Stand Alone or Non Stand Alone 5G Tactical Edge Network Architecture for Military and Use Case Scenarios
Mandeep Malik, Ashwin Kothari, Rashmi A. Pandhare · 2024
The advent of fifth-generation (5G) technology marks a paradigm shift in global communication infrastructure, transcending the incremental enhancements seen in previous generations. Far from being a mere upgrade in speed, 5G represents a holistic digital transformation, characterized by unprecedented multi-platform connectivity, advanced network slicing, and enhanced virtualization capabilities. As 5G continues to be deployed across India and internationally, the technology heralds the arrival of a unified communication network capable of supporting millions of concurrent devices with ultra-low latency and exceptional reliability. Unlike previous network generations, 5G is no longer defined solely by its throughput. Instead, it is poised to serve as the foundation for diverse services, encompassing both public and private networks. Within this ecosystem, two key deployment architectures emerge: 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) and 5G Standalone (SA). Each model offers unique advantages and challenges, necessitating a detailed evaluation of their respective capabilities to align with specific operational requirements, particularly in mission-critical domains such as military communications. Military communications, often built upon civilian technological frameworks, stand to benefit profoundly from the efficiency, precision, and enhanced decision-making afforded by 5G. The increased capacity, faster data transmission, and reliability inherent in 5G networks can dramatically augment the effectiveness of military operations and decision support systems. This paper undertakes a comprehensive performance evaluation of 4G/LTE, 5G NSA, and 5G SA architectures, with a focus on their applicability to military use cases. Leveraging simulations and key performance indicators (KPIs) derived from campus network studies, the analysis will critically assess whether these network configurations can meet the stringent requirements of military communications. The study will culminate in a recommendation for the optimal deployment strategy of a 5G network in military contexts, grounded in empirical data and performance metrics.