How to switch to 5G ? Let me anwer this question.
Switch over to 5G network will require changing:
- core network from EPC to 5G core,
- base stations from eNodeB to gNodeB,
- user equipment (UE).
Obviously, users will not switch to 5GPhones overnight. The infrastructure will need to support both technologies for some time so standard predicts few deployment options.
Standalone options:
- where either LTE or 5G provide services to the device by eNodeB or gNodeB respectively (Option 1 and 2),
- where 5G core ensures connections with the usage of old infrastructure (eNodeB base station).
Non-standalone options:
- Option 3 where old infrastructure (eNode and EPC) is supported by newly introduced 5G base stations (gNodeB),
- Option 4 where new infrastructure (gNodeB and 5G Core) is supported by remaining LTE base stations (eNodeB).
Last but not least, non-standalone options assume dual connectivity. UE will connect to both eNodeB and gNodeB in such cases. Although it will increase the complexity of the infrastructure, the connection will be more robust and the switch over will happen smoothly.