What is Network Slicing?
Network Slicing is one of the defining capabilities of 5G — it allows a single physical network infrastructure (RAN + transport + core) to be partitioned into multiple isolated virtual networks, each customised with specific performance characteristics (bandwidth, latency, reliability, security) tailored to different use cases or customers.
How Does Network Slicing Work?
Each network slice is identified by an S-NSSAI (Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information) and consists of: a RAN slice (dedicated or shared radio resources, configured via RAN scheduler or separate carriers), a transport slice (dedicated VLAN/MPLS/SRv6 paths), and a core slice (dedicated or shared AMF/SMF/UPF instances). The NSSF selects the appropriate slice(s) during UE registration. Slice management and orchestration use 3GPP’s NSMF/NSSMF framework.
Use Cases
Separate guaranteed-performance slices for: (1) eMBB consumer broadband, (2) uRLLC factory automation, (3) mMTC IoT sensors, (4) enterprise private VPN services, (5) public safety (MCPTT), each with independent SLAs on the same physical network.
3GPP / Standards Reference
3GPP TS 23.501 (Network Slicing Architecture), TS 28.530 (Network Slice Management)
Related Terms
NSSF | AMF | SMF | UPF | uRLLC | eMBB | Hard Slicing | Soft Slicing
Learn More
This glossary entry is part of the 5GWorldPro Complete 5G Glossary. To go deeper into 5G architecture and technology, explore our 5G Training courses.
