In most of the world, current 5G New Radio radio infrastructure is connected to an Evolved Packet Core that also supports LTE data transmissions. This network architecture, called 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) has an emphasis on delivering enhanced mobile broadband to consumers, but the 5G Standalone (SA) architecture enables mobile operators to have more efficient network operations and new, immersive user experiences and enterprise business models.
Ultimately, operators are hoping to leverage standalone 5G to deliver network slicing, or an end-to-end logical partition of a network that provides specific levels of service in an autonomous fashion.
