Network Slicing is essentially the ability to divide your network into individual use cases, each tailored to provide specialised services. Traditionally, in 4G, the APN (Access Point Name) was probably the earliest form of network slicing in a mobile network, allowing operators to divide their networks according to service requirements. Accurate 5G network slicing, as […]

For the introduction of 5G, 3GPP has specified five possible configurations, or ‘options’, for connecting to an EPC or a new 5G core network (six if the current 4G system is included). The features that distinguish each Option are: Use of Dual Connectivity; Radio Access Technology acting as master node Core Network used. The Options […]

Synchronization in 5G ensures precise timing and coordination across the network, enabling key technologies like TDD, beamforming, and ultra-low latency. 5G TDD networks utilise the same frequency for both uplink (UL) and downlink (DL), with time slots separating them. If base stations are out of sync, UL/DL transmissions collide, resulting in interference and dropped connections. […]

The 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) integrates satellite and airborne platforms with terrestrial 5G networks to provide ubiquitous coverage. The Next-Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) architecture in 5G NTN can be designed to be transparent (i.e., with minimal on-board processing) to reduce payload complexity while ensuring seamless interoperability with terrestrial 5G systems. A transparent NTN payload acts as […]

Interworking security between 5G and EPC involves managing security contexts during mobility between the two systems. ​ This ensures that the UE can maintain secure connections regardless of the access technology used. The UE can operate in Single or Dual Registration mode, maintaining separate security contexts for each system. ​ During mobility from EPS to […]

Sunsetting 2G and 3G networks is not an easy step for mobile network operators (MNOs) due to several technical, financial, and social factors. The decision isn’t just about technology—it’s about customers, business strategy, and infrastructure readiness. One of the main challenges is the Legacy Device Support IoT and M2M devices: Many industrial machines, alarm systems, […]

👉Previous generations relied on the SS7 and Diameter protocols. The 5G network core is built on well-known Internet protocols such as HTTP and TLS. 👉 Security threats associated with 3G and 4G will remain after 5G reaches the public and heavily influence NR deployments. However, the main challenge with 5G is that Internet technologies are […]

The Question is Actual 5G or Icon-only 5G! Recently, a new mobile app called SignalTracker showed that nearly 40% of 5G connections are actually 4G, as per PolicyTracker. Actual 5G is about twice as fast as icon-only connections, averaging 49 Mbps compared to 27 Mbps in our tests. In UK tests, when the 5G icon […]

When I started my 5G Journey in 2017, I first explored the 5G network versions: 5G NSA (Non-Standalone) and 5G SA (Standalone). Most MNOs envision starting with 5G NSA and moving towards the full capabilities of 5G SA. However, the reality of 5G SA has so far proved somewhat different from the vision. Here, I […]

Currently, I see some confusion regarding 5G identification and the purpose of each one, such as which network node generates them and the subscriber’s role. I summarized the 3 identifications in one page, and here is the summary: What is SUPI? The Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) is stored within the SIM. The SUPI is the […]

What is NTN? NTN refers to a communication system that transmits data through non-terrestrial platforms, such as satellites, high-altitude platforms (HAPs), drones, or other aerial technologies, instead of relying on traditional terrestrial infrastructure like cell towers and cables. The definition of Release 17, as outlined in 3GPP, includes enhancements to 5G New Radio (NR) to […]