5G standalone (5G SA) represents a significant advancement in mobile network technology, as it operates entirely on 5G infrastructure, without relying on the existing 4G LTE network. This is a leap from the initial 5G deployments, known as 5G non-standalone (5G NSA), which use 5G radio access but still rely on the 4G core for certain functions.

Telekom has carried out a video call at its first 5G standalone site. After numerous tests, Telekom’s technical team has now achieved a breakthrough. The call could be carried out without interruption in a pure 5G environment.

The call was made via the standalone antenna in Garching to Bamberg in Telekom’s first 5G standalone core network and from there to Bonn. In addition to the stable data connection, very low latency was realized in the live network. In Garching, the response time was 13 milliseconds. These will be further reduced in the future as part of network optimizations.

“True technical innovation is made up of implementation strength and pioneering spirit. Telekom has clearly demonstrated both with 5G. More than two-thirds of people in Germany can already use Telekom’s 5G network today,” said Walter Goldenits, CTO of Telekom Deutschland. “And the next step has also been taken. With our first data connection via 5G Standalone, we are making history again. As the first network operator in Germany.”

The 5G technology currently deployed in Germany is based on the 5G Non-Standalone (5G NSA) network architecture. This means that today’s 5G offerings are still technically dependent on a simultaneously available 4G network (LTE). With 5G Standalone, the infrastructure in the core network will also be fully upgraded to a new, cloud-based 5G architecture. This further development of 5G is the prerequisite for new application possibilities. 5G standalone telekom

“Our goal is to continue to actively shape the future of mobile communications. 5G standalone is important to be able to use technologies such as network slicing or edge computing,” says Claudia Nemat, Board Member Technology and Innovation at Telekom. “We are very proud to have taken the next innovation step in 5G. With this test, we are once again demonstrating our innovation leadership.”

Key Features of 5G Standalone (5G SA):

1. Dedicated 5G Core Network:
   • 5G SA uses a new 5G core network, which is designed to handle the high capacity, low latency, and network slicing capabilities that 5G promises. This dedicated infrastructure allows for more flexible, efficient, and optimized network performance compared to 5G NSA.
2. Ultra-Low Latency:
   • One of the key benefits of 5G SA is significantly reduced latency, potentially reaching as low as 1 millisecond. This is crucial for real-time applications like online gaming, remote surgery, and autonomous vehicles, where even a brief delay can make a huge difference.
3. Improved Network Slicing:
   • Network slicing is a feature unique to 5G, allowing operators to create multiple virtual networks on the same physical infrastructure. Each slice can be customized for specific use cases, such as IoT, smart cities, or critical communication services. 5G SA enhances this by enabling more advanced and dynamic slicing.
4. Enhanced Data Speeds:
   • While 5G NSA delivers fast speeds, 5G SA can further increase throughput by optimizing the network and not being limited by the 4G core. This will be especially useful for applications like 8K video streaming, VR/AR experiences, and other high-bandwidth services.
5. Massive IoT Support:
   • 5G SA is designed to support a massive number of connected devices, making it ideal for IoT use cases like smart cities, industrial automation, and connected vehicles. The ability to connect billions of IoT devices while maintaining network efficiency and reliability is a game-changer.
6. Better Energy Efficiency:
   • The 5G standalone architecture is built with energy efficiency in mind. This not only benefits end users by extending the battery life of connected devices but also helps telecom operators reduce the environmental impact of network operations.

5G SA vs. 5G NSA:

• 5G Non-Standalone (NSA):
  • Uses a 5G radio access network (RAN) but still depends on a 4G core network.
  • Easier and faster for operators to deploy as it uses existing 4G infrastructure.
  • Offers high speeds but doesn’t fully unlock 5G’s potential in terms of latency, reliability, or scalability.
• 5G Standalone (SA):
  • Operates entirely on 5G infrastructure, including the core network.
  • Unlocks full 5G capabilities, such as ultra-low latency, massive IoT, and advanced network slicing.
  • Requires more investment and infrastructure upgrades but provides long-term benefits for advanced 5G applications.

Use Cases for 5G Standalone telekom

1. Industrial Automation:
   • In smart factories, 5G SA allows for real-time monitoring, remote control of machinery, and autonomous robots, all requiring ultra-reliable, low-latency communication (URLLC).
2. Autonomous Vehicles:
   • For self-driving cars and smart transportation systems, 5G SA offers the necessary low-latency and high-speed communication to process data from numerous sensors, enabling real-time decision-making and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication.
3. Healthcare (Remote Surgery):
   • 5G SA’s low latency and high reliability make remote surgeries possible, where every millisecond counts in transmitting critical data between surgeons and patients.
4. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR):
   • Immersive experiences like AR and VR can benefit from the higher bandwidth and low latency of 5G SA, making real-time interaction seamless in gaming, training simulations, and live entertainment.
5. Smart Cities:
   • 5G SA enables large-scale deployment of IoT sensors for traffic management, energy efficiency, public safety, and environmental monitoring. It can handle millions of connected devices in urban areas without congestion.

Challenges and Future Outlook:

• Infrastructure Investment: Deploying 5G standalone requires significant investment in new infrastructure, including upgrading base stations and the core network.
• Spectrum Availability: The full potential of 5G SA depends on operators having access to high-frequency spectrum bands (e.g., mmWave) for faster speeds and low-latency communications.
• Deployment Timeline: While some operators have begun rolling out 5G SA networks, widespread deployment will take time, especially in areas where 4G still dominates.

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