What is SgNB Secondary gNB

SgNB (Secondary gNB) Explained Technically

SgNB, standing for Secondary gNB, refers to a type of base station used in 5G (Fifth Generation) mobile networks. It's a key component of the Split Option 2 architecture within the Non-Standalone (NSA) deployment mode of 5G.

Understanding 5G Network Architectures:

• 5G networks can be deployed in two primary modes:
  • Non-Standalone (NSA): Leverages existing 4G LTE infrastructure for the core network and control plane, while utilizing new 5G NR (New Radio) air interface for the user plane (data transmission).
  • Standalone (SA): Employs a completely new 5G core network and infrastructure, independent of 4G LTE.

Split Option 2 and SgNB:

• Split Option 2 is a specific configuration within the NSA mode of 5G deployment. It utilizes two types of base stations:
  • Primary gNB (P-gNB): The main base station that handles core network communication, control functions, and potentially serves some UEs (User Equipments) directly. The P-gNB typically utilizes existing 4G LTE infrastructure.
  • Secondary gNB (SgNB): An additional base station deployed specifically for 5G NR functionality. It focuses on data transmission over the 5G air interface and offloads traffic from the P-gNB, improving network capacity and user experience.

Benefits of SgNBs:

• Increased Network Capacity: By introducing additional base stations dedicated to 5G NR, SgNBs help offload traffic from the P-gNB, leading to a significant increase in overall network capacity. This allows for supporting more users and higher data rates within a given area.
• Improved User Experience: With dedicated 5G NR resources, SgNBs enable faster data speeds, lower latency, and enhanced user experience for applications like video streaming, AR/VR, and high-speed downloads.
• Flexible Deployment: SgNBs can be deployed in various configurations depending on network requirements. They can be placed in areas with high user density or specific coverage needs, offering targeted capacity improvements.

Challenges of SgNB Deployment:

• Increased Network Complexity: Introducing SgNBs adds complexity to the network architecture, requiring additional planning, configuration, and management compared to a single-cell deployment.
• Cost Considerations: Deploying and maintaining additional SgNBs incurs extra costs for operators.
• Backhaul Requirements: SgNBs need high-capacity backhaul links to connect with the core network and exchange data efficiently.

Conclusion:

SgNB (Secondary gNB) plays a crucial role in enhancing network capacity and user experience within the Split Option 2 architecture of 5G NSA deployments. By offloading traffic and providing dedicated 5G NR resources, SgNBs enable faster data speeds, lower latency, and support for advanced applications. However, deploying SgNBs introduces additional complexity and cost considerations that need to be balanced against the performance benefits. As 5G networks continue to evolve, SgNBs are expected to remain a key component in providing high-capacity and efficient mobile broadband services.