A Complete Guide to Understanding the Architectural Advancements in 5G Networks

5G Standalone (SA) Architecture is a deployment model for 5G networks where the 5G New Radio (NR) connects directly to a 5G Core Network (5GC), without relying on any existing 4G LTE infrastructure. The cloud-native 5G core in SA is designed for flexibility, supporting rapid scaling, dynamic resource allocation, and agile service deployment. This flexibility is crucial for supporting diverse use cases, from consumer mobile broadband to industrial automation. SA Architecture enables advanced 5G features such as network slicing, Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC), Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS), and enhanced Quality of Service (QoS) controls, which are not fully supported in the 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) model.

Service-Based Architecture (SBA) is a fundamental design principle in the 5G Core Network (5GC) that shifts from traditional monolithic and hardware-centric network designs to a more flexible, modular, and cloud-native approach. In SBA, all communication between network functions occurs via standardized RESTful (Representational State Transfer) APIs. This allows for seamless interaction, integration, and interoperability among different network components, regardless of the vendor.

5G Edge Slicing involves the implementation of network slicing specifically at the network edge, closer to end users or devices. It entails creating localized network slices that operate nearer to end-users, utilizing edge computing infrastructure, such as Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) servers. By processing data locally at the edge of the network rather than sending it back to a centralized data center or cloud server, 5G edge slicing reduces latency and enhances the user experience, particularly for applications requiring real-time feedback.