---
title: "4G, 5G SA and 5G NSA: What do these terms mean?"
slug: "what-applications-is-4g-5g-sa-and-5g-nsa-what-do-these-terms-mean"
updated: 2026-05-29T08:38:22Z
published: 2026-05-29T08:38:22Z
canonical: "docs.insys-icom.com/what-applications-is-4g-5g-sa-and-5g-nsa-what-do-these-terms-mean"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.insys-icom.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 4G, 5G SA and 5G NSA: What do these terms mean?

- **4G** is the established cellular network and remains a very good and often entirely adequate solution for many applications in remote maintenance, monitoring and telemetry.
- **5G NSA (Non-Stand-Alone)** already utilises 5G radio technology, but still relies on existing 4G infrastructure for network deployment.
- **5G SA (Stand-Alone)** is the full 5G variant with a standalone 5G architecture. For you, it is less the abbreviation that matters than the question of what your location actually supports and what requirements your application places on data rate, availability and future-proofing.

With the **MRcard MSI.5G**, the following **theoretical maximum data rates of the radio interface** are possible:

- **5G NSA**: up to **3.4 Gbit/s downlink / 0.46 Gbit/s uplink**
- **5G SA**: up to **2.5 Gbit/s downlink / 0.90 Gbit/s uplink**
- **4G (LTE Cat 19)**: up to **1.6 Gbit/s downlink / 211 Mbit/s uplink**

In practice, however, the following applies: the actual performance achievable always depends on network availability, the provider, the tariff, the antenna design, the installation situation and the actual coverage at the location. If **4G** reliably meets your requirements, there is not automatically a reason to switch to **5G**. However, if **higher data rates**, **greater future-proofing** or **generally higher demands** on the **cellular connection** are required, **5G** is the right option.

## Related

- [How can I find out whether my plan, my provider and my location support 5G – and what are the key requirements for routers and antennas?](/wie-finde-ich-heraus-ob-mein-tarif-provider-standort-5g-unterstuetzen.md)
- [Does MOROS.neo support 5G? If not, what alternatives are available for 5G projects?](/does-moros-neo-support-5g-if-not-what-alternatives-are-available-for-5g-projects.md)
- [What is the Access Point Name (APN)? Is it also required for 5G, and why does it need to be set manually in the router (but not on the smartphone)?](/what-is-the-access-point-name-apn-is-it-also-required-for-5g.md)
- [Can I also insert a 5G card (MRcard MSI.5G) into an MRX (not an MRX.neo)—and what are the pros and cons of doing so?](/can-i-also-insert-a-5g-card-into-an-mrx-not-an-mrx-neo-and-what-are-the-pros.md)
- [Correct connection of antennas for 5G routers](/correct-connection-of-antennas-for-5g-routers.md)