Understanding the NSA 5G Network: When Will Your Device Show 5G?

The race to 5G network technology is on, and one of the key components is the development of the Non-Standalone (NSA) 5G network. The NSA network uses existing 4G infrastructure to supplement the new 5G network, resulting in faster speeds and lower latency. However, with various uncertainties surrounding the deployment of the NSA 5G network, when can we expect our devices to show 5G? In this post, we’ll take a deeper look at the NSA 5G network and when you can expect your devices to be compatible.

What is the NSA 5G Network?

The NSA 5G network uses existing 4G infrastructure to provide faster speeds and lower latency. Rather than completely replacing existing 4G infrastructure, the NSA 5G network is a supplementary network designed to ease the transition to standalone 5G. This is because standalone 5G networks require significant infrastructure changes to both the core and radio access networks.

The NSA 5G network is deployed using high-frequency signals that require significantly more infrastructure, like antennas and small cells, to provide proper coverage. The 4G infrastructure supplements this 5G network by using lower frequency signals that can easily penetrate buildings, increase coverage, and reduce the necessary equipment. The combination of the two networks results in an improvement in the speed, coverage, and capabilities of any 5G compatible device that is connected to this network.

When Will Your Device Show 5G?

The rollout of the NSA 5G network has been slow with various uncertainties surrounding the deployment. For example, the high-frequency signals used by the 5G network require a dense network of antennas and small cells to provide coverage. So far, the complete deployment of this infrastructure has been slow with limited coverage in major urban areas.

Although there is limited coverage, some mobile carriers have already launched NSA 5G services, and this includes support for select devices. In the US, for instance, Verizon has launched its 5G Ultra Wideband network, while AT\&T has rolled out their 5G+ network. These services are currently available in limited urban areas and are compatible with specific devices, including some Samsung devices, LG V50, and the OnePlus 7 Pro, among others.

Moreover, the limitation is not only infrastructure and coverage, but also hardware compatibility. Even if your device is compatible, it requires a 5G modem to enable this feature. Devices that use Qualcomm’s X50 modem are currently compatible with the 5G network. Currently, various smartphone manufacturers have announced devices compatible with the NSA 5G network, including Samsung, LG, and OnePlus.

Conclusion

The NSA 5G network is a game-changer. The ability to provide faster speeds and low latency while using existing 4G infrastructure is a significant improvement in the transition towards standalone 5G. However, the deployment of this network is still in its early stages, and this means that there are limited compatible devices and coverage. Therefore, it will take a while before your device becomes compatible with NSA 5G network. However, with the speed at which technology evolves, the patience will be worth the wait.