Introduction to 5G Network Slicing Technology

What is Network Slicing?

Network slicing can be viewed as a set of logical network functions that support communication services for specific use cases or business models, built on top of physical infrastructure. These slices are essentially decomposed into sub-functions (network sub-functions) that operate within the Evolved Packet Core (EPC). It’s an end-to-end solution that can be applied not only to the core network but also to the Radio Access Network (RAN).

The service layer defines the logical architecture, consisting of network functions and their interconnections. These functions are typically implemented as software packages with defined deployment and operational requirements such as connections, interfaces, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). On the other hand, the infrastructure layer describes the physical resources—like IT servers, switches, and cables—that are needed to maintain a slice.

Once the service and infrastructure layers are separated, mapping between them becomes essential. This process involves two main steps: mapping virtual functions to physical resources, and allocating bandwidth for virtual links based on service demands.

Relationship Between Network Slices

Two slices may have different relationships:

• Different service layers: For example, one slice supports M2M devices, while another serves human-operated devices.
• Same service layer, but with slight modifications: One slice supports high mobility, while another does not.
• Same service layer, different physical implementations: One provides ultra-high reliability, while the other offers standard reliability.
• Same service layer, same physical implementation: Slices provided by different operators.

Why Use Network Slicing in 5G?

In the 5G era, mobile networks serve more than just smartphones. They support a wide range of devices, including sensors, vehicles, and smart home systems. The application scenarios are also diverse—ranging from mobile broadband to mission-critical IoT. Each scenario has unique requirements such as latency, reliability, and security.

Network slicing allows multiple logical networks to coexist on a single physical infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate physical networks for each service. This approach is cost-effective and efficient. Traditional EPC can be seen as a single large slice, but it's not optimal for all services. Therefore, future networks must shift from a "one-size-fits-all" model to a "one-size-per-service" approach through network slicing.

Application Scenarios

5G will address three major application scenarios:

1. Mobile Broadband: High-speed, high-bandwidth applications like 4K/8K video, holography, and AR/VR.
2. Massive IoT: Large-scale sensor deployments in agriculture, logistics, and smart cities, requiring low latency and minimal mobility.
3. Mission-Critical IoT: Applications like autonomous vehicles, telemedicine, and industrial automation, which require ultra-low latency and high reliability.

To meet these needs, physical networks will be sliced into multiple virtual networks—such as smartphone slices, autonomous driving slices, and massive IoT slices.

Challenges of Network Slicing

Despite its potential, network slicing faces several challenges:

1. Network Slice Structure: Defining the right granularity for slicing remains a challenge due to the diversity of use cases.
2. Network Slice Selection: How to choose the best slice for a user is still an open question.
3. Network Slice Handover: During roaming, maintaining session continuity during slice transitions is critical.
4. User State Maintenance: Managing user state across multiple slices is complex.
5. New Feature Definition: Supporting new services like autonomous driving requires defining new features and message formats.

Conclusion

The diversification of network architecture is a key aspect of 5G, and network slicing is a vital enabler of this flexibility. With advancements in virtualization and network capabilities, the value of network slicing is becoming increasingly evident. It will play a crucial role in shaping the future of operator and OTT collaboration, offering new revenue models and transforming how networks are designed and operated.

Receiving Antenna

Dark gray Transmitting Antenna,B01 Dark gray Receiving Antenna,B01 Dark gray Directional Antenna

Mianyang Ouxun Information Industry Co., Ltd , https://www.ouxunantenna.com