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Pillar: No-Code OSS

Here’s Everything About Network Slicing in a 5G Context

5G network slicing allows multiple networks to be created on top of common physical infrastructures. Read more to learn about its benefits and challenges.

By Christopher Gonzalez

TL;DR

5G network slicing allows multiple networks to be created on top of common physical infrastructures. Read more to learn about its benefits and challenges.

Key takeaways

  • Most mobile operators and telecommunication vendors are currently bracing themselves for the arrival and adoption of the commercial 5G networks in most countries around the world.
  • One of the biggest changes between 4G and 5G is that 5G Network can be partitioned to accommodate different purposes and use cases within the same network, this great feature is called network slicing.
  • Network slicing is a sort of virtualized networking framework that is strongly tied to software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV).

Most mobile operators and telecommunication vendors are currently bracing themselves for the arrival and adoption of the commercial 5G networks in most countries around the world. One of the biggest changes between 4G and 5G is that 5G Network can be partitioned to accommodate different purposes and use cases within the same network, this great feature is called network slicing.

What Exactly is Network Slicing?

Network slicing is a sort of virtualized networking framework that is strongly tied to software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV). The goal of these technologies is to drive current networks towards software-based automation.

Network slicing is a technology that encompasses all existing network components from beginning to end. Network slicing allows several logical, self-contained, and autonomous shared or segmented networks to be deployed on a single infrastructure platform at the same time.

By Abstracting, Isolating, Coordinating, And Segregating…

The logical network tools from the underlying physical network resources, network slicing significantly changes the entire paradigm of networking. As a result, the concepts and capabilities of network architecture are improved.

While the actual physical components are minor in such virtualized network situations, logical, software-based partitioning is critical, allowing for dynamic network capacity allocation based on demand. The assigned tools can vary as the requirements change.

It Allows Segmented Network Operations

Network slicing allows the construction of logical, self-contained, and segmented network operations using shared resources such as storage and CPUs. Users can experience customized connection and data analysis that adheres to a Service Level Agreement (SLA) that the mobile carriers have consented to thanks to 5G networks and network slicing.

Data speed, reliability, latency, dependability, encryption, and services are all customizable network abilities. Higher bandwidth for videos, faster speeds, and widespread availability, smart cities networks, dedicated business networks, MVNO among others are some of the 5G network slicing use cases.

All of these use cases, per the research, will necessitate a unique configuration of criteria and characteristics, which is why the use case will need its very own network slice. Future 5G networks will have a dynamic structure that allows speed, bandwidth, and range to be distributed in logical chunks based on the individual requirements of each use case.

Watch this webinar to see how to quickly launch initial 5G services for the B2B segment in order to support new business models and operations over 5G.

What Are the Benefits of 5G Network Slicing?

There are various benefits that are associated with slicing the 5G network, they include:

  • A single network can be utilized to provide a variety of services dependent on the user’s needs and use cases.
  • As a result, network operators can assign the appropriate amount of resources per network slice. As a result, it aids in the productive and efficient use of resources. A single network slice, for instance, could be configured to give low latency and minimal data rate, while others are built to provide high throughput.
  • It aids network operators in lowering operating expenses (OPEX) and capital expenditures (CAPEX).
  • It significantly enhances operational effectiveness and speed to market for 5G network service provision.

What Are the Challenges of 5G Network Slicing?

Despite the huge potential, there are still many obstacles for 5G network providers and developers to overcome:

  • Automatic provisioning and deployment of a new network slice
  • The installation of full E2E network slicing involves the radio access network (RAN). However, these RANs will have to be modified to enable network slicing.
  • While efforts toward standardization are being made, there is still a lack of industry agreement on how to implement network slicing on 5G networks with several other architectural aspects.
  • Operators are put under increasing strain as more networks are connected to the same physical infrastructure.
  • Managing spectrum slicing and distribution for highly dynamic circumstances, as well as preserving SLA, QoS, and security assurance for every single slice, are among other frequent issues.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, as 5G becomes a commercial reality, network slicing has taken center stage as a critical architecture lynchpin. The different services that will force fundamental transformations in medical, transport, production, and several other industries are what distinguish 5G from previous wireless generations, in addition to the transformative speed and bandwidth improvements.

Watch this webinar to see how to quickly launch initial 5G services for the B2B segment in order to support new business models and operations over 5G.

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