This is because 5G RAN focuses on lower-band radio frequencies, which carry less data, but cover a larger area. The 5G RAN element is best suited for less densely populated areas with more dispersed infrastructure and less network congestion. 5G wireless mobile networks utilize small cells as well a vast quantity of underground fiber networks. 5G macro cells use multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) antennas, which are deployed in great numbers and enable more people to simultaneously connect to the network and maintain high sector throughput. Small cell antennas are capable of transmitting and receiving these higher band radio frequencies. Small cell base stations, a major feature of 5G networks, are designed to blend in with the existing landscape, take up minimal real estate, and are distributed in clusters in device-dense areas to provide continuous connection and complement the macro network that provides wide-area coverage.ĥG networks utilize millimeter waves (mmWave), which can carry more data faster, but only within a very short, unobstructed connection range. The main hardware components of 5G technology infrastructure include 5G small cell infrastructure and RAN towers. Network functions that usually run on hardware become virtualized and run as software. Standalone 5G deployment consists of user equipment - the RAN and NR interface - and the 5G core network, which relies on a service-based architecture framework with virtualized network functions. Until network carriers are able to build out the independent infrastructure needed for 5G, the NSA approach uses a combination of 5G Radio Access Network (RAN), 5G NR interface, and existing LTE infrastructure and core network to provide a 5G-like experience. 5G network infrastructure consists of standalone 5G infrastructures, which have their own cloud-native network core that connects to 5G New Radio (NR) technology, and non-standalone (NSA) infrastructures, which still partially rely on existing 4G LTE infrastructure.