Network Slicing in a 5G Context

Implementation of 5G has been associated with many opportunities one of them being network slicing. It is expected that network slicing comes with an innovative proposal – the ability to have various logical end-to-end networks centralized on common distributed infrastructure, with increased flexibility that has never been experienced before. But the most critical question is, “is the world today realizing the goal of 5G network slicing?”

What is network slicing?

From the perspective of 5G network slicing, more emphasis is put mainly on securing an opportunity that comes with the 5G infrastructure. Therefore, network slicing is a technique to develop and dynamically manage logically functioning discrete end-to-end networks over a distributed infrastructure.

More simply, it means a single operator can provide multiple network services while tailoring individual clients’ needs as requested using a shared hardware system. This allows an operator to deliver quality services more cost-effectively. The great advantage means that the operator does not need a dedicated physical infrastructure that offers individual network needs.

Different clients require different network needs, and operators must offer these vast resources, including computers, storage, and network demands. More so, the complexity that is needed to manage different network lifecycles makes things more complicated and more challenging for the operators.

With dynamic network slicing, all this complexity will be a thing of the past. It requires a well-structured infrastructure that is flexible and comes with full end-to-end network visibility capabilities.

How will it work?

In every individual set of the end-to-end network slice, each has a role that makes the complete network functional. This includes specific network layer functionalities, operational parameters, and network features. Essentially, each is expected to have its own requirements, including computing requirements, storage, and networking.

After a slice is deployed, it will be referred to as a network instance. Each instance will define how a slice will behave in the infrastructure. With such a set-up, more flexible infrastructure will be achieved, and each client can receive instances that are equipped in line with their specific needs.

Access the B2B 5G Network Slicing: Unlocking the Digital Transformation webinar to learn how a cloud-native BSS & OSS stack supports the launch of 5G B2B services.

But why is network slicing important?

With a deeper understanding of 5G and its significance in network slicing, there is no doubt that the infrastructure will be beneficial to both operators and enterprise clients. The most critical aspects of network slicing include service agility, flexibility, and customization, which means opening a new era of efficiency and effectiveness for the ecosystem players.

Service agility

Network slicing brings about the ability to quickly develop more and more innovative products, personalize them according to customer wishes, and launch and deliver them without service problems. Gone will be the day of relying on a dedicated private mobile network (4G LTE or 5G). Clients can now make use of the slices that exactly match their networking requirements.

With the concept of slicing in place, it is now easier to have a logical separation of virtual networks for different services. This allows various teams to have changes implemented more flexibly and independently of one another. For instance, if a certain client wants to install a new service that is vastly different from the one in use, it is possible to implement it without re-engineering the whole network. With this approach, operators can now deploy new services quickly and tailored to specific customer needs.

Flexibility

The ability of the service provider to respond to changes or to bring about changes that appropriately support its customers’ value creation is one of the core constituents of network slicing in 5G. Clients can now get solutions that better meet their specific needs.

In addition, it doesn’t matter the industry or geographical location, and it is now more possible than ever. For instance, if a client wants a tailored network that has more advanced security features than one available in public cloud systems, they choose to work with a network slice other than the whole private network solution.

Customized solutions

The math is always simple – if the service better fits their needs, you’ll be more successful in service, sales, and retention. With network slicing, “one size fits all,” the entire network infrastructure comprises every function that can provide for any incident and the support of all available applications that can be supported.

With network slicing, operators can offer tailored network needs that align with the end-user objective and goals. It is now easier to do away with unnecessary features and easy to save more by adding technologies that are more client-oriented in a more competitive market approach.

The Bottom Line

By implementing network slicing that will be supported by 5G, operators and clients will be able to achieve expectations for their teams as business objectives. Remember, the most important thing above all is to be prepared to successfully transition to 5G.

Access the B2B 5G Network Slicing: Unlocking the Digital Transformation webinar to learn how a cloud-native BSS & OSS stack supports the launch of 5G B2B services.