5G through soft upgrades, which can save investment, just like a school makes full use of teacher resources to manage classes. The SA network can provide a better user internet experience than NSA, such as higher speed and ultra-low latency. SA has advantages in low latency and large connections, that is double coverage and double the speed.

When we choose different 5G products, such as mobile phones, 5G CPE, 5G MiFi, etc., we need to confirm whether the products support SA and NSA modes. For example, when 5G smartphones first came out, many of them only supported NSA, so they could only be used in NSA networks, but not in SA networks. Now, more and more 5G products can support SA and NSA modes simultaneously. For example, SMILEMBB's 5G CPE and 5G MiFi support both SA and NSA network modes. SmileMbb 5G CPE XHC5151 is easy to set up, just plug in the Micro-SIM card. Connect your phone, Notebook, and other Wi-Fi devices to the router anywhere you go. (Click the pictures to know more.)