Standalone 5G and Network Slicing: Potential, Challenges, and Real-World Implications

As the telecom industry pushes forward with 5G, the vision of fully standalone (SA) 5G networks and the promise of network slicing have sparked both excitement and skepticism. While SA 5G aims to unlock the full potential of 5G capabilities, many operators are cautious, questioning whether the benefits of transitioning from non-standalone (NSA) architectures are worth the investment. A key part of this debate revolves around network slicing—a concept heralded as a revolutionary tool for offering tailored network experiences. However, beneath the hype lies a complex landscape of technical, operational, and business challenges that call into question the viability and impact of slicing in its current form.

Network Slicing: More Than Just QoS Management

Network slicing allows operators to create multiple virtual networks, each with customized characteristics, on a shared physical infrastructure. This means a single 5G network could simultaneously support ultra-low latency services for autonomous vehicles, high-capacity slices for streaming, and secure, dedicated slices for critical infrastructure. In theory, slicing could transform the way networks are used and monetized, offering specialized services that meet diverse needs. But the reality is more nuanced, and slicing may not be the panacea many had hoped for.

1. Slicing Isn’t a Cure-All for QoS Issues—Coverage Remains King

One of the biggest misconceptions about network slicing is that it can dramatically improve user experience by eliminating congestion. However, the primary factor impacting QoS is often not congestion but coverage. Studies have shown that most connectivity issues arise from weak or inconsistent signal coverage, not network overload. Thus, even a perfectly managed slice with guaranteed congestion-free performance would only provide marginal improvements if coverage problems are not addressed. In urban centers and dense environments, slices might offer some benefits, but in rural or less developed areas, the impact is minimal. Ultimately, the best way to enhance QoS is through investments in coverage expansion, not just slicing.

2. Beyond QoS: Slicing for Unique Features, Security, and Internal Uses

While the discussion around slicing frequently focuses on QoS, there’s untapped potential in creating slices that offer unique capabilities beyond mere traffic management. For example, enterprises might find value in slices that provide enhanced security, akin to upgraded private APNs that safeguard sensitive data. These slices could be tailored for industries like finance or healthcare, where data integrity and privacy are paramount.

Moreover, operators can leverage slicing internally, segregating their services to better manage resources. For example, separating Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) from mobile broadband (MBB) services could optimize performance and prioritize resources based on strategic needs. This internal use of slicing could be a proving ground, demonstrating the benefits to operators themselves before expecting widespread adoption among external customers. In the wholesale market, slicing could enable differentiated services for MVNOs, providing varying levels of access and performance tailored to specific market needs.

3. The Complexity of Slicing Management: A Double-Edged Sword

While network slicing sounds appealing, managing numerous slices simultaneously can quickly become an operational nightmare. The complexity lies not just in creating slices but in ensuring they coexist without degrading the overall network performance. For instance, envision each connected car having multiple slices—one for entertainment, one for safety-critical functions, and another for navigation. Multiply this across manufacturers, and you have a network that’s fractured into dozens of slices, each demanding precise resource allocation.

This complexity also extends to balancing the needs of various slices. Prioritizing one slice inevitably means reallocating resources from another, potentially leading to poorer service for unsliced users. For MNOs, this could result in disgruntled customers and a need to charge high premiums for sliced services to offset the cost, creating a delicate balancing act between maximizing revenue and maintaining overall network quality.

4. Exploring Alternatives: MEC, CUPS, and Open APIs

While slicing captures the imagination, it’s not the only tool available to MNOs. Technologies like Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) offer similar advantages by bringing computation and storage closer to the user, reducing latency, and enhancing performance for applications like industrial automation or local content delivery. Control and User Plane Separation (CUPS) is another strategy that allows operators to dynamically balance control and data traffic, optimizing network efficiency without the need for full slicing.

Moreover, open APIs and new 5G architectures offer flexible ways to manage traffic and provide differentiated services. These technologies enable operators to tweak network behavior dynamically, offering customized experiences without the rigidity and complexity of managing multiple slices.

5. The Regional Advantage: Leveraging Local Strengths

MNOs are uniquely positioned to offer region-specific services, something global hyperscalers and CDN providers cannot easily replicate. With localized infrastructure and existing relationships, operators can provide targeted solutions for industries that require low-latency, high-reliability services, such as manufacturing or logistics hubs. While global-scale slicing might be a distant reality, MNOs can capitalize on their regional strengths to deliver premium services without overextending their network management capabilities

Conclusion: A Pragmatic Path Forward

Network slicing undoubtedly offers exciting possibilities, but its role should be viewed through a pragmatic lens. Slicing alone will not resolve the most pressing challenges of 5G, such as coverage and overall network efficiency. Instead, operators should consider a balanced approach that combines selective slicing with other technologies like MEC and CUPS, prioritizing overall network improvement over isolated premium services. By focusing on expanding coverage, enhancing core capabilities, and leveraging their regional advantages, MNOs can unlock the true potential of 5G—without becoming ensnared in the complexities of slicing.

The future of 5G is not about fitting every use case into a slice but about creating adaptable, resilient networks that can meet diverse demands without compromising the quality of service for the broader customer base.

Don’t miss our 5G Core and 5G Slicing Training, to learn more about this technology.