The most exciting feature of 5G networks is its ability to provide tailored solutions for wide-ranging use cases such as ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC), enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), and massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC). To support the varying requirements of 5G use cases, network transformation is seen as a key solution. The critical segment of the network transformation is Network Slicing technology. So, now let us see how does 5g network slicing will impact telecom sector along with Accurate Best wireless site survey software, site survey tools for wireless networks & Indoor cellular coverage walk testing tool and Accurate LTE RF drive test tools in telecom & RF drive test software in telecom in detail.
The network slicing paradigm enables a smart way to partition the physical network into multiple virtual networks for a particular industry, business, or application, to realize multi-tenancy.
In legacy networks, the end-end connection from the user to the application (from user-RAN-Core Network to the Application server) creates a pipe meeting the defined Quality of Service (QoS). The 5G Service Based Architecture (SBA) or 5G cloud-native network becomes an essential enabler for the slicing technology. Know more about 5G SBA through the blog 5G SBA.
Selecting the appropriate slice or slice selection is the key characteristic of the network slicing concept. There are various methods for a User Equipment (UE) to select and access an end-to-end slice. 5G helps to dynamically create network instances resulting in multiple logical networks. This logically creates the entire network on demand by enabling multiple connections to multiple users. The end-to-end connection from the end user to the application allocates a dedicated set of physical and virtualized network resources (from end devices, over the RAN, edge, transport, and packet core to the application).
Slice identification and selection is completed through Single Network Slice Assistance Information (S-NSSAI). The NSSAI is a set of up to 8 S-NSSAIs.
As per 3GPP, an instance of Network Slice – Network Slice Instance (NSI) constitutes a group of network function instances with required compute, storage, and network resources to meet the use case requirements. An NSI constitutes one or many Network Slice Subnet Instances (NSSI).
NSSI is responsible for managing NSI while providing communication services.
Preparation: In this stage, the network slice is not created. However, to instantiate a slice, it is required to understand the blueprint of the network like Quality of Service (QoS), reliability, security, and connectivity needed for specific services. This helps to prepare the network environment for the instantiation of a network slice instance.
Commissioning: This stage includes instantiation and activating the slice. The resources are allocated to meet the slice requirements.
Operation: Monitoring the performance of slice like checking whether more network function instances are required to meet service requirements or not.
Decommissioning: Deactivating or ending the slice after use or if not required.
Management Models for Network Slicing
Here, two different management models are explained as shown in the image below:
- Network Slice as a Service (NSaaS): Communication Service Provider (CSP) provides NSaaS to its Communication Service Customer (CSC) as a communication service. On top of this network slice instance, CSC can take the role of CSP and deliver Communication Services (CS).
- Network Slices as Network Operator (NOP) internals: CSP deploys slices to deliver services to the customers, hence, network slices are not visible to CSCs. However, CSCs can monitor the service status such as performance (check for any faults), and traffic data using the management exposure interface provided by the service provider.
Network slicing is not just a theoretical concept; it’s a tangible solution that is poised to revolutionize various industries. Let’s delve deeper into its implications across different sectors and explore how it can reshape our future.
- Healthcare Sector:
In healthcare, network slicing offers the promise of ultra-reliable, low-latency communication, which is crucial for real-time monitoring, telemedicine, and remote surgery. With dedicated slices ensuring high network availability and minimal latency, healthcare providers can deliver superior patient care regardless of geographical barriers. For instance, surgeons can perform intricate procedures with precision from remote locations, leveraging the low-latency capabilities of 5G network slices. - Smart Cities:
The concept of smart cities revolves around leveraging technology to enhance urban living. Network slicing plays a pivotal role in smart city initiatives by enabling efficient traffic management, public safety surveillance, and intelligent infrastructure monitoring. Through dedicated slices for transportation, public safety, and utilities, cities can optimize resource allocation, minimize response times, and improve overall quality of life for residents. - Industrial Automation:
In the industrial sector, network slicing facilitates the implementation of Industry 4.0 initiatives, such as smart factories and automated manufacturing processes. By deploying dedicated slices tailored to specific industrial applications, manufacturers can achieve seamless connectivity between machines, robotics, and sensors. This enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and adaptive production, leading to increased efficiency, reduced downtime, and enhanced productivity. - Entertainment and Media:
With the proliferation of high-definition video streaming, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) experiences, the demand for robust and low-latency networks has never been higher. Network slicing empowers content providers to deliver immersive multimedia experiences with unparalleled quality and reliability. By allocating dedicated slices for multimedia streaming, gaming, and immersive content delivery, service providers can ensure seamless playback, minimal buffering, and immersive user experiences. - Autonomous Vehicles:
The advent of autonomous vehicles heralds a new era of transportation, but it also brings unprecedented challenges in terms of connectivity, latency, and reliability. Network slicing addresses these challenges by providing dedicated slices optimized for connected vehicles. By prioritizing low-latency communication and high network availability, network slices enable real-time data exchange between vehicles, infrastructure, and cloud services, paving the way for safer and more efficient transportation systems. - Agriculture:
In the agricultural sector, network slicing holds immense potential for precision farming, crop monitoring, and autonomous machinery. By deploying dedicated slices for agricultural applications, farmers can access real-time data on soil moisture, crop health, and weather conditions, enabling data-driven decision-making and optimized resource management. This leads to higher crop yields, reduced resource consumption, and sustainable farming practices. - Education:
Network slicing can also revolutionize the education sector by enabling immersive learning experiences, remote collaboration, and personalized education pathways. By allocating dedicated slices for e-learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and collaborative tools, educational institutions can overcome geographical barriers and provide high-quality education to students worldwide. This opens up new opportunities for remote learning, skill development, and lifelong education. - Retail and Commerce:
In the retail industry, network slicing offers the potential to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and enable innovative services such as augmented reality shopping and personalized recommendations. By deploying dedicated slices for retail applications, retailers can deliver seamless omnichannel experiences, optimize inventory management, and gain valuable insights into customer behavior. This leads to increased customer satisfaction, higher sales, and greater operational efficiency.
In a Nutshell
In conclusion, network slicing is not just a technological advancement; it’s a catalyst for innovation and transformation across various industries. By leveraging the power of 5G network slicing, organizations can unlock new opportunities, drive efficiency, and deliver unparalleled experiences to customers and users. As we continue to explore the potential of network slicing, it’s clear that its impact will extend far beyond telecommunications, shaping the future of our interconnected world.
Overall, 5G network slicing is a powerful technology that has the potential to change the way we live, interact, and work. As technology forges ahead and the challenges are addressed, network slicing will become an increasingly principal tool for service providers to meet the needs of their customers.