This module provides a critical analysis of the architectural choices for deploying 5G networks. We begin by establishing a framework for comparison, examining the characteristics and use cases that influence the selection of Frequency Ranges (FR).

The core of the module is a detailed exploration of the two primary 5G Deployment Options: Non-Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA). You will learn the inner workings of NSA Architecture (Option 3x), also known as EN-DC, including its key components and interfaces, its benefits for early rollout, and its inherent limitations.

We then contrast this with SA Architecture (Option 2), diving into its pure, cloud-native design and the transformative benefits it unlocks, such as network slicing and ultra-low latency. The module concludes by examining the practical applications of SA and provides a clear comparison to help determine the right strategic path for different deployment scenarios.