5G cellular internet has become a pivotal broadband option for businesses, offering unmatched coverage and ultra-reliable high-speed connections. One of the many benefits of 5G is delivered by network slicing — a network management method that enables the creation of virtual networks from a single physical infrastructure.

Much like a busy highway may have several dedicated lanes to ensure smooth traffic flow and prioritize critical service vehicles, network slicing allocates distinct virtual “lanes” or slices within a shared physical network topology. Each slice is configured with its own set of performance criteria and security standards catering to different applications or user groups, while efficiently using the underlying infrastructure.

By sharing network resources, businesses and network operators alike can provide or use tailored services optimized for specific needs. This ensures efficient and cost-effective management of network connections and enables some of the most advanced capabilities that 5G offers.

How network slicing works: Building on a multi-part architecture

Effective network slicing is not merely a conceptual division of a network but a complex, dynamic capability built on a multi-part architecture that leverages both virtual and physical network elements. It allows a single physical network infrastructure to host multiple independent, logically isolated virtual networks, each customized to meet specific service requirements.

The core enablers for this granular control and dynamic allocation are:

Network Function Virtualization (NFV)

This is the foundational layer. NFV transforms traditional, proprietary physical network functions (like routers, firewalls, load balancers, or even radio access network components) into Virtual Network Functions (VNFs). These VNFs are software applications that can run on standard, off-the-shelf servers, essentially replacing dedicated hardware appliances with software. This virtualization provides immense flexibility, allowing network functions to be quickly deployed, scaled, and managed in software, decoupling them from the underlying hardware.

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Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

Building on NFV, SDN separates the network's control plane (the "brain" that decides how traffic flows) from the data plane (the "muscles" that forward the actual data packets). With a centralized control plane, SDN uses Application Program Interfaces (APIs) to precisely control VNF provisioning and traffic routing in both edge and core cloud data centers. This central control allows for a global view of the network and enables dynamic, programmable configuration of network resources, rather than manual, device-by-device configuration.

Orchestration and automation:

This is the intelligence that binds NFV and SDN together for slicing.

  • Control plane configuration: The centralized control plane, often augmented by specialized Network Slice Management Functions (NSMF) and Network Slice Subnet Management Functions (NSSMF), is used to define and deliver customized services. It configures the virtual resources and the routing rules for each slice.
  • Recursion for composition: The control plane can generate multiple sub-controllers or orchestrators by enabling recursion. This capability is vital for supporting the complex composition of end-to-end network slices that span different network domains (e.g., RAN, transport, core)
  • The network slice controller: The network slice orchestrator is the central brain for managing network slices. It translates business needs into network configurations, dynamically mapping services like eMBB or URLLC to resources. This manager automates the creation and termination of network slice instances (NSIs) on demand and continuously monitors performance to ensure all Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for bandwidth, latency, and reliability are met.

Single-Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI)

This standardized identifier plays a crucial role in how User Equipment (UE) and the network interact with slices.

  • Identification: S-NSSAI is used to identify each specific network slice instance (NSI) within the network. It's a combination of a mandatory Slice/Service Type (SST) and an optional Slice Differentiator (SD).
  • Behavior and differentiation: S-NSSAI defines the intended behavior and differentiation of each slice, allowing the network to understand the specific requirements (e.g., low latency for URLLC, high bandwidth for eMBB).
  • UE Selection: When a device (UE) connects to the network, it can signal its preferred S-NSSAI based on the application it intends to use. The network then uses this information, along with the user's subscription profile, to select and route the traffic to the appropriate network slice. This ensures that diverse requirements and functionalities are addressed to enhance overall Quality of Service (QoS).

By combining NFV's virtualization of network functions, SDN's centralized control and programmability, and intelligent orchestration with S-NSSAI for identification, network slicing provides an unprecedented level of flexibility and efficiency, allowing operators to offer "networks as a service" tailored to myriad applications.

Network slicing and 5G-Advanced capabilities

While 5G's foundational capabilities delivered greater bandwidth, low latency, and ultra-fast network speeds, network slicing is crucial to unlocking the full potential of 5G Advanced (3GPP Release 18 and beyond) to better serve the most demanding use cases. 5G Advanced enhances network slicing with more flexible and granular control, making it even more powerful for tailored services across the three key 5G pillars:

  • Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB): For eMBB, 5G Advanced leverages enhanced network slicing to create dedicated virtual lanes with even more optimized resource allocation. This provides extremely high throughput, low latency, and enhanced bandwidth, which are essential for applications with heavy data requirements where the network offloads processing from devices.
  • Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC): 5G Advanced significantly extends the capabilities of the Internet of Things (IoT) through its continued evolution of mMTC, deeply integrated with network slicing. This allows a vast number of low-power devices, including new Reduced Capability (RedCap) devices, to co-exist within the same infrastructure without interference, generating minimal traffic. Network slicing here enables the deployment of scalable IoT ecosystems, such as those integrated in Smart City 4.0 networks, that can grow without significant additional infrastructure.
  • Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC): URLLC is crucial for real-time safety-critical processes that depend on consistent and uninterrupted connectivity, such as advanced vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, autonomous vehicles, and industrial robots.. With 5G Advanced's network slicing, enterprises can specifically allocate network resources with even greater precision to maximize precise data exchanges and minimize delays. The enhanced sidelink features in 5G Advanced can also be integrated with URLLC slices for direct device-to-device communication in critical scenarios, ensuring service continuity with high resiliency for critical services like emergency response.

What are the use cases of network slicing?

Network slicing transforms 5G network management, making it simpler and more efficient while maximizing existing infrastructure, enabling a vast array of new use cases across diverse industries.

Optimize network management with superior control for critical operations

Network slicing provides unparalleled control over network resources. Managers can precisely customize Quality of Service (QoS) parameters for each slice, ensuring specific services meet stringent performance requirements for speed, reliability, and latency. This guarantees critical applications receive the dedicated resources needed for optimal performance, backed by predetermined Service Level Agreements (SLAs), leading to consistent, reliable service quality.

Use case: Autonomous vehicles & smart grids

  • Autonomous vehicles: A dedicated URLLC slice can ensure constant, ultra-low latency communication for vehicle-to-everything (V2X) applications, crucial for real-time decision-making and safety, providing guaranteed response times regardless of network congestion from other services.
  • Smart grids: Utilities can establish a slice with guaranteed reliability and minimal latency for grid monitoring and automated fault detection, ensuring stability and rapid response during critical events.

Accelerate service deployment and pivot rapidly for dynamic markets

Network slicing facilitates rapid service provisioning, allowing swift deployment of customized services tailored to the specific needs of different user groups or industries. This agility supports quick network adjustments for new service rollouts or to meet seasonal demands, enabling providers to scale efficiently and respond quickly to market changes. This adaptability provides a significant competitive edge and supports new business models by allowing providers to offer highly differentiated services and tap into new revenue streams.

Use case: Live events & retail

  • Live events: A venue can instantly provision a high-bandwidth eMBB slice for media broadcasting and high-density public Wi-Fi, and a separate, secure slice for ticketing and security systems, scaling up and down with event duration.
  • Pop-up retail: Businesses can rapidly deploy fully functional, secure network connectivity for temporary retail locations or outdoor kiosks, avoiding lengthy setup times associated with fixed broadband.

Enhance operational efficiency with inherent security and automation

Effective network slicing improves operational efficiency by leveraging the inherent security of isolated slices and advanced automation. Dedicated slices for different applications prevent interference between services, minimizing disruptions if one service is compromised and significantly enhancing overall network stability and performance. Network slicing also supports automation and orchestration functions, reducing the need for manual intervention and optimizing service delivery to meet fluctuating demands with consistent and reliable services.

Use case: Manufacturing & healthcare

  • Smart factories: Manufacturers can deploy isolated slices for real-time robotics control (URLLC), IoT sensor data collection (mMTC), and secure administrative traffic (eMBB), ensuring that a cyber-attack on the IT network doesn't impact critical production lines.
  • Telemedicine: Hospitals can utilize dedicated, highly secure slices for remote surgical procedures or high-definition telemedicine consultations, ensuring data integrity, patient privacy, and ultra-low latency connections that are paramount for medical applications.

Cut ahead with network slicing and Inseego 5G

From healthcare to manufacturing, and from media to automotive, network slicing supports specialized services, improving operational efficiencies and fostering innovation. It delivers enhanced Quality of Service (QoS), significant cost reductions, and rapid deployment capabilities, paving the way for future advancements.

Leading this charge, Inseego's latest solutions are designed with these advanced capabilities in mind for near-term implementation. Our FX4100 5G cellular router, powered by the Qualcomm Dragonwing FWA Gen 3 Platform, is a prime example. It is being built to support advanced 5G capabilities, including robust network slicing functionality, which will soon allow businesses to truly take advantage of tailored virtual networks for diverse use cases, optimizing resource allocation for high-priority applications, and ensuring seamless performance. The FX4100 already features other 5G Advanced enhancements like 5G SA (Standalone) and improved speeds with 3-carrier aggregation on the downlink and 2-carrier aggregation on the uplink, significantly boosting performance for demanding applications.

If you want to learn more about network slicing, talk to our experts today!