What is Network Slicing? 5G Slicing / Network Slicing
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Network Slicing in 5G:
Think of a cake. A cake is made up of different layers, and each layer has a different flavor or filling. For example, the bottom layer might be chocolate, the middle layer might be vanilla, and the top layer might be strawberry.
Now, imagine that the cake represents a 5G network. Instead of layers of cake, the network is made up of different slices, and each slice has different capabilities and characteristics. For example, one slice might be designed for high-speed internet browsing, while another slice might be optimized for low-latency communication, such as controlling a self-driving car.
Network slicing allows the 5G network to be divided into different slices that can be customized for different applications and use cases. Each slice can be optimized for specific requirements, such as bandwidth, latency, and security, to provide the best possible performance for that use case.
Just like how each layer of a cake can have its own flavor and filling, each network slice can have its own unique features and capabilities. This allows the 5G network to be more flexible and adaptable, and better able to meet the diverse needs of different applications and industries.
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Network slicing enables instantiation of logical or virtual sections or partitions of a 5G network. All these logical sections or partitions run on a shared physical infrastructure. Each partition or section is referred to as a ‘slice’. A sliced network is a customized version of a 5G network. It is as if you are a customer who goes to a network provider or network slicer provider, and ask the provider a 5G network with capabilities that you desire to have. Some of the capabilities that you ask for may not be present in the traditional 5G public network directly.
So, purchasing a 5G network that has specific capabilities that you ask for, makes you a network slice customer (NSC). You are not buying the entire 5G network with its entire bandwidth. You are just asking for a portion/slice of it to be provided to you. Whatever features embedded on the network that you’ve asked for, are commonly referred to as a template. With the feature template, the network provider provides you the specific slice. The template is known as Network Slice Template (NEST).
Remember that it is still a virtual instance of a 5G network wherein the core network entities such as AMF, SMF, NRF, NWDAF etc. are running as microservices in Linux container, managed by Kubernetes. A network slice absolutely requires a RAN, and core network to operate.
The previous ‘cake’ example explained by an author, serves as a good starting point!
Network slicing is a technology primarily used in 5G networks that allows operators to create multiple virtual networks (or “slices”) on a single physical infrastructure.
Each network slice can be customized and optimized to serve specific use cases, offering different levels of performance, security, and functionality.
This approach is particularly valuable in meeting the diverse requirements of different industries, applications, and users.
How Network Slicing Helps Users:
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Customized Services: Network slicing enables service providers to offer tailored network services to different users or applications. For instance, autonomous vehicles may need ultra-reliable low-latency communication, while a video streaming service might prioritize high bandwidth. Network slices can be created to meet these specific needs.
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Improved Performance: By dedicating resources to specific slices, users can experience better network performance, such as reduced latency, faster data speeds, and higher reliability. Critical applications, such as healthcare or emergency services, can benefit from guaranteed network resources even during high traffic periods.
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Greater Efficiency: Operators can run multiple services on the same infrastructure without interference between them. This means lower operational costs, which can ultimately be passed on to users in the form of better service at lower costs.
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Enhanced Security: Network slices can be isolated from one another, improving security. For example, a slice dedicated to financial services can have enhanced encryption and security protocols, minimizing the risk of breaches.
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Support for Multiple Applications: Network slicing allows for better coexistence of different types of applications and services on a single network. Whether it’s IoT devices, smart cities, or mission-critical applications, each can run on a slice that matches its specific needs.
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