In 5G, SA and NSA refer to two different deployment modes. Both SA and NSA use the 5G New Radio (5G NR) interface, which enables them to deliver features and capabilities based on the standards defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) . The main difference between SA and NSA is in the core network. Specifically, 5G NSA involves laying the 5G RAN over an existing 4G LTE network, whereas 5G SA requires a new 5G packet core network.

Here are some key differences between SA and NSA in 5G:

• Core Network: SA networks include both a 5G RAN and a cloud-native 5G core, while NSA networks rely on a legacy 4G LTE core known as Evolved Packet Core (EPC) .

• 5G Capabilities: 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. Unlike NSA, SA can deliver essential 5G services such as improving latency and increasing bandwidth caps to power ultrafast, scalable networks.

• Use Cases: SA supports more 5G use cases than NSA.

• Architecture: 5G SA is a completely new mobile network architecture, while 5G NSA is considered a "steppingstone" to the "true" 5G network that is 5G SA.

Its worth noting that NSA and SA arent an either/or proposition, but more of a "sooner or later" consideration. Mobile network operators (MNOs) that begin with NSA can gradually add or migrate to SA over time.