With the ongoing digitalization of the energy industry through smart grids and automation, for example, the need for fast and reliable communication is increasing. 5G mobile technology plays a key role in this. But not all 5G is the same, as there are different variants of the technology. An important distinction within radio technology must be made between what is known as 5G Standalone (sometimes also referred to as 5G+ or 5G Plus).
What does 5G Standalone mean?
5G Standalone (5G SA) describes a mobile network that uses only 5G technologies and therefore operates completely independently of other older 4G mobile networks. 5G Standalone is therefore also referred to as true 5G. 5G SA stands out thanks to many technical advantages, such as faster data transfer rates, lower latency, and better device efficiency.
What is the difference between 5G standalone and 5G non-standalone?
The two operating modes of 5G differ specifically in their structure.
5G non-standalone (NSA) uses the new 5G access network but continues to operate via the existing LTE infrastructure in the core network. This is a transitional solution to enable a quick start to the 5G network while the new 5G network is being further expanded.
The access network is the part of the mobile network that is responsible for connecting to end devices. This also includes, for example, antennas, radio technology, and connectivity.
The central network, on the other hand, is a data hub where all customer information is stored, such as personal billing costs for Internet usage.
With 5G Standalone (SA), fully developed 5G technology is used in both the access network and the central network. This allows the technical advantages of 5G to be fully exploited.
Technological advantages of 5G standalone vs. non-standalone
| Feature | 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) | 5G Standalone (SA) |
| The core network | 4G/LTE-based | 5G core network |
| Latency times | Lower than 4G, but limited by LTE | Very low (uRLLC-capable) |
| Data rate | higher than 4G, but limited by 4G core network | Higher, cause it is completely 5G-based |
| Energy consumption | Higher, as simultaneous dial-up into 4G and 5G networks is necessary | Lower, only need to dial into the 5G network |
| Range and network capacity | Limited range & network capacity | Greater range, more devices simultaneously (massive IoT) |
5G Standalone for the Energy Industry
5G Non-Standalone was already attractive for widespread rollout because it could quickly establish a good connection. However, the real added value for the smart meter rollout and for the entire energy industry lies in the 5G Standalone variant. This is due to various factors.
Firstly, the 5G standalone network is capable of near real-time operation. The technology enables latencies in the millisecond range (often abbreviated as ‘uRLLC’ – ultra-high reliability and low latency communication). This makes it possible to control time-critical processes such as transformer station regulation, load management or failure scenarios. This has positive consequences for the robustness of energy networks.
5G Standalone is also designed to support high device densities in an energy-efficient manner, both in urban and rural areas. This is a major advantage, especially for smart metering infrastructures, which will have to integrate many devices in the coming years.
Network slicing
5G Standalone also enables network slicing (or often just slicing). This allows virtual, separate networks to be operated within the same frequency bands. A power grid operator could now, for example, use one slice for meter communication and another for remote plant control – each with exclusively guaranteed service parameters. This feature was not yet possible with 5G Non-Standalone.
5G Standalone in campus networks
Finally, private mobile networks can also be set up in 5G Standalone networks, e.g. for company premises or university campuses (which is why they are often referred to as campus networks). These campus networks offer maximum control, data sovereignty and security. You can read more about this topic here.
In the world of smart metering systems and smart meter rollouts, 5G standalone technology enables remote meter reading in near real time, dynamic load management that allows network operators to respond to consumption patterns, and the integration of decentralised energy producers, i.e. consumers’ private photovoltaic or wind power systems. For the latter point in particular, 5G Standalone offers reliable communication between network control elements and decentralised energy generation devices.
The challenges of 5G Standalone in the energy industry
Despite its advantages, the widespread rollout of 5G Standalone is still in its infancy. This is mainly due to the fact that complete expansion, especially in rural areas, is associated with high costs. In addition, many solutions still need to be standardised to ensure that they function reliably in the long term. Finally, a high security standard must be consistently implemented for the transmission of measurement and control data.
Our conclusion on 5G Standalone
Thanks to the technological advances of 5G technology, 5G Standalone in particular will play a central role in the future of the energy industry. 5G Standalone can be used as an essential tool to master the challenges posed by the number of devices, but also in the areas of network stability, automation and digitalisation. 5G Non-Standalone can be seen as a transitional solution, but the technological advantages are concentrated specifically in the standalone version of the wireless technology – both in smart metering and in overall network control.
