What is 5G SA?

The future of 5G technology lies in 5G Standalone (SA), a network comprised of 5G base stations and a 5G core network. 5G SA brings ultra-low latency, supports advanced network-slicing functions, and opens the door for the next generation of industry digitization. 5G SA will also enable predicted 5G use cases such as massive IoT, and latency sensitive communications for purposes such as autonomous driving, emergency services, and factory automation.

Currently, most 5G networks use LTE technology to link supporting devices to 5G frequency bands. Network protocol standards established by 3GPP define this type of 5G architecture as Non-standalone (NSA). Until now, mobile carriers have been forced to meet the demands of 5G customers by leveraging their existing 4G infrastructure. A true, distinct 5G core isn’t tied down by old equipment, protocols, and network standards. 5G isn’t truly 5G until it operates using a 5G core. A 5G core enables a super-flexible network delivering ultra-low latency, and providing opportunity for reducing operating cost. Predictably, the world’s telecom providers are vying to expand their 5G infrastructure and to invent and develop 5G SA technologies.

Earlier this year, OPPO announced its successful deployment of the first 5G SA networks in collaboration with Vodafone and Ericsson, representing a major milestone in the development of Europe’s 5G SA future. OPPO also worked with Qualcomm Technologies and MediaTek, respectively, to develop 5G core network slicing technologies based on OPPO’s Find X2 Pro and Reno 3 smartphones. In the future, network slicing technology will allow users to switch between 5G network ‘slices,’ virtualized end-to-end networks which can be dedicated to discrete tasks or purposes.

During OPPO’s groundbreaking testing of 5G SA networks at Coventry University in the UK, network slicing was successfully used to provide a channel dedicated high-speed internet access, while another slice was used to serve faculty and student needs and to facilitate low-latency, high-definition distance learning. As 5G SA networks continue to advance, new use cases demanding high-capacity and ultra-low latency will become possible, such as fully automated smart factories. At the same time, 5G SA will simplify network and device architecture, allowing further innovation in smartphones and mobile connectivity.

OPPO continues to be an industry leader in the research and development of 5G technologies. OPPO is committed to advancing its pioneering research in 5G SA technology and to continuing R&D investment in this area. Working with supply chain partners and other leading mobile carriers, OPPO is working to create a future of intelligent connectivity between users and the world around them.