Network slicing: A tailored network solution for enterprise businesses

Network slicing is an innovative capability offered by 5G wireless technology that allows telecom operators to create multiple virtual networks on a shared physical infrastructure. Each ‘slice’ is a customised, end-to-end network tailored to meet the specific requirements of different services, applications or customer segments.

For enterprise businesses, network slicing represents a transformative way to leverage WAN connectivity by providing dedicated network resources for high priority applications that can be backed with service level agreements from carriers.

Features and benefits

1. Customised performance

Network slicing offers customised performance and application optimisation. Customised performance allows enterprises to define specific parameters like bandwidth, latency, reliability and security levels to ensure optimal performance for mission-critical applications or specific industries.

Application optimisation enables support for diverse applications — from high-bandwidth video conferencing to low-latency industrial automation — each with its own tailored network slice.

2. Enhanced security and isolation

With dedicated resources, each network slice operates independently, providing isolation from other network traffic, which enhances security and reduces the risk of interference or congestion.

Organisations can achieve compliance and control, by implementing specific security protocols such as zero-trust, measures within a slice to meet industry regulations and company policies.

3. Dedicated network resources

The value of network slicing lies in the dedicated network resources that it provides, which means that carriers can guarantee traffic, even during times when there is peak congestion on the cellular network.

With simplified management, organisations can streamline network operations with centralised management of multiple slices, reducing complexity.

Practical use cases for enterprises

Below are some use cases for 5G network slicing:

• Manufacturing and Industry 4.0: Implementing a network slice with ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) for real-time control of robotics and automation systems on the factory floor.
• Healthcare services: Utilising a highly secure and reliable slice for telemedicine applications, remote surgery and the transmission of sensitive patient data.
• Transportation and logistics: Deploying massive machine-type communication (mMTC) slices to support widespread IoT sensors for asset tracking, fleet management and supply chain optimisation.
• Financial services: Ensuring high-throughput and low-latency connectivity for trading platforms, secure transactions and data analytics with dedicated network slices.
• Events and entertainment: Providing enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) slices to handle high data traffic and deliver immersive experiences at concerts, sports events or theme parks.
• Smart grid: Utility companies can leverage network slicing to manage and monitor smart grids, ensuring reliable and secure communication for electricity distribution and real-time grid management.
• Public safety: Dedicated slices can be provided to first responders, enabling reliable communication during crises and disasters, with dedicated network resources even when the cellular network is experiencing congestion.
• Broadcast services: Network slices can support high-quality broadcast services for live events, ensuring consistent and reliable delivery of content to large audiences.

Use case deep dive: Remote live broadcast and production

Remote broadcasting has evolved significantly since the inception of television, transitioning from wired connections and film reels to modern satellite links used by outdoor broadcast (OB) vehicles. In recent years, especially during the pandemic, smartphone and PC-recorded videos have become commonplace due to restrictions on dispatching camera teams. The introduction of 5G network slicing offers a promising advancement by merging the affordability and ubiquity of mobile networks with the high-quality standards of TV broadcasts. Now several years on from the pandemic, this innovation is appealing to broadcasters as it enables cost-effective content capture and coverage of niche events or sports.

Cost efficiency

5G slicing allows direct streaming to central production sites, eliminating the need for OB bus-based local production and reducing onsite team sizes. The centralised and cloud-based production setups benefit from reduced costs in communication equipment.

Compared to satellite links, the transmission costs with 5G slicing are significantly lower, enabling high-quality broadcasts in areas where satellite connections are impractical.

Functional benefits and ease of use

Cameras equipped with Wi-Fi and local radios for communication can use 5G to bypass spectrum permits. Equipped with modems and SIMs, cameras can access network slices through self-service portals. 5G facilitates camera usage in diverse locations, including indoors, drones and helicopters.

Reliability and performance

5G network slicing offers performance comparable to satellite solutions, with guaranteed throughput of over 25 Mbps and low jitter latency under 20 ms. Achieving latency or ping under 10 ms makes slicing akin to fibre connections. Bandwidth requirements vary from 10 Mb/s for basic HD to 60-70 Mb/s for multiple cameras.

Market expansion

The technology enables tier 2 and tier 3 broadcasters, influencers and vloggers to enter the market, covering numerous smaller events. Tier 1 broadcasters can utilise more cameras during major events like Melbourne Cup and the Olympics, enhancing coverage.

Security and isolation

Network slices provide secure isolation, protecting broadcast data from public network exposure. This feature is particularly valuable for sensitive situations, such as sports betting.

Deployment and flexibility

Mobile networks with built-in 5G capabilities enable quick and simple setups, allowing smaller teams to operate efficiently without large equipment. The speed and agility offered by 5G slicing were notably utilised during the live coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, where 4G/5G was crucial for timely broadcast solutions.

Why network slicing matters for your business

As enterprises increasingly rely on connected technologies and digital transformation, the ability to have a network that aligns precisely with business objectives becomes a competitive advantage. Network slicing offers:

• Innovation enablement: Accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and Internet of Things (IoT) by providing the necessary network support.
• Business continuity: Maintain consistent and reliable network performance even during peak usage times or network disruptions.
• Strategic partnerships: Collaborate more effectively with telecom providers to co-create solutions that drive business growth and customer satisfaction.
   

Network slicing empowers enterprise businesses to harness the full potential of 5G technology by delivering customisable, secure, and efficient network services tailored to specific needs. It enables a new level of agility and responsiveness, allowing businesses to innovate and adapt rapidly in a dynamic market landscape.

Image credit: iStock.com/xijian