NSA and SA are two different deployment modes of 5G networks. The major difference between them is in the core network.

• NSA (Non-Standalone Architecture): This mode uses a 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) and a 4G LTE core network. It is built over an existing 4G network and is considered a "steppingstone" to the "true" 5G network that is 5G Standalone (SA) .

• SA (Standalone Architecture): This mode is a completely new mobile network architecture that enables all of the capabilities of 5G, given that it is not dependent on any existing 4G LTE infrastructure. SA involves a new 5G packet core architecture, which means that 5G services can be deployed without pre-existing 4G LTE equipment in the network. In SA architecture, the 5G RAN and its New Radio (NR) interface, consisting of gNodeB (gNB) macro cell base stations, is connected to the 5G packet core network and operates as a "standalone" entity.

Both NSA and SA use the 5G New Radio (5G NR) interface, enabling them to deliver features and capabilities based on the standards defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) . However, SA networks include both a 5G RAN and a cloud-native 5G core, something NSA networks lack and substitute with a 4G core. SA networks can perform essential 5G functions, such as reducing latency, improving network performance, and centrally controlling network management functions, because of their 5G cores.