5G Slicing: Four Key Principles for Successful Implementation
In order for 5G network slicing to effectively change the
current model, please consider the following four key principles for successful
implementation.
Network slicing has been touted as a key capability for 5G
monetization. In fact, Gartner predicts that 5G network slicing will become a
key differentiation function in the next one to three years. However,
considering the scope and scale of control required for network slicing, true
end-to-end 5G network slicing will be a challenging move for most service
providers.
In order for network slicing to evolve from a relatively simple
proof-of-concept demonstration to a production-scale implementation, service
providers not only need to develop their tools, but also their operational
processes.
In the current typical service provider environment,
activities in various fields are loosely connected. We usually see that the RAN
(Radio Access Network) team operates independently from the mobility core team,
while the latter operates independently from the transmission network team.
This applies to planning activities, network creation and operation. Of course,
for service providers, a certain degree of cross-team coordination is
necessary, that is, when necessary, capacity planners and architects will look
for cross-domains to ensure that sufficient capabilities and capacity are designed
into the network.
In order for 5G network slicing to effectively change the
current model, please consider the following four key principles for successful
implementation:
·
·
·
·
More than five areas of network slicing
management-understand all five areas
The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) defines five
key functions/domains in the 5G network fragmentation management model:
•
Communication Service Management Function (CSMF)-Transform service requests
into network fragment requirements
•
Network Slice Management Function (NSMF)-Coordinate the creation and management
of network slices for each subnet (domain)
• Three
types of network slicing subnet management functions (NSSMF)-RAN, 5G core
network, and transport network all manage their own slicing components.
Each of these functions has highly specialized requirements.
For example, NSMF must be able to integrate across domains to ensure the
correct creation and management of a potentially large number of sharded
instances, while NSSMF must be designed to interact with specific types of
network functions suitable for its domain. RAN NSSMF will be optimized to talk
to RAN network elements, while 5G core NSSMF will have a completely different
set of interfaces, configurations and services, which must be managed.
Transmission network (TN) NSSMF will have a unique set of
challenges, because in fact there are multiple network areas that will fall
into the category of TN-backhaul/xhaul components, as well as data center
networks, optical networks and cloud networks are all considered to be TN NSSMF
Scope. According to my experience, it is useful to regard TN NSSMF as a multi-domain
environment. This environment may require multiple platforms and tools, which
can be integrated between different transmission network technologies to
effectively and efficiently perform sharding, Management activities.
A customized framework is essential to solve a unique
environment
Although at an abstract level, the environment of each
mobile operator looks the same. There is a RAN, they have transmission
networks, and they have 5G core network functions. But the reality is that
every environment is unique. No two mobile suppliers have the same set of
suppliers, operating support systems (OSS)/IT service management (ITSM)
systems, and operating models. For example, some mobility providers also own
transmission circuits and fibers to their areas and base stations, while other
providers lease connection services from cable providers. In addition, some
mobility vendors have begun to work with hyperscale vendors to provide or
enhance their edge strategies. All these differences will mean that each mobility
provider will need to consider which aspects of their infrastructure they can
directly control, and which aspects they need to rely on third parties to
provide. In the case of a third-party provider, the mobility provider needs to
coordinate with these aspects and agree on the level of engagement and
participation that can be promised in order to implement network fragmentation
management. Therefore, although each service provider may conform to the 3GPP
network slice management framework, each implementation of the framework looks
different. This will make customization a necessary activity.
Exposure will be a key differentiating factor and driving
factor, but there are also risks
The definition of the 5G network slicing framework includes
stipulating that service providers have the ability to selectively disclose
part of their network slicing management infrastructure. This will enable
service providers to stand out from the competition, provide their customers
with highly granular control, and enable them to consume and create customized
network fragments. However, this also requires service providers to control how
and when their customers request changes and what changes are allowed at any
given time to ensure performance and compliance with service level thresholds.
If improperly implemented, this opportunity is very risky.
Service providers will need to carefully consider the level and types of
controls they expose to customers, while ensuring that they use effective
monitoring and assurance frameworks to mitigate risks.
Operation will be more difficult than creation, so plan
accordingly
The early proof of concept of 5G network slicing showed that
there are technical components that perform end-to-end network slicing.
However, when the operations team is responsible for managing the collection of
network slicing instances of the entire mobile network, the real challenge will
come. Processes like change management will need to be developed to include
consideration of the impact of dynamically created slice instances. These
processes are new to most operations teams and require training and tools,
which do not currently exist in most carrier environments. We predict that the
difficult task is not to create shards, but to develop the daily activities of
the operations team to ensure that network shards are healthy and will be
managed. This will require a higher level of coordination between the RAN, 5G
core and the transmission team, which is currently present in most mobile
operators.
Although these four principles bring unique challenges, 5G
network slicing has huge opportunities to open up additional business streams
for mobile operators. The successful operators will be those who understand the
technology and can effectively transform their tools, personnel, and processes
to achieve technological advantages while managing risks.