Network Slicing
Favorite
Created time @October 13, 2025 2:22 PM
Type
Archive
UNIT III – NETWORK ARCHITECTURE AND
PROCESSES
Topic: Network Slicing
1. Introduction
In 5G networks, a wide range of use cases—such as enhanced mobile
broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC), and
massive IoT (mIoT)—require different network characteristics.
Traditional mobile networks followed a “one-size-fits-all” approach, meaning
the same network served all users and services, which led to inefficiency and
poor optimization.
Network slicing is a revolutionary concept that allows the creation of multiple
logical networks (slices) over a shared physical infrastructure, where each
slice is optimized for a specific service, customer, or industry requirement.
It is enabled by key technologies like Software Defined Networking (SDN) and
Network Function Virtualization (NFV), which allow dynamic configuration,
automation, and flexibility.
2. Definition
A Network Slice is a logically separated end-to-end network that provides
specific network capabilities and characteristics tailored to a particular service
or customer.
Each slice operates independently but coexists on the same underlying
physical infrastructure.
Network Slicing 1
It includes all necessary network components—radio access, transport, and
core network—configured together to meet the desired service requirements.
3. Need for Network Slicing
The exponential growth in the number of connected devices and diverse
application requirements makes static networks inefficient.
Operators must serve different industries such as healthcare, automotive,
smart cities, and entertainment with different QoS (Quality of Service).
Traditional network architectures cannot dynamically allocate resources or
guarantee specific performance metrics.
Hence, network slicing allows operators to deliver customized services while
maintaining efficiency and scalability.
4. Architecture of Network Slicing
The 5G Network Slicing architecture consists of three major layers:
a) Service Layer
Network Slicing 2
Represents the services provided to the end-user or enterprise.
Each service is mapped to one or more network slices that support its
performance requirements (e.g., URLLC, eMBB).
b) Network Layer
Represents the actual logical networks created.
Each Network Slice Instance (NSI) comprises a set of Network Functions
(NFs) and resources (compute, storage, network).
c) Resource Layer
The underlying physical and virtualized infrastructure.
Managed using NFV and SDN, which allocate resources dynamically
among slices.
Supporting Entities:
Network Slice Management Functions (NSMF): Responsible for lifecycle
management—creation, modification, and termination of slices.
Network Slice Subnet Management Functions (NSSMF): Manage specific
parts of a slice (e.g., RAN, core, transport).
Orchestrator: Automates configuration, resource allocation, and
optimization.
5. Working Principle
1. Slice Creation:
A request for a network slice is received from a customer or service
provider specifying requirements such as latency, bandwidth, and reliability.
2. Slice Design:
Based on these requirements, the orchestrator selects appropriate network
functions and allocates resources.
3. Instantiation:
Virtualized network functions (VNFs) are deployed on the infrastructure
using NFV/SDN technologies.
4. Operation:
Network Slicing 3
The slice operates independently, providing end-to-end connectivity with
specific QoS parameters.
5. Monitoring & Optimization:
Continuous monitoring ensures that SLAs (Service Level Agreements) are
met; if not, resources are dynamically adjusted.
6. Requirements of Network Slicing
Depending on service type and customer expectation, slices have varied
requirements:
Traffic Capacity: per geographical area.
Coverage Area: local, regional, or global.
End-to-End Latency: especially for URLLC applications.
Reliability and Availability: high for mission-critical applications.
Security and Isolation: strict isolation among slices.
Mobility Support: seamless handover for mobile users.
User Density: high for massive IoT.
Priority Handling and Charging Policies.
7. Example Use Cases
Slice Type Application Example Characteristics
eMBB (Enhanced Mobile 4K/8K video streaming, High data rate, high
Broadband) AR/VR bandwidth
URLLC (Ultra-Reliable Low Autonomous driving, Ultra-low latency (<1 ms),
Latency Communication) remote surgery high reliability
Smart cities, agriculture High connection density,
mIoT (Massive IoT)
sensors low power
Each slice serves about 100 or more users with guaranteed quality,
performance, and reliability based on its category.
8. Benefits of Network Slicing
✅ Service Customization: Tailored network for specific use cases.
Network Slicing 4
✅ Efficient Resource Utilization: Shared physical infrastructure.
✅ Faster Time-to-Market: Quick deployment of new services.
✅ Improved Customer Experience: Dedicated QoS per user group.
✅ Enhanced Automation: Through SDN and NFV orchestration.
✅ Operational Flexibility: Independent operation and management.
✅ Reduced Risk: Faults in one slice don’t affect others (isolation).
9. Challenges in Implementation
Complex orchestration across multiple network domains.
Maintaining end-to-end QoS across heterogeneous environments.
Security isolation between slices.
Interoperability between vendors.
High initial cost for virtualization infrastructure.
10. Management and Orchestration
The Network Slice Management System performs:
Slice design and creation (blueprint templates).
Resource allocation using AI/ML for prediction-based scaling.
Real-time monitoring for SLA compliance.
Lifecycle management (creation, scaling, termination).
Coordination with OSS/BSS for billing and operations.
11. Relationship to Previous Generations
In earlier networks (3G/4G):
Separation existed only in parts (e.g., multiple PLMN IDs, PDP contexts, or
DNNs).
These provided limited flexibility and isolation.
In 5G, the slicing is end-to-end, covering RAN, transport, and core
networks for complete logical separation.
Network Slicing 5
12. Applications
Smart factories and Industry 4.0 automation.
Smart healthcare and remote surgeries.
Smart cities and public safety networks.
Connected vehicles (V2X communication).
AR/VR and cloud gaming.
Enterprise private networks.
13. Advantages
End-to-end flexibility and scalability.
Improved Quality of Experience (QoE).
Reduced operational expenditure (OPEX).
Enables multi-tenancy business models.
Supports a wide variety of verticals simultaneously.
14. Conclusion
Network slicing is one of the core innovations of 5G architecture, enabling
operators to deliver multiple virtual networks with different performance
requirements on the same physical infrastructure.
It ensures efficiency, agility, and scalability, paving the way for future 6G
evolution, where even finer granularity and AI-driven slicing will dominate next-
generation connectivity.
Network Slicing 6
