Outlines

• Name of BS in different technologies

• Generalized network diagram
• Differences between 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G
• Standalone & non-standalone implementation
• Pros and cons of the implementations
• Benefits of Standalone & non-standalone
implementation
BS names in different technologies

Generation Radio Technology Base Station Name

BTS (Base
2G GSM
Transceiver Station)
3G UMTS NodeB (NB)
4G LTE eNB, Evolved NodeB
5G NR gNB
Logical diagram of a mobile communication
A generalized view of various technologies
2G, 3G and 4G/LTE Technology
Evolved packet Core (EPC)
Evolved packet Core (EPC)
• The EPC was introduced by 3GPP in Release 8. The EPC comprises four
core elements. The core includes the Serving Gateway (SGW), the
PDN Gateway (PGW), the Mobility Management Entity (MME) and
the Charging Rules Function (PCRF).

• User equipment (UE) connects to the EPC through eNodeB base

stations. The SGW manages User Plane (UP) data, while the MME
handles Control Plane (CP) functions.. The PGW connects the EPC to
external IP networks.
vEPC (Virtual Evolved Packet Core)
• A Virtual Evolved Packet Core (vEPC) is a framework for mobile
networks' voice and data processing and switching that is
implemented by Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), which
virtualizes the functions of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC).

• The vEPC framework has been in use for 4G LTE mobile networks and
will also form a key part of upcoming 5G network architecture.
5G implementation: standalone & non-standalone
Use cases of 5G: eMB, mMTC and uRLLC
 5G : Standalone Implementation
• 5G network with dedicated
equipment and network
functions,
• 5G radios coupled with cloud-
native, service-based core
network functions
• These network functions are
completely virtualised and
cloud-native
5G : Standalone Implementation
Pros and Cons of standalone
Pros:
• Full 5G capabilities available (eMBB, URLLC, MMC)
• New features, functionality and services enabled (e.g. network
slicing)
• More flexible architecture and dynamic linking of network
functions
Cons:
• Higher level of investment required
• Organisational training required for 5G core and service
operation
5G: Non-standalone Implementation

• 5G network supported by 4G core

infrastructure
• 5G radios coupled with LTE
Evolved Packet Core (EPC)
• Network functions running on
dedicated appliances, in some
cases
Pros and Cons of non-standalone
Pros:
• Faster roll out – can act as stepping stone as part of the
transition to SA deployment
• Maximise utilisation of existing network assets
• Lower level of investment required
Cons:
• Less flexible architecture
• Limited incremental 5G functionality
Benefits of NSA 5G

• Reduced costs. MNOs can build out a 5G network on top of their existing
4G infrastructure instead of investing in a new, costly 5G core.
• Easy deployment. NSA networks use 4G infrastructure with which MNOs
are already familiar, simplifying both the configuration and updating
processes.
• Fast rollout. MNOs can release an operational 5G network quicker with
NSA by using current 4G infrastructure.
• Pathway to SA 5G. MNOs configured NSA 5G networks as a foundation
while SA networks developed. As SA networks roll out, carriers can
replace outdated 4G network elements with 5G infrastructure to
manage their existing 5G networks.
Benefits of SA 5G
• Reduced power consumption. Because SA doesn't need to operate
with 4G LTE, it uses only one method of cellular connectivity and uses
less power to support a network.

• Supports more 5G use cases. Unlike NSA, SA can deliver essential 5G

services -- such as improving latency and increasing bandwidth caps --
to power ultrafast, scalable networks.