All of the 5G base stations in DNA’s own network are now connected to a core network that supports standalone 5G architecture, announced the Operator recently.
Customers will be able to start using services of the standalone network gradually during 2022, once all quality assurance has been completed in the production network. Until now, 5G technology has relied on the 4G core network.
All of the 5G base stations in DNA’s own network are now connected to a core network that supports standalone 5G architecture.
The standalone (SA) 5G network is the next step in 5G. It’s a solution that operates independently of the 4G network and enables the 5G technology to be fully utilised. The current 5G network still relies on the 4G network for connection signalling (non-standalone, NSA), although the actual data transfer is largely done in the 5G network.
Construction of the standalone 5G network has not happened overnight, as a new kind of cloud-based architecture was needed for its implementation. However, the critical design and construction work of the network has now been completed in DNA’s production networks, and all that’s left is product design and technology testing.
Customers can experience the benefits of the standalone 5G network particularly when using a fixed 5G connection at home. The ability to slice the network, i.e., to provide an individual customer with bandwidth independent of others, ensures that the internet connection in your home is not hampered by the growth in data volumes even in the evenings or during popular livestreaming hours.
Kimmo Liikonen, Director of Core and IP Networks at DNA
The reason for utilising the 4G network in 5G construction has been, of course, the extent of the 4G network. Building 5G coverage on existing infrastructure was quick. However, the standalone 5G network is independent of 4G technology and is, therefore, significantly more advanced than the previous solution, and also simpler in its implementation from the operator’s point of view.
