How to Manage Seamlessly Transition Core Network from 5G NSA to SA ?

Switching over the core network from 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) to 5G Standalone (SA) is a significant step in the evolution of mobile networks. Based on practical case studies and industry insights, here are some key considerations and steps for managing the transition:

1.????? Assessment of Current Infrastructure: Evaluate the existing 4G LTE infrastructure and determine its compatibility with 5G NSA. This includes assessing the Radio Access Network (RAN), core network components, and the readiness of the network to support 5G frequencies .

2.????? Strategic Planning: Develop a comprehensive plan that outlines the transition phases, including timelines, required resources, and potential challenges. This plan should also consider the forecasted uptake of 5G devices and subscriptions .

3.????? Pilot Testing: Before a full-scale rollout, conduct pilot tests to validate the performance of the 5G SA architecture. This helps in identifying any issues early on and allows for adjustments to be made .

4.????? Core Network Upgrade: Transition from the 4G core to a cloud-native 5G core network. This is crucial for enabling advanced 5G features such as network slicing, enhanced support for IoT, and improved reliability .

5.????? RAN Deployment: Deploy a 5G RAN that is compatible with SA operations. This may involve upgrading existing cell sites or installing new ones to ensure coverage and capacity requirements are met .

6.????? Device Compatibility: Ensure that the devices in the network are compatible with 5G SA. This might require firmware updates or the introduction of new devices that support SA features .

7.????? Staff Training: Provide training for network operators and support staff on the new 5G SA technologies and operational procedures .

8.????? Monitoring and Optimization: After the switch, continuously monitor the network’s performance and optimize it for efficiency, coverage, and user experience .

9.????? Regulatory Compliance: Stay updated with regulatory requirements and ensure that the transition complies with local and international standards .

10.? Customer Communication: Keep customers informed about the transition process, the benefits of 5G SA, and any potential service disruptions during the switch-over .

Remember, the transition from 5G NSA to SA is not just a technical upgrade but also a strategic move that will enable new business models and services. It’s important to approach the switch-over methodically and with a focus on long-term goals .

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The project duration for switching over the core network from 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) to 5G Standalone (SA) can vary based on several factors. Here are some considerations:

1.????? Planning and Assessment: The initial planning phase involves assessing the existing infrastructure, evaluating device compatibility, and creating a strategic roadmap. This phase can take several months.

2.????? Pilot Testing: Before a full-scale rollout, pilot tests are conducted to validate the performance of the 5G SA architecture. Depending on the complexity, this phase may last a few months.

3.????? Core Network Upgrade: Transitioning to a cloud-native 5G core network is a critical step. The duration depends on the scale of the upgrade and integration efforts.

4.????? RAN Deployment: Deploying 5G RAN (Radio Access Network) components compatible with SA operations can take several months, especially if new cell sites are needed.

5.????? Device Readiness: Ensuring device compatibility with 5G SA is essential. This may involve firmware updates or introducing new devices. Device readiness can impact the overall timeline.

6.????? Staff Training: Training network operators and support staff on 5G SA technologies and operational procedures is an ongoing process.

7.????? Monitoring and Optimization: After the switch, continuous monitoring and optimization are necessary. This phase extends throughout the network’s lifecycle.

8.????? Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with local and international standards affects the timeline. Regulatory approvals and certifications may take time.

9.????? Customer Communication: Informing customers about the transition and managing expectations during the switch-over requires ongoing communication.

The cost and project duration for switching over the core network from 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) to 5G Standalone (SA) depend on several factors. Let’s explore these aspects:

1. Cost Implications:

• 5G NSA: Implementing NSA is generally quicker and more cost-effective because it builds upon existing 4G LTE infrastructure. However, it may not fully realize the transformative potential of 5G features.
• 5G SA: SA architecture requires a fully independent 5G core network, which makes it more expensive to implement. The need for new infrastructure drives up costs .

2. Project Duration:

The entire process can span 12 to 24 months or more, depending on the operator’s specific context, scale, and resources . It’s essential to balance efficiency with thoroughness to ensure a successful transition to 5G SA. ??

The investment required for switching over the core network from 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) to 5G Standalone (SA) varies based on several factors.

1. 5G NSA vs. SA:

• NSA Mode: NSA leverages existing 4G infrastructure, making it cost-effective and suitable for initial deployments. It builds upon the existing core network and macro-site infrastructure, requiring software and hardware updates at existing tower sites. However, it sacrifices some key 5G features like ultra-low latency .
• SA Mode: SA introduces a completely new 5G core network and RAN (Radio Access Network). It offers superior performance, including features like network slicing, ultra-low latency, and cloud-native service management. However, SA requires significant investment due to the need for new infrastructure, especially for microcell and small cell deployments .

2. Infrastructure Costs:

• 5G SA Core: Implementing the SA core network involves substantial costs. It requires new hardware, software, and architecture. The distributed microservices at the edge, network function virtualization, and software-defined networking add complexity and investment .
• RAN Deployment: Deploying 5G SA RAN components (small cells) in dense urban areas and along highways demands significant infrastructure investment .

3. Collaboration and Stakeholders: SA delivery involves collaboration across industries (automotive, tech, health) due to its diverse applications (e.g., ehealth, autonomy, augmented reality). This multi-stakeholder approach adds complexity and investment .

4. Business Models and Uncertainty: SA-enabled applications’ business models (e.g., ehealth, AR) are still evolving. Carriers must invest in markets that are at-risk and take input from various parties .

5. Property Owners and Incentives: Property owners permitting 5G SA deployment may not align with traditional cell service incentives. Negotiating access to locations for small cells can impact costs .

While NSA offers a quicker path to 5G with lower initial investment, SA promises advanced capabilities and requires more substantial financial commitment. Carriers must carefully balance investment, risk, and long-term benefits during the transition . ??

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The value cost of transitioning a core network from 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) to 5G Standalone (SA) can be substantial and is influenced by various factors, including the scale of the network, the geographical area covered, the current state of the infrastructure, and the specific requirements of the deployment.

1.????? Infrastructure: The move to 5G SA often requires new hardware and software, as well as updates to existing infrastructure. This includes the deployment of new radio access networks (RANs), core network upgrades, and potentially new transmission facilities .

2.????? Development: Costs associated with research and development (R&D) can be significant, especially for creating and testing new network functions and ensuring they integrate well with existing systems .

3.????? Operational: Transitioning to 5G SA may lead to changes in operational costs, including potential increases due to the complexity of managing and maintaining a more advanced network .

4.????? Regulatory: Compliance with local and international regulations may incur costs related to licensing, spectrum allocation, and adherence to standards .

5.????? Training: Staff will need to be trained in the new technologies and processes associated with 5G SA, which can add to the overall cost .

6.????? Testing and Optimization: Before full deployment, extensive testing is required to ensure the network meets performance expectations. Post-deployment, continuous optimization efforts can also contribute to costs .

7.????? Vendor Services: Costs will also be affected by the terms of contracts with vendors supplying the equipment and services necessary for the transition .

While it’s challenging to provide a precise figure without specific details, industry reports suggest that the investment for a 5G SA transition can range from tens of millions to several billion dollars, depending on the scope and scale of the project . It’s a significant investment that operators must carefully consider against the potential long-term benefits of a more capable and flexible 5G network. ??

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The migration from 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) to Standalone (SA) can follow different scenario models, depending on various factors such as the operator’s current infrastructure, business strategy, and market conditions. Here are some commonly used scenario models based on industry practices:

1.????? Direct Transition: This approach involves a direct switch from NSA to SA. It’s straightforward but requires significant preparation and investment, as the entire core network must be ready for SA operations before the switch .

2.????? Phased Approach: Operators may choose to transition in phases, gradually migrating different parts of the network or certain services from NSA to SA. This allows for a more controlled and manageable migration process .

3.????? Dual Connectivity: In this model, operators maintain both NSA and SA cores simultaneously, allowing devices to connect to either, depending on their capabilities and the coverage area. Over time, as SA coverage expands, NSA can be phased out .

4.????? Overlay Network: Some operators may deploy a new SA core as an overlay on the existing NSA infrastructure. This allows them to offer SA services in specific areas while continuing to provide NSA services elsewhere .

5.????? Hybrid Model: A hybrid approach combines elements of the above strategies, allowing operators to leverage existing investments while gradually introducing SA capabilities where it makes the most sense for their business .

Each of these models has its own set of advantages and challenges, and the choice of model will depend on the operator’s specific circumstances and goals. It’s important for operators to carefully consider their options and develop a migration strategy that aligns with their long-term vision for 5G services. ??

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When choosing a migration scenario from 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) to Standalone (SA), several key considerations should be taken into account to ensure a smooth and successful transition:

1.????? Device Ecosystem: Assess the readiness of the device ecosystem, including the availability and compatibility of 5G SA-capable devices in the market .

2.????? Network Deployment Options: Consider the various network deployment options and their alignment with the operator’s current infrastructure and future goals .

3.????? Market Dynamics: Understand the market dynamics, including consumer demand, competitive landscape, and regulatory environment .

4.????? Technology Maturity: Evaluate the maturity of 5G SA technologies and the availability of mature and stable solutions from vendors .

5.????? Service Continuity: Ensure that the migration strategy allows for service continuity, minimizing disruptions to existing services .

6.????? Cost Implications: Analyze the cost implications of different migration scenarios, including the investment required for infrastructure upgrades and potential operational savings .

7.????? Spectrum Strategy: Develop a spectrum strategy that considers the re-farming of existing bands and the acquisition of new spectrum for 5G SA .

8.????? Operational Readiness: Assess the operational readiness, including the need for staff training and updates to operational processes .

9.????? Risk Management: Identify potential risks associated with each migration scenario and develop mitigation strategies .

10.? Timeline and Phasing: Define a realistic timeline and phasing for the migration, taking into account the complexity of the transition and the need for testing and optimization .

These considerations are crucial for making an informed decision on the migration scenario that best suits the operator’s specific circumstances and strategic objectives. ??

One notable case study for the transition from 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) to Standalone (SA) comes from the Asia-Pacific region, which has been leading in terms of 5G SA Core deployments. Operators in this region have been at the forefront, with companies like Ericsson and Nokia leading the market. These operators have been working on SA-specific use cases, including on-demand network slicing and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) .

For a practical example, South Korea has been particularly active in the 5G space. Korean operators have been part of extensive testing environments to measure 5G NSA performance and cover design verification tests for SA systems . This provides a valuable learning opportunity for other operators planning the switch over to 5G SA.

It’s important to note that while there has been steady growth in the commercial deployment of 5G SA, the pace has slowed down in the first half of 2023 due to global macroeconomic factors and the lack of a clear picture of 5G monetization for operators . However, these case studies offer insights into the challenges and strategies that can be employed during the transition.

For more detailed information, Counterpoint Research’s July update of the 5G SA Core Tracker provides an extensive study of the 5G SA market, detailing all operators with 5G SA cores in commercial operation at the end of the first half of 2023. This includes market share by region, vendor, and the popular frequency bands for deployments, as well as potential monetization opportunities for telecom operators across different domains and use cases .

In the realm of 5G deployment, there have been both successful and challenging transitions from Non-Standalone (NSA) to Standalone (SA) architectures.

Successful Transitions:

• Singtel: Singapore’s Singtel has been proactive in its 5G SA deployment, aiming to meet the 2025 deadline set by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). Their approach ensures that existing 5G users are not impacted by the transition .
• NGMN Alliance: The NGMN Alliance provides a comprehensive overview of migration strategies for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to switch from NSA to SA. Their document outlines successful scenarios and strategies adopted by operators .

Challenging Transitions: when transitioning from 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) to Standalone (SA), operators may encounter several highlighted issues based on industry experiences:

1.????? Device Compatibility: Ensuring that devices are compatible with 5G SA can be challenging. Some devices may require firmware updates, while others may not support SA at all, necessitating a phased rollout or device replacement .

2.????? Network Slicing Complexity: Implementing network slicing, a key feature of 5G SA, can be complex. It requires careful planning and execution to ensure that slices are correctly provisioned and managed without impacting service quality .

3.????? Integration with Existing Services: Migrating existing services from NSA to SA without service disruption requires meticulous planning and execution. Operators must ensure that services are seamlessly transitioned to the new core .

4.????? Interoperability: Ensuring interoperability between different vendors’ equipment and between NSA and SA components can be a significant challenge during the switch-over .

5.????? Scaling: The NSA architecture relies on existing 4G infrastructure, which may limit scalability. Transitioning to SA requires a scalable architecture that can handle the increased demands of 5G services .

6.????? Regulatory Compliance: Operators must navigate various regulatory environments, which can impact the deployment of 5G SA networks. Compliance with local and international standards is crucial .

7.????? Security: With the introduction of new technologies and architectures, ensuring the security of the network and customer data during the transition is paramount .

8.????? Cost: The financial investment required for the transition can be substantial, including the cost of new equipment, training, and potential service disruptions during the switch-over .

These issues highlight the need for a well-thought-out strategy, robust testing, and stakeholder engagement to ensure a smooth transition from 5G NSA to SA.

It’s important to note that the transition from NSA to SA is a complex process involving many technical, regulatory, and logistical challenges. While there are successful examples, the industry is still learning and improving the transition process. For detailed insights into the strategies and outcomes of various 5G transitions, documents like those from the NGMN Alliance and white papers from industry leaders can provide valuable information . ??

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