5G Network Slicing

This chapter will focus on the purpose and architecture of 5G network slicing. Traditional methods of mobile network management cannot unleash the full potential of 5G. Network slicing helps to make an infrastructure intelligent and reduces the dependence on applications for efficiency and latency. Network slicing allows the connectivity to be fine-tuned to end-customer devices and use cases, both for enterprise and retail customers. Overall, network slicing is a key differentiator between 5G and prior generations of mobile technologies.

In this chapter, we will cover the following topics:

• Understanding network slicing
• Network slicing architecture and design
• Use cases of network slicing

Let’s get started!

Understanding network slicing

Network slicing is the ability to dynamically create a logical end-to-end 5G network. In network slicing, specific User Equipment (UE) can use multiple slices over the same access network or radio interface. A network slice can be formally defined as “a set of network functions and corresponding resources necessary to provide the required telecommunication services and network capabilities” (see www.3GPP.org).

Network slicing allows mobile operators to develop new commercial models to help dominate the enterprise market. With network slicing, the operators can expose 5G capabilities to enterprise customers to meet their needs for latency, throughput, security, and compliance. This allows a greater degree of self-service capabilities for these customers.

Next, let us understand the basic concept of network slicing.

Network slicing simplified

Network slicing in 5G allows you to create several virtual networks over a shared public...

Network slicing architecture and design

When we discuss the architecture of new technology, we often look at the industry standards bodies, such as the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) (https://www.3gpp.org/about-3gpp), which is considered one of the main standards bodies and influencers for 5G. 3GPP has recognized that network slicing is key to the widespread adoption of 5G. 3GPP’s working groups who are developing the 5G core architecture have included it in Technical Specification (TS) 23.501 and TS 22.261. The latter covers how to provision network slices and achieve slice and device association. It further includes specifications about performance isolation during the various modes of slice operations.

According to TS 22.261, a network slice provides the functionality of a complete network. This includes Radio Access Network (RAN) functions, core network functions, and IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) functions. The core network functions may come from different...

Use cases of network slicing

Let us look at the use cases of 5G and how network slicing will play a role in the widespread adoption of several of these.

Here are some of the common use cases for 5G:

• Collaborative robots in Industry 4.0
• V2X communications for vehicles, including autonomous cars
• Truck platooning in transportation
• Connected ambulances in healthcare
• Remote learning in education
• IoT
• Remote surgery
• Coverage of sports events, such as the Super Bowl
• AR/VR and the metaverse
• Gaming
• Fixed wireless access for enterprise connectivity

All the preceding are good candidates for network slicing. Let us take remote surgery. The need for this use case has two main drivers. Expert surgeons may not be locally available in many remote locations or certain countries and cities. Furthermore, since the COVID-19 pandemic, the movement of healthcare professionals has been restricted. Robotic arms can often perform surgery with the surgeon...

Summary

In this chapter, we learned about 5G network slicing. We provided a simplified definition of network slicing. Then, we looked at the architecture of network slicing. Finally, we looked at the use cases that are enabled by it. Overall, 5G network slicing creates multiple revenue opportunities for its operators. It can serve multiple industry use cases without large upfront and speculative investments.

In the next chapter, we will look at connected and autonomous vehicles and the role of 5G. We will cover the concepts and the background of autonomous vehicles and the different levels of autonomy. Finally, we will cover different applications related to driver assistance, leading to enhanced safety in driving.