5G architecture Option 3x  v.s. ENDC

ENDC (E-UTRAN New Radio Dual Connectivity) and NSA (Non-Standalone Architecture) are both terms related to the integration of 4G LTE and 5G NR technologies, but they are used in slightly different contexts.

5G Network Architecture Options (Updated) (youtube.com)

ENDC (E-UTRAN New Radio Dual Connectivity):

1. Specific Dual Connectivity Technology: ENDC is a specific implementation of dual connectivity that allows a device to connect simultaneously to an LTE eNodeB and a 5G NR gNodeB. This technology enables the device to use resources from both networks for improved performance.
2. Master and Secondary Nodes: In ENDC, the LTE eNodeB serves as the Master Node (MN), handling most of the control signaling, while the 5G NR gNodeB acts as the Secondary Node (SN), providing additional data capacity.
3. Focused on Dual Connectivity: ENDC specifically refers to the mechanism that allows simultaneous connections to both LTE and 5G NR for enhanced throughput and reliability.

NSA (Non-Standalone Architecture):

1. Deployment Strategy: NSA refers to a broader deployment strategy for 5G networks, where 5G NR is deployed in conjunction with the existing 4G LTE network infrastructure. In NSA, the 5G network relies on the existing 4G LTE network for certain control functions and signaling.
2. Control Plane Anchoring: In NSA, the control plane (responsible for signaling and managing connections) is anchored in the LTE network, while the user plane (responsible for actual data transmission) can use both LTE and 5G NR.
3. Initial 5G Rollout Approach: NSA is often used as an initial step in the rollout of 5G networks. It allows operators to deploy 5G NR without needing to immediately build a full 5G standalone core network.

Key Differences:

1. Scope:
   • ENDC: Refers specifically to the dual connectivity technology that enables simultaneous connections to LTE and 5G NR.
   • NSA: Refers to a deployment strategy that leverages existing LTE infrastructure to introduce 5G NR.
2. Functionality:
   • ENDC: Focuses on improving data throughput and reliability by using both LTE and 5G NR connections concurrently.
   • NSA: Ensures that 5G NR can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively by using LTE for control functions, while the actual data can be transmitted over both networks.
3. Control and User Plane:
   • ENDC: Involves both control and user planes, with control primarily managed by LTE and user data split between LTE and 5G NR.
   • NSA: Focuses on control plane anchoring in LTE, with user plane traffic potentially utilizing both LTE and 5G NR.

In summary, ENDC is a specific technology within the broader NSA deployment strategy, enabling dual connectivity to improve performance, while NSA encompasses the overall approach of deploying 5G NR alongside LTE.

ENDC (E-UTRAN New Radio Dual Connectivity):

1. Specific Dual Connectivity Technology: ENDC is a specific implementation of dual connectivity that allows a device to connect simultaneously to an LTE eNodeB and a 5G NR gNodeB. This technology enables the device to use resources from both networks for improved performance.
2. Master and Secondary Nodes: In ENDC, the LTE eNodeB serves as the Master Node (MN), handling most of the control signaling, while the 5G NR gNodeB acts as the Secondary Node (SN), providing additional data capacity.
3. Focused on Dual Connectivity: ENDC specifically refers to the mechanism that allows simultaneous connections to both LTE and 5G NR for enhanced throughput and reliability.

NSA Option 3a:

• Control Plane and User Plane: NSA Option 3a (also known as DCNR, Dual Connectivity with NR) involves the LTE eNodeB acting as the Master Node for both control and user planes, and the 5G NR gNodeB as the Secondary Node only for the user plane.
• No Direct Interface Between gNodeB and EPC: In NSA Option 3a, the 5G NR gNodeB does not have a direct interface with the EPC (Evolved Packet Core). All control signaling is routed through the LTE eNodeB, which simplifies the initial 5G deployment as the existing LTE core network is reused.
• Data Plane Aggregation: The data plane (user data traffic) is aggregated at the LTE eNodeB, meaning that user data is routed through the LTE network first before being delivered to the user device. The 5G NR gNodeB enhances data capacity by providing additional bandwidth.

NSA Option 3x:

• Control Plane Anchoring: Similar to other NSA options, the control plane is anchored in the LTE eNodeB. This means that the LTE network handles all control signaling and session management tasks.
• User Plane Aggregation: Unlike Option 3a, in NSA Option 3x, the user plane data (actual user data traffic) can be routed directly from the 5G NR gNodeB to the core network (EPC). This means that the 5G NR gNodeB has an interface to the core network, allowing for more efficient data routing and potentially higher data throughput.
• Direct Interface to Core Network: NSA Option 3x allows the 5G NR gNodeB to have a direct interface with the EPC (Evolved Packet Core), facilitating direct data paths and improving data transmission efficiency.