What is 5G network slicing?

5G network slicing, explained in simple terms, is the act of splitting one physical network into multiple virtual networks. This involves creating separate virtual data pipelines for a dedicated purpose, such as streaming videos or location tracking. These "slices" can be assigned according to your services, use cases, or customers.

Network slicing 5G connections in this way enables businesses to optimize resources like bandwidth and security, prioritize access to the most important services, and ensure high-quality user experiences.

Network slicing is achieved by dividing an underlying physical network into distinct virtual layers using technologies like software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV). Each slice operates as an independent, end-to-end network with tailored resources like bandwidth, latency, and reliability.

Principal types of network slicing in 5G

There are multiple ways of network slicing 5G applications depending on your business needs. These include:

• Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)
  Enhanced Mobile Broadband slicing ensures 5G applications with heavy traffic on mobile networks can deliver high-quality broadband services. Mobile users can secure the required bandwidth to access 5G capabilities like streaming services or online games without delays, connectivity issues, or outages.

• Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC)
  Massive Machine Type Communications, or mMTC for short, is a specific network slicing 5G method for large-scale IoT (Internet of Things) applications. As the name suggests, this slicing type is meant to manage huge amounts of interconnected devices with limited data rates.

• Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (uRRLC)
  Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (uRRLC) is used for basic business applications that don’t require as many resources but need a high reliability level. uRRLC is, therefore, designed to provide low latency and high dependability to ensure efficient services.

Key elements of 5G network slicing architecture

Network slicing in 5G relies on specific architectural components to create and manage virtual networks. These elements play a vital role in ensuring the flexibility, efficiency, and performance of the network and include:

• Network functions virtualization (NFV)
  Network functions virtualization involves replacing physical hardware with virtual machines. This architecture concept allows businesses to get the most out of 5G technology by modernizing networks similarly to Vonage Network APIs, granting greater accessibility, flexibility, and scalability. Instead of installing and maintaining traditional hardware, organizations can leverage NFV to handle load balancing, routing, and firewall security virtually.

• Software defined networks (SDNs)
  Software defined networks make the network easier to manage by separating the decision-making part (control) from the data movement part. This allows operators to quickly set up and adjust different slices to meet the needs of different users or services.

• The control plane
  The control plane is like the brain of the network. It handles instructions, decides how data should flow, and ensures the network works properly. In network slicing, it helps direct data to the right slice and makes sure each slice runs smoothly and efficiently.

• Recursion
  Recursion in network slicing means adjusting and reconfiguring slices as needed. For example, if one slice gets too busy, the network can make changes on the fly to maintain performance. This adaptability ensures that all slices meet their specific service requirements, even during unexpected changes.

• The network slice controller (orchestrator)
  The orchestrator is like the manager of all the slices. It ensures each slice gets the right amount of resources, tracks how well they’re working, and makes adjustments when needed to meet service promises.

• Single-Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI)
  S-NSSAI is like an address label for network slices. It helps connect devices or services to the right slice by identifying which one meets their needs. This ensures that every user or application gets the correct network resources for specific requirements, such as speed, reliability, or capacity.

How does 5G network slicing work?

Imagine a highway with dedicated lanes: one for trucks, another for cars, and one for emergency vehicles. They all share the same road, but each lane operates independently to ensure smooth traffic flow. This is how 5G network slicing works. Slicing a network means creating virtual ‘lanes’ within the same physical infrastructure, each designed to meet specific needs.

Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) slices prioritize high-speed, high-capacity tasks integral to 5G in sports and entertainment, like streaming videos or online gaming, to ensure no buffering or delays. Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC) slices handle vast numbers of connected devices, such as sensors in smart cities, by efficiently managing low-data-rate traffic. Meanwhile, Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (uRRLC) slices guarantee fast, dependable connections for critical tasks like remote surgery or autonomous vehicles.

Key architectural elements make all of this possible. Network functions virtualization replaces bulky hardware with software, allowing quick adjustments. SDNs separate decision-making from data movement, making the network easier to manage. The control plane acts as the network’s brain, while recursion ensures slices adapt in real-time. The network slice controller manages resources, and S-NSSAI ensures devices connect to the right slice. These technologies create a responsive, efficient network tailored to diverse demands.

5G network slicing examples and use cases

Not sure how 5G network slicing works in practice or whether it’s valuable for your business? Look at these use cases to understand how organizations leverage network slicing to improve their services.

Logistics (fleet management and asset tracking)

Logistics companies must manage a large number of vehicles and shipments daily. Massive machine-type communications slicing allows companies to track these in real-time, using IoT sensors on trucks and packages to send frequent updates to a centralized system.

This 5G network slicing example demonstrates how logistics companies can ensure reliable connectivity across large fleets, improve route efficiency, reduce delays, and enhance supply chain transparency. This leads to cost savings and higher customer satisfaction.

Live event streaming

A media company streaming live concerts or sports events needs Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) slicing. For high-bandwidth activities like this, businesses must deliver a seamless experience that doesn’t suffer from lags or buffering issues. Network slicing ensures users can stream video in ultra-high definition, and operators can use interactive features, such as real-time stats or audience engagement.

By offering a superior user experience, businesses can attract larger audiences and increase revenue through subscriptions or advertising.

Healthcare (remote consultations and surgery)

Hospitals and clinics can use 5G network slicing to support medical services and remote surgeries. A dedicated connection with ultra-reliable low-latency communication allows doctors to stream videos in real-time, allowing them to connect with patients in rural or remote areas or patients with mobility issues.

This 5G network slicing use case illustrates how it can improve access to healthcare, enhance patient outcomes, reduce travel costs, and expand a healthcare provider’s reach.

Why is 5G network slicing 3GPP recognized?

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is the umbrella name for organizations that define and develop telecom standards and protocols. They recognize network slicing as a cornerstone of the 5G revolution, allowing operators to leverage 5G's full potential by offering tailored solutions for diverse industries.

No matter your business, using 5G infrastructure across multiple virtual networks allows you to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and enable new, innovative applications. Let’s explore how you can achieve all these benefits and more:

Allocate resources efficiently

5G network slicing is all about making sure resources are being used in the right places. Multiple network connections mean you can distribute these resources exactly where needed to maximize efficiency and minimize waste. For example, IoT devices may not need a lot of bandwidth, but live sports streaming certainly does.

Support multiple tenants or service providers

5G network slicing allows multiple users, businesses, or service providers to operate independently on the same infrastructure. Think of a stadium during a concert: one slice ensures flawless live streaming, another supports vendors processing digital payments, and a third handles emergency services. Each tenant gets the service they need without interference, ensuring a better overall experience.

Enhance Quality of Service (QoS)

Every service and application has its requirements, some greater than others. Using 5G network slicing, you can customize each slice to meet service-level agreements and customer demand. For example, a slice dedicated to autonomous vehicles can guarantee ultra-low latency and high reliability, while a slice for online gaming focuses on bandwidth and speed.

Reduce operational costs

Managing a large amount of hardware takes a lot of time and resources. Slicing a single 5G infrastructure into multiple connections reduces the need for expensive physical equipment, making it easier to scale services up or down, saving money in the long term.

Considerations for successful 5G network slicing implementation

The benefits of 5G network slicing are clear, but successful implementation requires attention to a few critical areas:

• Security: Maintaining the network's security can be more difficult when managing multiple connections. Each slice must be isolated to prevent breaches or interference between slices, so robust encryption and access controls are key.

• Testing: Testing is crucial to successfully implementing any new technology. It helps ensure that each slice performs as it should, checking for latency, reliability, and compatibility with various devices and services.

• Expertise: Technology only works if people know how to use it properly. Organizations need skilled teams or partners who understand the complexities of 5G network slicing to effectively plan, deploy, and maintain the system.

5G network slicing technology: Just one way to make the most of 5G

This guide has covered why network slicing is required in 5G, how it works, and what benefits you can expect. But the truth is that 5G network slicing is just one piece of the puzzle: by taking advantage of other technologies like Network APIs, businesses can further enhance connectivity, innovate faster, and create exceptional user experiences.

Ready to elevate your 5G strategy? Learn more about Network APIs here.