5G network slicing advantages and challenges

5G network slicing advantages and challenges

The fifth generation of mobile communication systems, referred to as 5 GB, refers to the fifth generation of mobile communication technology, which is also an extension after 4G. As of November 2017, 3GPP released the first 5g empty port (NR) standard. 5g pre-commercialization is expected in 2018 and 5g pre-commercialization in 2019.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will become the standard organization for the final release of standards, also known as IMT-2020. As part of the IMT-2020 standard, 3GPP is the organization of standards for the mobile industry and will submit recommendations to ITU. mobile operators and vendors are actively involved in the formulation of 3GPP standards.

As time approaches, the 5g vision becomes clearer and clearer. This article will introduce one of the key technologies in 5G networks: network slicing ).

What is a network slice?

Network slicing is a virtual network architecture that utilizes the principles behind network function Virtualization (NFV) and software defined network (SDN. This technology allows operators to divide a single physical network into multiple virtual networks. One slice represents an independent virtual end-to-end network. The virtual network is subsequently customized to meet the needs of specific applications and services.

Advantages

Through the network slice, the operator can allocate a certain amount of network resources to a specific slice. For example, case slices connected to IOT devices provide high availability, low latency, data rate, and security. At the same time, different network slices can be provided to provide high throughput, fast data transmission speed and low latency.

It is expected that the logical architecture of the 5g system will be based on network slicing. This technology will enable network operators to provide Differentiated Services at the user access layer of the Wireless Access Network (RAN. Although network slice is mainly used to divide the core network, it can also be implemented using resources in RAN. This process involves abstracting and splitting logical network segments from physical resources.

The Network slice management solution can also help operators implement 5G network slice lifecycle management. However, the main driving force behind technological development is to provide networks based on services, this minimizes capital expenditures and OPEX, while improving operational efficiency and shortening the cycle of service and product input to the market.

Challenges

Network slicing is one of the foundations for implementing 5G networks, but there are also many obstacles to implementing 5G networks. Because 5G networks provide wireless connections, the RAN needs to be redesigned to enable Network slicing.

In addition, although almost everyone is aware that network slicing plays an important role in 5g, how to best practice 5g slicing still lacks the recognition of the industry. How to combine the network Slicing Technology with SDN and NFV to achieve point-to-point connections between wireless devices and physical controllers remains to be discussed. The isolation of this technology may organize network-layer interference, but it is still difficult to achieve through a wide range of network layers. To ensure that the network slice can work together with other 5G technologies, it is necessary to implement interoperability between the network slice and other technologies.