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5G Standalone (SA) is a fully 5G network, with both the radio access network (RAN) and core network being 5G. This means that handovers can be performed entirely within the 5G network, which can lead to lower latency and less interruption to the user’s connection.
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5G SA supports the following types of handovers:
- Intra-gNB handover: This occurs between two 5G gNBs that are connected to the same 5G core network.
- Inter-gNB handover: This occurs between two 5G gNBs that are connected to different 5G core networks.
- Inter-system handover: This occurs between a 5G gNB and an LTE eNB.
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5G Non-Standalone (NSA) is a hybrid network that uses the 4G LTE core network for some functions, such as mobility management. This means that handovers can involve both the 5G RAN and the 4G LTE core network, which can lead to slightly higher latency and more interruption to the user’s connection.
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5G NSA supports the following types of handovers:
- Intra-gNB handover: This is the same as in 5G SA.
- Inter-system handover: This occurs between a 5G gNB and an LTE eNB.
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LTE is a 4G network, so all handovers are performed within the LTE network. This can lead to higher latency and more interruption to the user’s connection than 5G SA handovers.
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LTE supports the following types of handovers:
- Intra-eNB handover: This occurs between two LTE eNBs.
- Inter-system handover: This is not supported in LTE.
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In addition to these types of handovers, 5G also supports the following:
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Beam level handover: This occurs when the user is handed over to a different beam within the same gNB. This can be used to improve the user’s experience in areas with high traffic or where there are obstacles that can block the signal.
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Dual connectivity handover: This occurs when the user is connected to two gNBs at the same time. This can be used to improve the user’s experience in areas with poor signal or where there is a lot of traffic.
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