3gpp network slicing specification

3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) defines the specifications for mobile communication networks, and the concept of network slicing is an important development in the 5G era. Network slicing allows a single physical network infrastructure to be divided into multiple virtual networks, each tailored to specific types of services or applications.

Technical Details of 3GPP Network Slicing Specification:

1. Definition:
   • Network slicing is a technique that allows multiple logical networks (or slices) to be created on top of a shared physical infrastructure. Each slice is isolated and can be customized in terms of performance, capabilities, and network functions to meet the specific requirements of different services, applications, or users.
2. Key Components:
   • Slice Instance: Each slice is defined by a unique set of network functions, resources, and policies that determine its behavior and characteristics.
   • Network Slice Subnet: This represents the actual network resources allocated to a slice, including physical and virtual network functions (VNFs), compute resources, storage, and bandwidth.
3. Network Slice Selection, Creation, and Management:
   • Slice Selection: Based on the requirements (e.g., latency, bandwidth, reliability), the network operator selects or creates an appropriate network slice instance for a specific service or application.
   • Slice Creation: Once selected, the network slice is instantiated by allocating the necessary resources and configuring the corresponding network functions.
   • Slice Management: Operators can dynamically modify, scale, or terminate network slices based on changing requirements or conditions.
4. Slice Lifecycle Management:
   • Slice Lifecycle Phases: The lifecycle of a network slice typically includes phases such as slice instantiation, operation, scaling, monitoring, and termination.
   • Slice Orchestration: Automated orchestration tools and platforms are used to manage the lifecycle of network slices, ensuring efficient resource allocation, performance optimization, and policy enforcement.
5. Service Level Agreement (SLA) and QoS:
   • SLA Definition: Each network slice is associated with an SLA that defines the agreed-upon performance metrics, service levels, and quality of service (QoS) parameters.
   • QoS Enforcement: The network slice management system ensures that the specified QoS requirements are met by dynamically allocating resources, prioritizing traffic, and enforcing policies.
6. Security and Isolation:
   • Slice Isolation: Network slicing ensures logical isolation between different slices to prevent interference, unauthorized access, or resource contention.
   • Security Policies: Each slice can have its security policies, access controls, and encryption mechanisms to protect against threats and vulnerabilities.
7. Interworking and Interoperability:
   • Slice Interworking: Network slices can interoperate with each other and with legacy networks (e.g., 4G, Wi-Fi) through defined interfaces, protocols, and gateways.
   • Standardization: 3GPP specifies the standardized interfaces, protocols, and procedures for interworking between network slices, ensuring seamless integration and interoperability.
8. Network Functions and Virtualization:
   • Virtual Network Functions (VNFs): Network functions such as routing, switching, firewalling, and optimization are virtualized and orchestrated within each network slice.
   • NFV and SDN: Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technologies play a crucial role in enabling the dynamic instantiation, scaling, and management of VNFs within network slices.

3GPP network slicing specification provides a comprehensive framework for creating, managing, and optimizing customized virtual networks within a shared physical infrastructure. This enables operators to efficiently meet diverse service requirements, optimize resource utilization, and deliver enhanced performance, scalability, and flexibility in 5G and beyond networks.