1. Deploying 5G networks
A framework for successful 5G network deployments
and moving from 5G NR NSA to SA
White paper
The first 5G deployments are based on 5G new radio (NR) Non Standalone (NSA), but need
to move to 5G NR Standalone (SA) to gain the full benefits of 5G and monetize new use
cases. Understanding how to move forward involves making the right technology choices.
It also requires an understanding of the current and future shift in market demand that
will shape Communications Service Provider (CSP) business strategies. Technology and
business decisions need to be considered in parallel to achieve long-term success in a
digital economy.
This paper provides an overview of global trends and market drivers. It looks at the key
aspects for CSPs to consider when deploying truly end-to-end 5G networks that can meet
the needs of digitally connected economies.
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Deploying 5G networks
Contents
Executive summary 3
Key messages 3
Market situation 4
Business challenges 6
Selecting the right path to 5G 7
Reducing risk while investing for the future 7
Controlling costs 10
Increasing revenue 13
Conclusion 14
Abbreviations 15
References 16
Further reading 16
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Executive summary
The potential of 5G to create a positive impact - not only in the telecoms industry but from a socio-
economic perspective too - should not be underestimated. 4G saw smartphones become essential life
tools, supporting mass scale video delivery, as well as social media and gig economy platforms for the
benefit of consumers.
5G will deliver fiber-like speeds and experience to mobile devices or machines with a wireless connection. It
has the potential to change industry business models. Its advanced capabilities address new markets and
make new use cases commercially viable. However, there are many considerations for CSPs as they strive
to ensure a successful evolution of the network, while also maintaining a profitable business and increasing
future revenues.
Key messages
• Volatile political situations and trade disputes have disrupted economies, supply chains, and society.
Global heath and climate emergencies have fractured outdated economic models, and agile, flexible and
resilient technology is required to keep economies running. 5G infrastructure provides the connectivity
for these new models.
• 5G makes new use cases commercially viable. Many of these depend on the scalable cloud-native core,
capable of evolving to a service-based architecture to deploy end-to-end network slicing with edge
cloud for low latency.
• A vendor with expertise in all 5G domains and strong LTE credentials can ensure right first-time
investments and avoid an extensive rework of the Radio Access Network (RAN).
• Initial 5G RAN deployments rely on a strong LTE 4G network because 5G new radio (NR) Non-Standalone
(NSA) deployments aggregate LTE and 5G NR to boost performance. CSPs can then use Dynamic
Spectrum Sharing (DSS) and Cloud RAN to ensure maximum reuse and flexibility as they plan the move
to 5G NR standalone (SA).
• To manage the cost of the 5G journey, as well as the efficient re-use of assets, CSPs are advised to
manage power consumption. This can be achieved with modular base stations that support multiple
radio access technologies, as well as automating network planning, deployment and operations using
software driven systems with machine learning. This drives down OPEX and decouples data demand
from power consumption.
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These are the market realities facing us now and in the foreseeable future, and communication
technologies go some way to providing solutions. Connectivity technologies:
• extend public services and online access to more people
• help ensure governments, businesses and supply chains can adapt to unexpected situations
• maintain important visual contacts with loved ones, friends and colleagues so that social interactions
remain strong.
The technologies that provide this level of agility, flexibility and resilience include 5G, cloud, Artificial
Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), automated and robotic systems, wearables, and bio- and
nanotechnology. 5G infrastructure offers fiber-like speeds everywhere, helping to ensure it will be the
favored method of connectivity for these new technologies.
According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), high speed, high capacity, intelligent connectivity, enabled
by 5G technology, will generate significant economic and social value by enabling new use cases3
. An IHS
Markit study estimates that $13.2 trillion in global economic value will be made possible by 20354
. 5G is
the foundation of a hyperconnected society that connects billions of devices, machines, chips, sensors and
people. Even with adjustments for the coronavirus pandemic, the GSMA estimates 1 billion 5G connections
globally by 2023, rising to 1.7 billion 5G connections in 2025 (excluding cellular IoT) - accounting for 20%
of cellular connections (See Figure 2).5
Figure 2. 5G adoption to 20256
4G now accounts for half of total connections; 5G will start moving the needle in 2020
% of connections (excluding licensed cellular IoT)
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
18%
20%
5%
56%
5G
4G
3G
2G
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Business challenges
In 2019, Nokia commissioned a study with Oliver Wyman to better understand the trends in
telecommunications7
. We learned that as basic connectivity continues to be commoditized and subject to
significant pricing pressure, many CSPs are exploring opportunities to diversify their businesses.
For example, Singapore Telecommunications Limited, ATT, SK Telecom and SoftBank Group have seen
between 20%–50% of revenues generated by non-traditional services. These include bundling telecoms
subscriptions with utility services to providing platforms for e-commerce and app creation. CSPs seeking
growth are focusing on technology to create partnerships with third parties: mobile payment platforms,
content providers, cloud providers and more. They are also using different ways to develop their portfolios
of non-traditional services, including organic growth, acquisitions, and strategic investments and
partnerships.
A further study by the WEF and PWC consulting, supported by Nokia, evaluated the economic value 5G
can create through potential industrial and commercial opportunities (see Figure 3). Clearly this presents
many new opportunities for CSPs to increase revenue, while socio-economic benefits create a stronger 5G
business case and align with government initiatives on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, sustainability
and climate change.
Figure 3. Maturity of use cases across industry sectors enabled by evolving 5G features8
ure 3 Maturity of use cases enabled across industry sectors by evolving features
5G
Original report can be found here, see Figure 4
https://www.weforum.org/whitepapers/the-impact-of-5g-creating-new-value-across-industries-and-soc
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In a world of uncertainty, CSP adaptability means networks need upgrading to meet their business needs.
The essentials include providing:
• higher speeds and greater capacity for consumers and businesses
• very low latency communications
• digitalize network planning and deployment
• efficient spectrum and network resource management
• seamless availability and performance indoor and outdoor
• the highest levels of resilience and security
• flexible and programable access and core networks
• intelligence-driven automated decision-making to manage network performance
• a variety of SLAs to fit individual customer or industry use cases
• new partners and ecosystems.
While markets are experiencing unprecedented changes, CSPs have a central role to play in maintaining
current activities and adapting to new demands and opportunities to support growth. The 5G investment
decisions they make now are critical to their own businesses and their national economies and need to
mitigate business risks, manage costs and grow revenue.
Selecting the right path to 5G
Reducing risk while investing for the future
Balancing investments across existing 4G and new 5G networks is key to sustainable long-term growth. The
first step is developing the business plan and identifying objectives for the network. Next comes a detailed
inventory of existing assets, followed by network planning and secure design, then deployment. Automating
this process reduces the time to market and improves the quality and security of deployment, especially in
the RAN.
Digitalize the planning and design phase
In planning a 5G strategy it’s important to look at best practices and the intended types of service on offer
to ensure an ‘all inclusive’ network design. Assessment of existing spectrum assets and current network
performance based on technology and traffic drivers is needed. Real world modeling using 3-dimensional
radio planning tools provide greater accuracy.
Advice regarding the path to 5G is often focused on the RAN, however the requirements of the transport
network must be a priority to support higher capacity and lower latency services. A ‘digital twin’ of the
network can be built by using an inventory of all assets. CSPs can then test different network configurations
and create analyses that align with their business objectives.
In the deployment phase, automation through digitalization provides a uniform platform to improve
workflow by capturing all project details such as site requirements, material handling and install checklists.
Ensuring all documentation is up to date and accurate is an often-overlooked activity that helps reduce time
to market and increase the quality of installs.
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Figure 4. Nokia digital design and deploy portfolio
Uniting all generations for better performance
Typically, the first phase of 5G is implemented in the NSA configuration and is combined with E-UTRAN
New Radio-Dual Connectivity (EN-DC). This aggregates LTE and 5G NR to boost performance, so high
performing LTE networks are needed to underpin the higher speeds and capacity to support the first
monetizable 5G services.
Continuity and quality of service must be maintained, while balancing the use of spectrum resources allows
the gradual migration from 4G to 5G. DSS provides a way to flexibly refarm spectrum across all access
technologies by enabling large numbers of 4G users to tap into the resource pool previously dedicated
to 2G and 3G. This frees resources for the growing number of 5G users on the 4G-5G DSS carrier and
protects 2G, 3G and 4G performance. It is important to ensure DSS causes no adverse impact on the
existing network’s performance as there is a correlation between which 5G architecture is used (NSA/SA)
and carrier aggregation.
There is a need to address increases in capacity and provide indoor coverage, while ensuring the quality
of experience for existing and new services is met everywhere. Consumers spend significant time using
devices indoors, while enterprise customers run business critical systems in both office and industrial
spaces. Different radio unit form factors are needed, such as micro remote radio heads (RRH) which provide
continuity of coverage and share common software with the macro cells network, making them simpler
and faster to implement. Traditional coaxial Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) do not support the new
centimeter wave (cmWave) and millimeter wave (mmWave) bands in 5G, whereas indoor small cells provide
coverage in shopping malls and transportation hubs and support self-install for simpler deployment.
Flexibility in network capacity will be needed to cope with continually growing customer traffic and sudden
changes in use patterns. Adding hardware at cell sites is not cost-effective and in certain circumstances can
be impractical. Virtualization of radio network functions enables capacity on-demand, adding new features
through software and support for lower latency services using edge computing.
Enabling digital transformation via digital deployment
Digital site process
Site works automation with Connected
Digital Worker and advanced
collaboration techniques
for efficient implementation
Digital deploy
Workflow orchestration
real-time project intelligence
to faster execute the projects
Digital design
for 5G networks
Advanced analytics cognitive
intelligence to accurately design
and plan networks
Digital Network Architecture (DnA)
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Data center/Peering
Wireless
radio access
network
(incl FWA)
Backhaul Core
Cloud RAN Cloud Packet core
Devices, chips
and machines
Fronthaul
Radio access network
Data center – OSS/BSS,
(externaal network(s)
Core network
EDGE Cloud datacenter
Figure 5. Maximizing RAN investments
5G is more than a radio upgrade
While the RAN may be the largest portion of the deployment, transport should be assessed before
planning any changes to the radio site topology. The core network will need to evolve, becoming cloud
native, to support the move from 5G NSA to 5G SA and eventually end-to-end slicing of the network.
As the network becomes increasingly virtualized and highly distributed there will be additional security
challenges that will require a new approach.
To achieve network densification and the higher throughputs of 5G, the transport network will need to be
dimensioned to support increased traffic loads. Additionally, newer ‘split architectures’ in the RAN require
different latency and synchronization requirements.
All use cases
Secure
Extremely energy efficient
Common management
VersatileSimplified site
NSA
SA
Intelligent
All access solutions
All X-Haul options
All spectrum assets Densification
Classic to cloud
4G/5G migration AI and machine learning
mMIMO / Beamforming
Embedded intelligence
RAN slicingLow touch Open interfaces
Figure 6. The 5G network
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Most of the transport network may use optical fiber, but to complete a large-scale deployment it might
not be practical or economical and other options such as microwave must be considered. Microwave can
address urban, suburban and rural deployment scenarios, but any solution must address existing and
new microwave bands. Additionally, combining different spectrum bands using carrier aggregation in the
microwave link based on simple static implementation may not fully meet the Key Performance Indicators
(KPIs) for 5G coverage and capacity. This is where automation and programmability are needed, in an
orchestrated Software Defined Network (SDN) environment to ensure the transport network is configured
and optimized correctly. SDN is also used to automate packet network services provisioned over the
transport network to interconnect RAN and core end points, now including virtual network functions (see
next section).
Deploy cloud-native network elements for scalability and flexibility
Moving to the cloud using virtualization has already begun in 4G, but this takes more than running existing
physical functions in software. CSPs will benefit by leveraging their existing investments and maintaining
support for their 2G/3G/4G networks. If they offer or plan to offer services across multiple access types,
how can they combine the mobile and fixed networks to simplify operations?
Network elements that are cloud native provide the scalability and flexibility to disaggregate network
functions, such as control and user-plane separation. Moving from NSA, the next step is SA which
introduces further splitting of network functions and introduces elements such as the Network Exposure
Function (NEF) to realize a service-based architecture. At this stage, new service introduction times can be
reduced and if CSPs have an open approach, there are more opportunities to expand into new business
models and grow their business.
One of the biggest differentiators of a 5G core is its unification of 3GPP and non-3GPP accesses and
converging wireless and wireline networks onto a common core.
Security that shifts to face new challenges
CSPs face security challenges in three dimensions. First is a technology shift as many network elements
move from physical to virtual functions and become highly distributed. The second is the type of attacker,
which is increasingly more about institutional hacking than profit-driven cybercrime by individuals. The
third is, security as a business differentiator that gives customers confidence their data and business
processes will not be lost or interrupted.
CSPs can address these needs by considering solutions designed for security and not rely on adding
overlay products that increase complexity with additional vulnerabilities. This calls for consideration of the
entire lifecycle of security operations and how to address every phase from prevention to detection with
automated response and analytics.
Controlling costs
While minimizing the business and technical risk of moving from NSA to SA, the unit cost of the network
is another consideration. Careful assessment for CAPEX and OPEX enables an understanding of the total
costs of 5G deployment and operation.
Lower cost options in the transport network or single box products may have limited capacity that require
complete replacement or additional hardware, thereby increasing physical footprint, power consumption
and lifetime cost of the equipment. Maintenance and operation should require minimal on-site
intervention reducing the need for costly truck rolls.
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Virtualization of the network and the ability to offer more services using network slicing will increase
provisioning and management requirements unless AI and automation are used to auto-configure.
However, network slicing means highly efficient use of spectrum that will enable most CSPs to offer far
more of their 5G spectrum allocation than previous 3G or 4G allocations.
Minimize deployment expenditure through automation
Manual network deployment processes often lead to higher costs through delays in material planning and
handling, or inaccurate documentation that leads to lower quality installations. It is more cost effective to
use platforms that can combine business processes with inventory management to orchestrate delivery
and provide accurate up to date information for all stakeholders.
Figure 7. Digitalizing network planning and deployment
Project management
Order management
Site
acquisition
Technical
site survey
Material
tracking
Install
Self
assessment
Audit Acceptance
BoM
BoQ
CI
Demand
planning
Permit Design CW
Digitized forecasting:
Speed accuracy
Digitization automation:
Efficiency, accuracy, site
re-visit reduction
BoM / BoQ change and
re-order elimination,
better accuracy
Digitized communication and real-time reporting based on resource / organizational task flow
Automation remotization:
Control, accuracy efficiency
Digital project management: Digitized order preparation, planning, execution and monitoring
Automation for efficiency, control and accuracy
E2E workflow
orchestration
Process automation Material
management
Advanced
analytics
Reducing upgrade and maintenance costs through software
When moving from 4G to 5G and then migrating from NSA to SA, software upgrades greatly reduce the
time to implement network changes and add capacity and therefore reduce deployment costs. In the
radio access network, cell site visits, particularly when they involve tower climbs, incur high costs, so the
ability to remotely update radio unit and baseband is advantageous. A single RAN solution that comprises
a multipurpose hardware platform with common software to support 2G/3G/4G and 5G NR lowers site
costs and reduces spare part inventories. Similarly, in the transport and core networks where firmware and
software updates can be delivered through a single cloud-based management platform, savings arise by
avoiding the need to deploy engineering teams for extended periods of time.
Operational activities such as ongoing maintenance, provisioning, configuration and outages are a large
part of network OPEX, while network management complexity increases with multiple access technologies.
Controlling these costs through automation is key. The use of automation and orchestration using machine
learning to manage the lifecycle of the network can greatly reduce the time spent managing the network,
specifically for upgrades to network elements, configuration and policy controls. Security operations need
to become increasingly proactive and automated as threat levels increase and the network becomes more
distributed.
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Increasing revenue
NSA deployments allow CSPs to increase mobile broadband capacity, supporting services such as fixed
wireless access, video surveillance and basic cloud gaming. The enterprise/vertical markets offer the
greatest new opportunities but will require even higher levels of performance and reliability. Migrating to
5G NR SA will enable many of the capabilities needed.
If CSPs deploy a cloud-native core, their upgrade path should support a combination of NSA and SA virtual
network functions to provide a simple transition path. Furthermore, all 5G core functions, such as user
data management and authentication functions, must be able to take full advantage of a service-based
architecture based on an open framework and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to access third-
party applications for faster introduction of services.
Network slicing is the key to unlocking new use case revenues with enterprises
Through network slicing, specific levels of network functionality can be offered to address the enterprise
segment, across multiple verticals. Providing a digital trust framework is a key consideration for engaging
and onboarding new services with multiple third-party sources.
Enterprise customers will need specific levels of service in terms of latency, throughput, reliability and
security. Network slicing provides the mechanism to deliver this, but considerations need to be made.
Firstly, the business potential is linked to the number of different slices offered. Using a fixed number of
slices will limit the market, while manual creation of many slices will drive up operating costs. However, end-
to-end automation and orchestration makes the full lifecycle of slicing zero-touch and allows new levels of
service to be created on demand. CSPs can scale their operations if they have an ETSI-compliant system
that combines slice design, service fulfillment and end-to-end orchestration of the network resources.
Get the edge to monetize new opportunities
Edge computing, whether in the far edge or on-premise, supports low latency data transmission, but CSPs
can do more than just hosting virtualized telecom network functions. A mobile edge computing solution
can be a service enablement platform for hosting other applications with interfaces that tap into the
performance of the RAN to provide near-real-time optimization for video streaming, AR and VR, and other
latency-sensitive services.
CSPs must also address the business support systems needed to build a new application or solution for
customers. Driving loyalty for existing customers and facilitating better interactions with third parties can
add new revenue streams.
There are varying degrees of complexity in identifying partners, onboarding and then offering a new
service. Using a cloud-based platform to support co-creation with pre-integrated components can be
combined with back end SLA fulfilment and assurance.
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Conclusion
CSPs on a path to 5G will benefit by working with the right partners. These partners must be able to plan
the CSP’s entire deployment journey and ensure the network’s evolution will increase revenue for a higher
return on investment.
At the planning stage, CSPs are advised to look beyond the hardware and software costs and consider the
total cost of deployment and on-going operations. Using digital design and deployment tools to evolve the
network, and deal with complex multi-vendor and legacy network integration, reduces time and improves
the quality of installs. Using cloud-based platforms with AI/machine learning enables higher levels of
automation to reduce operational complexity and cost.
CSPs are likely to want to re-use as much of their existing investments as possible to manage costs and
prove to investors they make prudent investment decisions. Optimizing and expanding the existing LTE
network provides a solid base to move to 5G NSA to deploy initial use cases of eMBB and FWA.
However, preparations must encompass more than the RAN and include the transport and core networks.
Re-using LTE spectrum and using software upgrades for other assets will ensure service continuity and
reduce costs. And by using innovative energy management solutions, CSPs can decouple data demand from
RAN power consumption and meet their environmental and sustainability goals.
Clearly with every investment, CSPs want a significant revenue gain. With 5G, the largest gains and long-
term growth will come with 5G SA network deployments, where low latency use cases and specific levels
of service can be offered to a wide range of enterprises using network slicing. CSPs can make this journey
successfully if they choose partners that can offer the full suite of product and service options, while having
expertise and experience across all areas of the network.
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Abbreviations
4IR Fourth Industrial Revolution
AI Artificial Intelligence
API Application Programming Interface
AR Augmented Reality
cmWave Centimeter wave
CAPEX Capital Expenditure
CSP Communications Service Provider
DAS Distributed Antenna System
DSS Dynamic Spectrum Sharing
DSP Digital Service Provider
eMBB Enhanced Mobile Broadband
EN-DC Evolved-Universal Terrestrial Radio Access-New Radio Dual Connectivity
FWA Fixed Wireless Access
GDP Gross Domestic Product
IoT Internet of Things
KPI Key Performance Indicator
LTE Long-term evolution or 4th generation of wireless standards
mMIMO Massive Multiple Input Multiple Output
mmWave Millimeter wave
NEF Network Exposure Function
NR New Radio
NSA Non-Standalone
OPEX Operational Expenditure
RAN Radio Access Network
SA Standalone
SDN Software Defined Network
SLA Service Level Agreement
SoC System on Chip
SRAN Single Radio Access Network
VR Virtual Reality
WEF World Economic Forum