As businesses demand faster, smarter and more adaptable connectivity, network slicing is becoming a key capability of 5G. By allowing multiple virtual networks to run on the same physical infrastructure, 5G network slicing opens up new possibilities for innovation, efficiency and control.
In this guide, we’ll explain what network slicing is, how it works, the benefits it brings, and provide real-world network slicing examples across key industries.
Network slicing is a 5G technology that allows operators to create multiple virtual networks on a shared physical infrastructure. Each “slice” is tailored to meet specific requirements. For example, speed, latency or security, so different services can run in parallel without interfering with each other.
The key advantage of network slicing is that it allows different services to operate independently on the same network. For example, a slice for autonomous vehicles can be optimised for ultra-low latency and reliability, while another for video streaming can prioritise high bandwidth.
Each slice is isolated, supporting new service deployment without infrastructure changes and ensuring that performance issues in one do not affect others.
By separating different types of traffic, network slicing also enhances security, reducing the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches. It optimises resource utilisation too, making sure that critical services receive the capacity they need while maintaining overall network efficiency.
Network slicing is a way to divide a single physical network into multiple virtual networks, each designed to meet specific needs. You can think of it like a pizza with different toppings: each slice of pizza represents a virtual network, and just as you can customise toppings for each slice, network slicing allows you to customise the network characteristics for each slice.
Network slicing divides the network into three main layers: the network slice forwarding layer, the network slice control layer, and the network slice management layer.
This layer oversees the lifecycle of network slices, including planning, deployment, maintenance and optimisation. It ensures that slices meet specific service-level agreements (SLAs) and can adapt dynamically to changing demands.
There are four steps to implementing these three components:
In essence, network slicing makes networks more flexible and efficient by allowing multiple services to share the same infrastructure while maintaining their unique requirements.
Now we’ve explored how network slicing works, we’ll share the top reasons businesses are using it:
Having the ability to customise each section of the network means that businesses can use their resources more wisely so they don’t waste money or capacity on services that don’t need it. This smart use of resources can lead to lower costs because companies don’t have to buy more than they really need.
With network slicing you can create special sections of the network that can be adjusted to meet specific needs. For example, one section can be designed for fast video streaming, while another can be set up for secure banking transactions. Businesses can quickly create or change network sections based on what’s happening in real-time. This means they can make quick adjustments to adapt quickly to new demands or problems.
Once you’re able to utilise 5G network slicing, it opens up new ways for businesses to offer unique services, which can create competitive advantage. For example dedicated network slices for IoT devices can support a wide range of applications, from smart manufacturing to public safety, allowing businesses to innovate and expand their offerings. Event organisers could offer temporary network slices for events ensuring optimal network performance even in crowded areas and a new revenue source.
Each network slice can operate independently, which makes it safer. If there’s a problem in one section, it won’t affect the others. This separation is especially important for critical services like emergency response systems, where safety and reliability are crucial. Reliable performance is also especially important for applications that require quick responses and high quality of service, such as autonomous vehicles.
In summary, network slicing makes networks more flexible, efficient and secure, allowing different services to thrive without interfering with each other.
Many industries benefit from network slicing. Here are a few examples:
Network slicing is invaluable for emergency services as it creates isolated virtual networks to provide emergency responders uninterrupted access to critical applications, even during network congestion. This technology supports real-time video streaming, mission-critical push-to-talk, and other advanced tools, enhancing coordination and decision-making.
Additionally, network slicing allows for dynamic resource allocation, ensuring that emergency services receive priority access to network resources when needed, which is crucial for saving lives and responding effectively to emergencies. This flexibility and reliability make network slicing a game-changer for public safety communications. Read network slicing where it matters most for an example of our work.
Hospitals are another environment with a need to prioritise critical communications, ensuring seamless connectivity for real-time applications like remote consultations and surgeries. Network slicing supports advanced medical applications, such as remote surgery and telemedicine, by guaranteeing ultra-low latency and high bandwidth.
This technology enhances patient care by facilitating real-time data exchange and ensuring that medical services operate efficiently and securely. It also supports remote patient monitoring and emergency response systems effectively. Read more about the rise of robotic surgical procedures from the American College of Surgeons.
In manufacturing, network slices can be tailored for specific applications or systems, such as robotic assembly lines, inventory management and quality control. Each slice can be optimised for unique requirements like bandwidth, latency and reliability, ensuring that systems operate efficiently and securely.
For instance, a manufacturing plant can create separate slices for different automation protocols like ethernet or modbus, ensuring that each system receives the necessary resources without interference from other systems.
This not only enhances operational efficiency and security but also supports the integration of new technologies and protocols, allowing industries to stay at the forefront of innovation. By dynamically allocating resources and isolating traffic, network slicing helps prevent disruptions and cyber threats, making it a crucial component for modern industrial automation.
Network slicing helps create special pathways for data to travel quickly and reliably, which is crucial for autonomous vehicles. It allows cars to communicate with each other and their surroundings in real-time, helping prevent accidents and improve traffic flow.
This technology supports features like synchronised driving, where vehicles move together to save fuel. It also ensures that important safety messages get priority over less urgent data, like entertainment. By dedicating specific pathways for different tasks, network slicing helps autonomous vehicles operate safely and efficiently, even when networks are busy.
This enhances overall road safety and vehicle performance. In industrial settings, there is often a mix of autonomous and human driven vehicles so a slice dedicated to vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication ensures that vehicles can communicate with traffic signals, other vehicles, and control centres to enhance safety and efficiency.
5G network slicing is set to transform the way we use and manage networks. Its ability to create customised virtual networks on a single infrastructure offers unparalleled flexibility, efficiency and security. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications and services emerge.
If you're interested in exploring network slicing solutions for your business, Three Group Solutions can help you leverage the full potential of 5G network slicing to enhance your operations and deliver superior services to your customers. Contact us using the form below or read more about our private network services here.