5G: Network Slicing, Its Management, and Orchestration

 

5G: Network Slicing, Its Management, and Orchestration

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! 

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 slicing technology guarantees good quality by replacing the legacy single networking with a flexible, on-demand network architecture. 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. 

Keep reading to explore more about the network slicing concept and its management models! 

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). 

The significant layers of the network slice consist of the service instance layer, network slice instance layer, and resource layer.  

  • 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. 

Before understanding the management models of network slicing in 5G, let us see the life cycle of a network slice. 

5G Network Slicing, Its Management, and Orchestration Blog
Life Cycle of a Network Slice [1]
The life cycle of a network slice constitutes the following stages: 

  • 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: 

5G Network Slicing, Its Management, and Orchestration Blog
Network Slicing Management Models
  • Network Slice as a Service (NSaaS): Communication Service Provider (CSP) provides NSaaS to its Communication Service Customer (CSC) as a communication service. This service enables CSCs to use, monitor, and manage the network slice instance – MNSI (Managed Network Slice Instance). 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. 

To know more specific details about slicing and its management models, listen to the podcast 5G: Network Slicing, Its Management, and Orchestration 

In a Nutshell 

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. 

Calsoft being a “technology first” company, has been actively involved in NFVI automation, Open-Source adoption, Telco Cloud Integration over Open Stack, VNF Engineering, NFV Orchestration & Life Cycle Management, and validation services. Recently, Calsoft got involved in Telco Platform validation with the help of open-source technologies. Talk to our Experts for more details 

References 

[1] Management, Orchestration, and Charging for 5G Networks (2018). https://www.3gpp.org/news-events/3gpp-news/sa5-5g 

[2] 5G Network Slicing. https://stl.tech/blog/the-pros-cons-of-5g-network-slicing/ 

 
Share:

Related Posts

Importance of System Integration in Next-Generation Telecom Networks

Importance of System Integration in Next-Generation Telecom Networks

The telco sector is evolving, and the significance of system integration cannot be overplayed in the industry. The next-generation networks are ever more complex, including diverse technologies like 5G, IoT, cloud computing, and more. To ensure reliable and high-quality services, seamless system integration becomes the cornerstone. Integration ensures that distinct components and services work harmoniously, stimulating efficient communication and streamlined operations. It facilitates the interconnectivity of various subsystems, enabling real-time data exchange, advanced service delivery, and enhanced end-user experiences. Read the blog to explore the significance of system integrators in telecom industry.

Share:
5G Transport Architecture xHaul Transport

5G Transport Architecture: xHaul Transport

The telecom industry is witnessing a rapid network transformation, enabled by a wide range of pioneering technology trends. The network transformation is towards a virtualized, software defined, flexible, and open framework to support next generation 5G use cases. To effectively realize a high quality 5G user experience, future transport networks will play a crucial role to meet service requirements such as peak data rates, maximum coverage, ultra-low latency, synchronization, and security. Read the blog to explore 5G transport technologies and the key advancements in 5G transport architecture.

Share:
Telecom Technology Trends 2024: Navigating the Evolution

Telecom Technology Trends 2024: Navigating the Evolution

The telecom industry is witnessing a rapid network transformation, enabled by a wide range of pioneering technology trends. The industry is gearing up for constant innovation in the coming year 2024. The digital disruption with technologies like 5G, IoT, and AI set the pace for modern market trends and business development in 2024. Read the blog to explore the major technology trends driving competitive and innovative business strategies in the telecom industry.

Share:
Retail Transformation

Revolutionizing Retail: The Top 7 GenAI Use Cases Transforming the Industry

The revolutionary applications of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) are enhancing the retail landscape. GenAI can ensure supreme end-user experience through pioneering applications such as personalized recommendations, virtual shopping assistants, supply chain optimization, and dynamic pricing strategies. This enhances targeted marketing strategies, enabling businesses to raise efficiency and innovation in a progressively competitive market. Read the blog to understand the transformative use cases that redefine how businesses drive the retail industry in the future.

Share:
Technology Trends 2024

Technology Trends 2024- The CXO perspective

In the rapidly evolving landscape of 2024, technology trends are reshaping industries and redefining business strategies. From the C-suite perspective, executives are navigating a dynamic environment where artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and blockchain are not just buzzwords but integral components of transformative business models. The Chief Experience Officers (CXOs) are at the forefront, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and drive innovation. This blog delves into the strategic insights and perspectives of CXOs as they navigate the ever-changing tech terrain, exploring how these leaders are shaping the future of their organizations in the era of 2024’s technological evolution.

Share:
5G NR-Light (RedCap)

5G NR-Light (RedCap): Powering the Future of IoT

5G NR-Light (RedCap) technology is poised to revolutionize the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape. NR-Light or RedCap signifies a modernized and optimized version of the 5G New Radio (NR) standard. RedCap indicates its potential to significantly enhance power efficiency and capabilities for IoT devices. 5G RedCap is designed to enable seamless connectivity for massive IoT devices, from smart sensors to industrial machines, creating an interconnected ecosystem that can transform industries and daily life. Read the blog to explore the significance of 5G RedCap for massive IoT adoption.

Share: