Overview
This application note explains why a SIM card may be required when performing cellular surveys using the SNYPER-5G Graphyte. It describes the differences between 5G Standalone (SA) and Non-Standalone (NSA) networks and demonstrates how a SIM card enables the analyser to identify NSA 5G services that would otherwise remain hidden during a standard survey.
¶ Applicable Products
| Part Number | Description |
|---|---|
| SNYPER-5G Graphyte (GL) | Global 5G NR, 4G LTE, LTE-M, NB-IoT and 2G/GSM Cellular Network Analyser & Datalogger |
| SNYPER-5G Graphyte (EU) | European 5G NR, 4G LTE, LTE-M, NB-IoT and 2G/GSM Cellular Network Analyser & Datalogger |
¶ Objectives
This guide explains:
- The difference between 5G NSA and 5G SA networks
- How the SNYPER-5G Graphyte performs network surveys
- Why NSA networks are difficult to identify without a SIM card
- How a SIM card improves survey visibility
- The advantages and limitations of SIM-based surveys
- Best practice recommendations for obtaining complete survey results
Expected Result
At the end of this guide the user will understand when a SIM card should be used and how it affects the visibility of available cellular networks.
¶ Understanding 5G Network Architectures
Before discussing SIM cards it is important to understand how modern 5G networks are deployed.
There are currently two principal 5G deployment methods:
- 5G Non-Standalone (NSA)
- 5G Standalone (SA)
Although both provide 5G connectivity, they operate very differently from a network discovery perspective.
¶ What is 5G Non-Standalone (NSA)?
NSA was introduced to allow mobile network operators to deploy 5G rapidly using their existing LTE infrastructure.
In an NSA network:
- The initial network connection occurs through LTE
- LTE provides signalling and control functions
- 5G NR provides the high-speed user data path
- LTE and 5G operate together as a combined service
The LTE cell effectively acts as the anchor for the connection.
A simplified NSA connection path is:
Device
│
LTE Anchor Cell
│
5G NR Data Cell
This architecture enabled operators to introduce 5G coverage without replacing their existing LTE core networks.
Important Note
Many deployed 5G networks worldwide continue to operate using NSA architecture.
¶ What is 5G Standalone (SA)?
Standalone networks use a dedicated 5G infrastructure.
In an SA network:
- The device communicates directly with the 5G network
- LTE anchoring is not required
- Signalling and user data both use 5G NR
- Full 5G functionality becomes available
A simplified SA connection path is:
Device
│
5G NR Cell
│
5G Core Network
This architecture provides:
- Lower latency
- Improved efficiency
- Network slicing capability
- Enhanced IoT support
- Future 5G feature compatibility
SA deployment began appearing commercially around 2023 and continues to expand globally.
¶ How the SNYPER-5G Graphyte Performs a Survey
The SNYPER-5G Graphyte is designed to identify available cellular infrastructure and measure network performance without requiring network registration.
During a standard survey the analyser:
- Scans available radio channels
- Detects nearby cellular cells
- Measures signal strength
- Measures signal quality
- Identifies network operators
- Reports available networks, technologies and their signal strength
This enables engineers to determine:
- Which operators are available
- Relative signal strength
- Network suitability
- Antenna requirements
- Expected deployment performance
¶ Surveying Without a SIM Card
When operating without a SIM card the SNYPER-5G can detect:
- GSM networks
- LTE networks
- 5G Standalone cells
Because these technologies broadcast information directly, the analyser can identify them without network registration.
The result is a completely operator-independent survey.
Advantages include:
- No SIM card required
- All visible operators detected
- Ideal for operator comparison
- Fast survey operation
- No network subscription required
Expected Result
A SIM-free survey provides visibility of all detectable LTE and 5G SA infrastructure in the survey area.
¶ Why NSA Networks Can Be Difficult to Detect
NSA networks present a unique challenge.
Because NSA uses LTE as the control channel:
- The initial connection occurs via LTE
- The 5G relationship is established later
- The LTE anchor determines which 5G resources become available
- Network-specific signalling is required
Without network registration the analyser cannot always determine:
- Which LTE cell anchors a 5G service
- Which 5G resources belong to which operator
- Which NSA services are actually available
As a result, some 5G NSA capability may not appear during a SIM-free survey.
¶ Why a SIM Card Helps
When a SIM card is installed:
- The analyser can register with the network
- LTE control signalling becomes available
- NSA relationships can be decoded
- Associated 5G services become visible
- Additional network information becomes accessible
The SIM effectively allows the analyser to observe how the network itself establishes NSA connectivity.
This enables more complete detection of:
- LTE anchor cells
- Associated 5G carriers
- NSA deployment configurations
- Network-specific capabilities
Important Note
The SIM card does not increase signal strength. It simply provides additional information that allows NSA network relationships to be identified.
¶ What Happens When a SIM Card is Used?
Once a SIM card is inserted:
- The analyser registers with the operator.
- LTE control information becomes available.
- NSA handover information can be decoded.
- Associated 5G resources can be identified.
- Survey results become more representative of actual user connectivity.
This often produces a more realistic view of network performance for deployed equipment.
¶ Limitations of Using a SIM Card
Although a SIM card improves NSA visibility, it introduces restrictions.
The analyser will generally only display networks that the SIM is permitted to access.
This means:
- Some operators may disappear from the results
- Survey visibility becomes operator-dependent
- Results may vary between SIM providers
For example:
| SIM Type | Visible Networks |
|---|---|
| Single operator SIM | Usually only that operator |
| Multi-network SIM | Multiple supported operators |
| Roaming SIM | All accessible roaming partners |
Important Note
A SIM-enabled survey does not necessarily show every operator present in the area.
¶ Recommended Survey Method
For the most complete analysis Siretta recommends performing two surveys.
¶ Stage 1 – Survey Without a SIM
Purpose:
- Discover all visible operators
- Compare coverage
- Compare signal strength
- Identify candidate networks
¶ Stage 2 – Survey With a SIM
Purpose:
- Verify NSA operation
- Confirm network availability
- Identify LTE anchor relationships
- Validate real-world connectivity
Combining both surveys provides the most comprehensive assessment of site performance.
Expected Result
Using both survey methods provides visibility of all detectable operators while also exposing NSA network behaviour.
¶ Typical Use Cases
| Application | SIM Recommended |
|---|---|
| Initial site survey | No |
| Operator comparison | No |
| NSA validation | Yes |
| Deployment verification | Yes |
| LTE anchor analysis | Yes |
| Roaming performance assessment | Yes |
| Antenna alignment | Optional |
¶ Frequently Asked Questions
¶ Will a SIM card improve signal strength?
No.
The SIM only allows additional network information to be decoded. Signal levels remain unchanged.
¶ Can NSA networks be detected without a SIM card?
Some NSA information may be visible, however complete NSA relationships cannot always be determined without network registration.
¶ Which SIM card should be used?
For maximum visibility a roaming or multi-network SIM is generally recommended because it can access multiple operators.
¶ Does the analyser require a SIM card for normal operation?
No.
The SNYPER-5G is designed to perform cellular surveys without a SIM card. A SIM is only required when additional NSA network visibility is needed.
¶ Process Summary
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Perform initial survey without SIM |
| 2 | Identify available operators |
| 3 | Insert suitable SIM card |
| 4 | Repeat survey |
| 5 | Analyse NSA relationships |
| 6 | Compare results |
| 7 | Select optimal operator |
¶ Additional Reading
| Description | Author |
|---|---|
| SNYPER-5G Graphyte User Guide | Siretta |
| SNYPER-5G Product Resources | Siretta |
| Why Use a SIM Card with the SNYPER-5G | Siretta |
Support
For further assistance, please contact the Siretta support team.