What is 5G
network slicing?

Moving to 5G isn't just about faster speed for apps and data. While that’s important, the technology offers another advantage: it can support network slicing. So what is 5G network slicing?

Let’s first start by explaining what network slicing is, more generally. Network slicing is a type of virtual networking technology in the same family of network function virtualization (NFV) and software-defined networking (SDN), which assist in evolving networks toward software-based automation.

Slicing creates logical, software-based partitions in a self-contained, virtualized environment that takes priority over physical components. Any available capacity of common resources, such as storage and processors, can then be redirected based on business needs.

Network slicing can enable your team to innovate, while they separate and prioritize mission-critical services over those that are less performance sensitive.

Network slicing allows multiple logical networks to be created on top of a common shared physical network. Essentially this means segmenting parts of the network for different users and/or use cases. 4G and 5G lend themselves much more easily to being sliced, making the capability more accessible.

With 5G architectures in place, providers should someday be able to dedicate portions of their network to meet their customers' specific needs, scaling services up or down. Broadly, examples could include enabling the Internet of Things (IoT) in a manufacturing environment or connecting and operating autonomous vehicles in a transport fleet, or separating AI-driven video analytics from point-of-sale information in a retail environment. More specifically, a 5G network slice could support autonomous forklifts in a factory to help ensure communication, so that nearby factory workers remain safe even when there is a surge of communications traffic from other areas in the factory.

Diverse use cases are a key promise of the 5G era, not just the introduction of faster connectivity. The truly transformative elements of 5G will be in the details that emerge from building on this faster connectivity, and from connecting AI and IoT to (eventually) the artful slicing of a network to better serve the needs of users.

So now that you have an understanding of what 5G network slicing is, and the potential benefits that 5G network slicing can deliver, it is important to understand there can be some potential challenges.

For example, your team will need to ensure that applications are aligned to the right service level—and therefore network slice—and measure the actual performance to see that it delivers.

Another potential challenge lies in deciding how many slices are adequate for customers' service needs. Overprovisioning or underprovisioning slices could create unnecessary complexities in managing a customer’s overall network and operations.