Sign in Subscribe

Discuss Nokia's approach to integrating 5G with existing 4G infrastructure in a seamless manner.

Last updated on 

Nokia, like other telecommunications equipment providers, focuses on ensuring a smooth and seamless transition from 4G to 5G to maximize the benefits of both technologies. Here is a technical explanation of Nokia's approach:

  1. Dual Connectivity (EN-DC):
    • One approach to integrating 5G with existing 4G infrastructure is through a technology called Dual Connectivity (EN-DC), specified in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards.
    • In EN-DC, a user equipment (UE) is connected to both 4G and 5G simultaneously. The LTE (4G) network serves as the anchor, while the 5G connection provides additional capacity and higher data rates.
  2. Non-Standalone (NSA) Deployment:
    • Nokia, like many other vendors, initially focuses on deploying 5G in a non-standalone mode. In NSA, 5G infrastructure is tightly integrated with existing 4G infrastructure.
    • The control plane remains in the LTE network, while the user plane benefits from the enhanced capabilities of the 5G radio access network (RAN).
  3. Common Core Network:
    • Nokia and other vendors work towards a common core network that can support both 4G and 5G services. This convergence allows operators to manage and maintain a unified core infrastructure, reducing complexity and operational costs.
  4. Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS):
    • Dynamic Spectrum Sharing is a technology that allows for the simultaneous operation of 4G and 5G on the same frequency band. This allows operators to make more efficient use of the available spectrum and facilitates a gradual migration to 5G without requiring a complete spectrum refarming.
  5. Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV):
    • Nokia leverages SDN and NFV technologies to create a flexible and programmable network infrastructure. This enables efficient resource allocation, scalability, and the ability to introduce new services rapidly.
  6. Upgrading Base Stations:
    • Nokia provides equipment upgrades for existing 4G base stations to make them 5G-ready. This includes adding 5G-capable radios and antennas to existing cell sites, allowing for a gradual and cost-effective migration to 5G.
  7. Backward Compatibility:
    • Nokia ensures that 5G equipment is backward compatible with existing 4G devices. This ensures that users with 4G devices can still connect to the network while the transition to 5G occurs.
  8. Interoperability and Standards Compliance:
    • Nokia adheres to 3GPP standards to ensure interoperability between different network elements. This compliance is crucial for the seamless integration of 4G and 5G components within the overall network architecture.