5GSA

5G SA refers to 5G Standalone, which is a type of 5G network architecture. Unlike Non-Standalone (NSA) 5G, which relies on existing 4G LTE infrastructure for control functions, 5G SA operates independently with its own dedicated 5G core network. This separation allows for the full realization of 5G's capabilities.

The key advantage of 5G SA is its ability to deliver enhanced performance characteristics. These include significantly lower latency, higher bandwidth, and greater network reliability. This enables a wider range of advanced applications that were not feasible with NSA 5G or previous generations of mobile technology.

Applications that benefit from 5G SA include the Internet of Things (IoT) at scale, critical communications requiring ultra-low latency such as remote surgery and autonomous driving, and immersive augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences. The independent 5G core also allows for more flexible network slicing, where virtual networks can be created to cater to specific service requirements, optimizing performance and resource allocation.

While 5G SA offers significant advancements, its deployment is more complex and requires substantial investment in new core network infrastructure. As a result, many operators initially launched NSA 5G networks as a stepping stone, with a gradual transition to SA architecture planned. The full potential of 5G is unlocked with the widespread adoption of 5G SA.