network slicing

As telecommunications networks undergo a transformation towards 5G and the forthcoming 6G architectures, the adoption of cloud-native network functions (CNFs) becomes paramount. These CNFs, designed to operate within cloud environments,…

While Network Slicing is undoubtedly key in enabling operators to monetize 5G, the principles of DevOps as applied to network slicing and NF updates are key in helping achieve a competitive edge. 

Network Slicing is a key feature of 3GPP proposed 5G specifications. As previous posts have discussed, network slicing enables the 5G network to offer business applications that offer various levels of services to customers.

We will cover a reference architecture for network slicing in this blogpost. 

3GPP as the foremost standards body driving network slicing defines the overall framework for Operators to provide customized network slice instances (NSI) that support various requirements/features. These include a Network Slicing management framework which this blog post will discuss. 

3GPP is the principal standards body driving 5G architecture and standards. It has defined various network slicing specifications in its various working groups.

We briefly discussed the benefits of slicing from a 5G operator POV. Let us consider the top benefits of this technology from an Operator Standpoint.

Network slicing should be thought of as true business-level virtualization for 5G networks. Operators will be able to share the same 5G physical infrastructure among many multiple tenants – 5G service operators, enterprises and consumers.