4G5Gnetit

4G5Gnetit is a term used to describe a proposed, non-standardized approach to interworking between 4G LTE and 5G NR networks that aims to provide seamless service continuity, unified management, and resource sharing across generations. The concept emphasizes interoperability rather than replacement, enabling operators to leverage existing 4G investments while gradually introducing 5G capabilities.

Origin and status: The term emerged in technical discussions and some vendor marketing but has no formal standardization body endorsement. It is used variably in academic papers and industry blogs to refer to architectures that integrate control planes and user planes or coordinate networks at multiple layers.

Technical characteristics: A 4G5Gnetit-inspired architecture would typically include a common control plane to coordinate handovers and policy, support for multi-connectivity or EN-DC-like functionality, and mechanisms for cross-generation QoS and network slicing. It would rely on existing 3GPP interfaces such as S1, N2, and N3 as well as optional interworking gateways to translate signaling between 4G and 5G nodes. Security and authentication would be harmonized to allow devices to maintain credentials across generations.

Deployment and applications: Potential use cases include rural coverage extensions, enterprise campuses, Internet of Things deployments requiring backward compatibility, and transitional services during network upgrades. It would be attractive for operators wanting phased 5G deployment without disrupting legacy 4G customers.

Limitations and criticism: Without formal standards, implementations risk interoperability issues, vendor lock-in, and increased complexity. Critics note potential inefficiencies in maintaining two generations simultaneously and challenges in ensuring consistent security and QoS.

See also: 5G NR, LTE, EN-DC, 4G/5G interworking, network slicing.