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These names originate from the 3GPP study of 5G radio access technologies documented within 3GPP Technical Report 38.801. Both architectures have Base Stations that connect to the 5G Core Network. The 'option 2' architecture is based on a gNode B connected to the 5G Core Network.
5G networks divide coverage areas into smaller zones called cells, enabling devices to connect to local base stations via radio. Each station connects to the broader telephone network and the Internet through high-speed optical fiber or wireless backhaul.
A 5G Base Station is known as a gNode B (next 'generation' Node B). This is in contrast to a 4G Base Station which is known as an eNode B ('evolved' Node B), and a 3G Base Station which is known as a Node B. Figure 21 illustrates two Standalone (SA) Base Station architectures, known as 'option 2' and 'option 5'.
5G Base Stations: Compared to 4G base stations, 5G brings higher data throughput and power density, significantly increasing heat generation. Therefore, the performance requirements for thermal materials are much higher. ● Small/Micro Base Stations: These base stations are compact, with limited space, making thermal design more challenging.
Base stations are the backbone of wireless networks, facilitating communication between mobile devices and the network infrastructure. In LTE (Long Term Evolution) networks, these base stations are known as eNodeBs (evolved Node Bs), while in 5G networks, they are referred to as gNodeBs (next-generation Node Bs).
5G networks divide coverage areas into smaller zones called cells, enabling devices to connect to local base stations via radio. Each station connects to the broader telephone network and the Internet through high-speed optical fiber or wireless backhaul.
5G Base Stations: Compared to 4G base stations, 5G brings higher data throughput and power density, significantly increasing heat generation. Therefore, the performance requirements for thermal materials are much higher. ● Small/Micro Base Stations: These base stations are compact, with limited space, making thermal design more challenging.
In particular, the 5G base station significantly requires more energy compared to the 4G system, especially when higher frequencies are in action. Due to the very short range of millimeter waves, several stations are required for getting complete coverage. This in turn, increases the overall energy consumption.
Setting up a 5G base station is expensive, with costs ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 per site. This price includes hardware, installation, site rental, and maintenance. Urban areas often have higher costs due to land prices and infrastructure challenges.
However, transitioning from non-standalone (NSA) 5G to SA 5G comes with a hefty price tag—between $1 billion and $3 billion per operator. Unlike NSA 5G, which relies on existing 4G infrastructure, SA 5G requires a brand-new core network. This includes cloud-based architecture, advanced data centers, and software-defined networking.
The total cost of 5G infrastructure is staggering, with projections estimating that telecom companies will spend over $2 trillion globally by 2030. This includes investments in spectrum, network densification, fiber backhaul, energy-efficient infrastructure, and emerging technologies such as AI and automation.
The cost of deploying a private 5G network for enterprises typically falls between $250,000 and $1 million, depending on the size and complexity of the installation. Unlike public networks, private 5G is customized for specific business needs, such as industrial automation, smart factories, and secure corporate communications.
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