How does Ericsson's Network Slicing concept impact the planning and implementation of 5G networks?

Network slicing is a key concept in the context of 5G networks, allowing network operators like Ericsson to efficiently provide diverse services with varying requirements on the same physical infrastructure. Here's a detailed technical explanation of how Ericsson's Network Slicing concept impacts the planning and implementation of 5G networks:

1. Definition of Network Slicing:
   • Network slicing is the partitioning of a single physical network into multiple logical networks, each tailored to specific requirements. These logical networks are known as slices and can be customized to support different types of services, such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC).
2. Architecture:
   • In the 5G network architecture, the concept of network slicing is realized through the Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) layer, which orchestrates the instantiation, monitoring, and management of slices. The slices are implemented across the Radio Access Network (RAN), the transport network, and the core network.
3. Radio Access Network (RAN) Impact:
   • Network slicing in the RAN involves the allocation of dedicated radio resources and parameters to each slice. This ensures that the different slices can coexist without interference and can meet their specific quality of service (QoS) requirements. Techniques such as beamforming and beam management are employed to optimize radio resources for each slice.
4. Transport Network Impact:
   • The transport network is responsible for connecting the RAN with the core network. Network slicing at this level involves the allocation of transport resources, such as bandwidth and latency, to meet the specific needs of each slice. This ensures that the transport network can support the diverse service requirements, from high-speed internet to low-latency applications.
5. Core Network Impact:
   • In the core network, network slicing enables the creation of dedicated core network functions (CNFs) for each slice. These functions include elements like the User Plane Function (UPF) for data forwarding, Session Management Function (SMF) for session control, and others. Slices are isolated logically, ensuring that the core network can handle the diverse traffic types and QoS requirements efficiently.
6. Dynamic Slicing and Orchestration:
   • Ericsson's Network Slicing concept involves dynamic slicing, where slices can be dynamically instantiated, modified, and terminated based on demand. The orchestration system plays a crucial role in managing the lifecycle of network slices. It utilizes application programming interfaces (APIs) to communicate with various network elements and configure resources dynamically.
7. End-to-End Service Management:
   • Ericsson's approach to network slicing extends beyond individual network domains. It involves end-to-end service management to ensure seamless connectivity and QoS across the entire network, from the user device through the RAN, transport, and core network.
8. Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN):
   • NFV and SDN technologies are integral to Ericsson's Network Slicing. NFV allows network functions to be virtualized and deployed flexibly, while SDN enables dynamic resource allocation and management. These technologies enhance the agility and efficiency of network slicing implementation.
9. Use Cases and Applications:
   • The impact of network slicing on planning and implementation is seen in the ability to cater to diverse use cases and applications. For example, one network slice might be optimized for enhanced mobile broadband, delivering high data rates for video streaming, while another slice might prioritize low latency for applications like augmented reality or industrial automation.