What Is Network Slicing?
Network slicing is a revolutionary concept that allows mobile operators to create customized and independent virtual networks, known as “slices,” within their existing physical infrastructure. These slices encompass the entire network ecosystem, including the Radio Access Network (RAN), transport layer, Core network, and distributed cloud core either on the enterprise premises or near the operator’s 5G Edge, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.
Network slicing allows operators to meet the specific requirements of different applications, services, and user categories, offering diverse capabilities like network performance, quality of service, security, and routing features. Additionally, they can offer Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) tailored to enterprises in specific locations like campuses or cities, 5G Fixed Wireless Access services for residential areas and home offices, and even low-latency Cloud gaming services achieved through edge slicing.
By leveraging network slicing, mobile operators can establish virtualized 4G/5G enterprise networks in specific areas, efficiently utilizing their existing mobile network assets and spectrum. The deployment of a network slice can be tailored to the exact needs of an enterprise, spanning from a single base station in a particular location to a wide-scale implementation covering an entire city.
What Is RAN Slicing?
5G RAN slicing is vital in implementing innovative use cases made possible by 5G technology. This advanced solution allows operators to deliver high performance, superior quality, and robust security, all of which can be independently managed.
The essence of RAN slicing lies in its ability to configure network capabilities in a way that aligns with the specific service-level requirements of each slice, ensuring that different use cases receive optimizing resource allocation and prioritization across both 4G and 5G network resources. As a result, operators can make the most efficient use of their network assets.
Nokia’s RAN Slicing Solution Capabilities
The Nokia RAN slicing solution incorporates user, application, and service awareness within the Radio Access Network. This cutting-edge technology seamlessly operates across 4G LTE, 5G non-standalone (NSA), and 5G standalone (SA) networks while ensuring support for all commercially available 4G and 5G NSA/SA devices. This allows for smooth slice continuity between 4G and 5G radio networks so that operators can optimize their network assets, including valuable spectrum resources.
The foundation of Nokia RAN slicing is the combination of air interface and radio transport capabilities that isolate high-value business traffic from regular Internet traffic through unique, patent-pending technology. It also offers the flexibility for independent routing and switching, enabling traffic management for local enterprise applications, edge cloud applications, or enterprise networks.
Nokia’s advanced 5G scheduler provides a seamless path to support a new generation of advanced use cases. With ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and manufacturing Internet of Things (IoT), it’s a future-proof solution that will stay ahead of the evolving technological landscape.
Additionally, Nokia RAN slicing capabilities can be integrated through software upgrades to AirScale 4G/5G base station products and have full compatibility with earlier Nokia Flexi Multiradio systems and a diverse range of Nokia small-cell products.
Key Benefits
- QoS scheduler and dynamic radio resource allocations supported by advanced radio scheduling for 4G and 5G slicing.
- Isolating sliced and unsliced traffic in RAN transport and securing sliced traffic.
- For dynamic network slicing with URSP technology deployments, the association of different slices to different QoS classes or radio resource groups.
- Slice-aware admission control to manage users and bearers.
How To Automate RAN Slicing
As the number of customers and slices grows, the automation of RAN slice management is crucial for achieving cost efficiency and scalability. Nokia’s advanced automated RAN slice management solution caters to 4G, 5G NSA, and 5G SA slices and allows operators to swiftly select, deploy, and manage slices across multiple radio sites within minutes.
Through a collection of clearly defined Key Performance Indicators from 4G/5G base stations, operators can ensure compliance and meet the expectations of their customers. Additionally, open APIs provide seamless connectivity with orchestration and assurance systems, ensuring end-to-end network slice lifecycle management.
Nokia’s RAN slice management automation solution also aligns with the 3GPP architecture, incorporating essential functionalities such as RAN-NF Management Function (R-NFMF) and RAN-Network Slice Selection Function (R-NSSMF). This ensures a smooth and cohesive integration with existing network infrastructures, enabling operators to capitalize on the full potential of automated RAN slice management.
Benefits for Communications Service Providers (CSPs) and Enterprises
Benefits of 5G Edge Slicing for CSPs
For mobile operators, 5G Edge Slicing represents a strategic asset that opens up new market opportunities, particularly with enterprise Virtual Private Networks, while making the most of their existing network infrastructure. The unified network architecture encompassing 4G LTE, 5G Non-Standalone (NSA), and 5G Standalone (SA) slicing provides access to a vast device ecosystem and a large customer base.
By adopting 5G Edge Slicing, CSPs can effectively manage costs and enhance operational efficiency through centralized slice management and control. This scalable solution enables them to cater to multiple customers efficiently.
Furthermore, leveraging edge deployments offers additional partnership opportunities with local and global public cloud and infrastructure service providers, expanding their service offerings and market reach.
Benefits of 5G Edge Slicing for Enterprises
Enterprises gain significant advantages with 5G Edge Slicing, which provides secure, reliable, and high-performing solutions tailored to their specific use cases, all adhering to 3GPP and IETF standards. Adopting these solutions for digitalization and industrial automation leads to substantial productivity gains in a future-proof environment.
Through 5G slicing, enterprises can harness end-to-end managed 4G/5G connectivity services for their devices and applications running in the Edge cloud. This enhancement dramatically improves the end-user experience, especially for use cases requiring low latency and high bandwidth.
Additionally, implementing Virtual Private Networks ensures that enterprise business data remains securely separated from regular Internet traffic, safeguarding critical information and maintaining the highest levels of privacy.
About Infinity Technology Solutions
Infinity Technology Solutions specializes in broadband and critical communications infrastructure development. We help our channel partners engineer and deploy private wireless, microwave backhaul, IP/MPLS, and optical networking technologies.
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