What is Hard Slicing?
Hard slicing is a network slicing implementation where physical or strictly reserved logical resources are exclusively dedicated to a specific network slice — with zero sharing between slices even when resources are idle. It prioritises absolute performance isolation over resource efficiency.
How Does Hard Slicing Work?
At the RAN level, hard slicing can mean dedicated spectrum blocks (separate carriers for each slice), dedicated physical resource blocks (PRBs reserved and never shared), or dedicated hardware (separate gNB for each slice). At the core, it means dedicated NF instances (separate AMF, SMF, UPF per slice) on separate physical or virtual infrastructure with no resource pooling.
Use Cases
uRLLC mission-critical slices (industrial automation, remote surgery) where performance cannot be impacted by other slices; public safety and emergency services; regulated industries requiring strict data isolation; national defence applications.
3GPP / Standards Reference
3GPP TS 28.530 (Network Slice Management), GSMA NG.116 (Generic Network Slice Template)
Related Terms
Soft Slicing | Network Slicing | NSSF | uRLLC | QoS
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This glossary entry is part of the 5GWorldPro Complete 5G Glossary. To go deeper into 5G architecture and technology, explore our 5G Training courses.
