Introduction to 5G Network Slicing Technology

Definition of Network Slicing

Network slicing can be understood as a set of logical network functions designed to support specific communication services for particular usage scenarios or business models. It is built upon physical infrastructure and can be viewed as a collection of network functions under the EPC (Evolved Packet Core), decomposed into sub-functions that perform specific tasks. In essence, network slicing offers 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 describes the system architecture from a logical perspective, consisting of the connections between network functions. These functions are typically defined as software packages with deployment and operational requirements, such as interface definitions, KPIs, and other service templates. On the other hand, the infrastructure layer deals with the physical components needed to maintain a network slice, including computing resources like IT servers and network resources such as switches, routers, and cables.

Once the infrastructure and service layers are separated, the challenge lies in mapping the virtual functions to the physical ones. This is essentially a virtual network embedding problem, involving two main steps:

1. Mapping from virtual functions to physical functions, including the selection of network forwarding elements and computing resources, such as device type and geographic location. The number of required resources depends on the service layer's needs.
2. Mapping from virtual links to physical links, where the amount of bandwidth allocated depends on the service requirements.

Relationship Between Network Slices

The relationship between any two slices can vary. For example:

• Different service layers: Slice A may serve M2M devices, while Slice B serves human-operated devices.
• Same service layer, slightly different network functions: Slice A supports high-mobility users, while Slice B provides the same service without mobility support.
• Same service layer, different physical implementations: Both slices provide the same service, but one offers ultra-high reliability while the other provides standard reliability, leading to different deployment needs.
• Same service layer, same physical application: Slices provided for different operators.

Why Use Network Slicing in the 5G Core Network?

In the 5G era, mobile networks serve not just smartphones but a wide range of devices, including tablets, sensors, vehicles, and more. Applications have become increasingly diverse, covering mobile broadband, massive IoT, and mission-critical communications. Each scenario has unique requirements—such as latency, security, and reliability—that traditional monolithic architectures struggle to meet efficiently.

Network slicing allows multiple logical networks to coexist on a single physical infrastructure, eliminating the need for dedicated networks for each service. This approach is highly cost-effective and scalable. Looking at the network slice shown in Figure 1, it becomes clear how network slicing adds value by tailoring the network to the specific needs of different user groups.

Traditionally, the EPC could be considered a single large slice serving all devices. However, this approach lacks flexibility. With network slicing, the future network will shift from a "one-size-fits-all" model to a "one-size-per-service" model, allowing better customization and performance optimization.

Application Scenario Classification

5G networks are designed to support three main application scenarios:

1. Mobile Broadband: Required for applications like 4K/8K video, holography, AR/VR, which demand high bandwidth and speed.
2. Massive IoT: Involves large numbers of static, low-power IoT devices used in smart cities, agriculture, logistics, and more. These require low latency and minimal mobility support.
3. Mission-Critical IoT: Used in autonomous driving, telemedicine, and industrial automation, these applications require ultra-low latency and high reliability.

To address these needs, the physical network must be divided into multiple virtual slices—such as smartphone slices, autonomous vehicle slices, and large-scale IoT slices—each tailored to specific service requirements.

Challenges of Network Slicing

Despite its potential, network slicing faces several challenges:

1. Network Slice Structure: While many scenarios are well-defined, there are still many unclassified use cases, making it difficult to determine the optimal granularity of slicing.
2. Network Slice Selection: Users may require multiple slices, and selecting the right one is a critical challenge.
3. Network Slice Handover: During roaming, if the local slice cannot support the user, the session may be interrupted. Solutions like switching to a default slice exist, but maintaining IP connectivity and managing the transition timing remain open issues.
4. User State Maintenance: User state information may be distributed across multiple slices, requiring effective management strategies.
5. New Feature Definition: To support emerging services like autonomous driving, new features and message formats must be defined, which may require changes to existing EPC functions.

Conclusion

The diversification of network architecture is a key aspect of 5G, and network slicing is a vital enabler of this transformation. As technologies like virtualization and network function capabilities continue to evolve, the value of network slicing will become even more apparent. In the future, network slicing will play a central role in how operators and OTT companies collaborate, helping them achieve new revenue models and enhance service delivery. It is, without a doubt, a key technology shaping the future of telecommunications.

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