How does the 5G Core network handle network slicing in edge computing scenarios?

Network slicing in the context of 5G refers to the capability to create multiple virtualized and independent logical networks over a common physical infrastructure. Each network slice is tailored to specific service requirements, such as latency, bandwidth, and reliability. In edge computing scenarios, the combination of network slicing and edge computing technologies becomes crucial for supporting diverse applications with varying needs.

The 5G core network, also known as the 5G Core (5GC), is designed to efficiently handle network slicing in edge computing scenarios. Here's a technical explanation of how this is achieved:

1. Service-Based Architecture (SBA):
   • The 5G Core adopts a Service-Based Architecture, where network functions communicate with each other using a standardized interface based on HTTP/2 (HTTP over Transport Layer Security). This architecture promotes flexibility and agility in deploying and managing network functions.
2. Network Function Virtualization (NFV):
   • 5GC leverages NFV principles to virtualize network functions. Virtualized network functions (VNFs) can be deployed as software instances on commodity hardware in edge computing locations, allowing for more efficient resource utilization and scalability.
3. Control Plane and User Plane Separation (CUPS):
   • The 5G Core employs CUPS, which separates the control plane (responsible for signaling and management) from the user plane (responsible for data forwarding). This separation enhances the scalability and flexibility of the network, enabling edge deployments where user plane functions can be placed closer to the edge.
4. Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF):
   • The NSSF is a key element in the 5G Core responsible for selecting and managing network slices. In edge computing scenarios, the NSSF considers the specific requirements of applications and services, such as low latency or high bandwidth, and selects an appropriate network slice accordingly.
5. Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC):
   • MEC integrates computing resources and capabilities at the edge of the network, closer to the end-users or devices generating data. This allows for low-latency processing of data, reducing the need to backhaul data to centralized data centers. MEC complements the 5G Core in edge computing scenarios.
6. Dynamic Orchestration and Resource Management:
   • The 5G Core includes mechanisms for dynamic orchestration and resource management to allocate and deallocate resources based on the changing demands of network slices. This is crucial for optimizing resource utilization and meeting the varying requirements of edge applications.
7. Network Exposure Function (NEF):
   • The NEF provides a standardized interface for exposing the capabilities and context information of the network to external applications. This enables edge applications to request specific network slices with tailored characteristics directly through the NEF.
8. Integration with SDN (Software-Defined Networking):
   • SDN allows for programmable control of network resources. The 5G Core can integrate with SDN to dynamically configure and reconfigure the network infrastructure, optimizing it for specific edge computing scenarios.