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Benefits of Network Slicing in a 5G World
Technology has reached a milestone, with 5G speeds ranging from 100 megabits per second (Mbps) to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps). Broadband networking will be crucial in integrating over 29 billion devices into Internet of Things (IoT) solutions.
Meet the Demands of the 5G Era
What Is Network Slicing?
Network slicing allows the creation of multiple virtual networks on top of a shared physical infrastructure. Like a pizza, each virtual (end-to-end) network slice stems from a single 5G network. It can be customized and grouped to suit the operator or application.
This organizational elasticity helps network architects save money and time. It makes their deployment strategies and solutions more efficient.
Network slicing works with different quality of service classes and gives preference and priorities to mission-critical applications. For example, first responders are given priority over a smartphone streaming video. Network slicing enables the network to preemptively react to critical situations by dynamically assigning resources from less-important slices to mission-critical ones.
The Current State of 5G Network Slicing
5G network slicing’s full potential and 5G’s promise rely on achieving 5G stand-alone (SA) technology. However, non-stand-alone (NSA) underpinned most 5G services for the longest time.
5G NSA was made available because of the pressure to get 5G to the market as soon as possible. Operators had to continue using LTE network infrastructure. For example, from a back-end perspective, the core was still an LTE core. While 5G NSA was essential in the global transition to 5G, this technology type could not break from LTE.
5G SA enables a neater form of 5G, using a cloud-native 5G core instead of an LTE core. This provides MNOs with more flexibility. They can utilize virtualized networks and other network architectures. With 5G SA, it is finally possible to tap into 5G’s key advantages, including:
- Better latency and resilience
- More spectrum and capacity on the network
- Network slicing
Why Is It Important for Cloud Solutions?
5G requires large-scale distributed computing and storage infrastructures to perform IoT analytics from sensor and actuator data over the cloud. Companies must ensure their IoT module, connectivity and platform framework can support a 5G network. Redesigning core networks will be a lucrative business strategy in the coming years.
As more businesses upgrade their frameworks to support 5G technologies, the capabilities for multitasking and delegating innovative departments will grow. Industry innovators are evaluating the use of multitenant network slicing on shared platforms to delegate better real-time interactions. 5G will see the integration of every device in the cloud, including portable and wearable devices.
A Practical Example of 5G Network Slicing: How It’s Done
Multitenant network slicing allows wireless carriers to optimize networks to service the requirements of various connected IoT devices. IoT devices aren’t all created equal. In one smart operation, multiple IoT devices may be sending and transmitting data with different bandwidth needs. It makes sense to slice the network according to bandwidth and latency needs.
With a 5G framework, a three-way network slicing could look like this:
1. Massive Control (uMTC): High bandwidth, low latency — self-driving cars, drones, robotic surgery
3. Massive Sensing (mMTC): Low bandwidth, medium latency — IoT, M2M sensors, tracking modules
It also makes sense to monitor and control IoT devices. Network administrators monitor sensory data streams from temperature gauges and energy readings. However, they are not typically part of the same group responsible for controlling drones and updating self-driving vehicle information. Network slicing streamlines workflow and administrative permissions across a complex workspace.
Preparing Networks for IoT Solutions
Telit Cinterion is leading the way to 5G with over 30 years of experience in IoT solutions worldwide. We designed our modules, connectivity services and platforms to make cloud solutions simple and effective across any network.
Our enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) 5G data cards comply with the latest 3GPP releases and support network slicing. We have launched our next-generation Rel 17 products that enable network slicing and resilient, further-improved connectivity with low latency.
Connect with us to learn how our IoT platform can help you slice your network and set up your IoT network architecture.
Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published on 5 October 2018 and has since been updated.
