Network slicing is a type of virtual networking architecture in the same family as software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV) — two closely related network virtualization technologies that are moving modern networks toward software-based automation. SDN and NFV allow far better network flexibility through the partitioning of network architectures into virtual elements. In essence, network slicing allows the creation of multiple virtual networks atop a shared physical infrastructure.
What is Network Slicing? A Look at Network Slicing in Action
To abstract the network resources from the underlying physical hardware, the control plane and user plane are separated. Doing so allows user-plane functionality to move to the network edge, and management functionality to remain at the core. This evolved scenario permits the implementation of network slicing.
In this virtualized network scenario, physical components are secondary and logical (software-based) partitions are paramount, devoting capacity to certain purposes dynamically according to need. As needs change, so can the devoted resources. Using common resources such as storage and processors, network slicing permits the creation of slices devoted to logical, self-contained, partitioned network functions.
One of the primary benefits of network slicing is that network slices can be specifically configured to support certain use cases — whether that use case is the smart home, the Internet of Things (IoT) factory, the connected car, or the smart energy grid. Each use case receives a unique set of optimized resources and network topology—covering certain service level agreement-specified factors such as connectivity, speed, and capacity that all suit the needs of that application.
Network Slicing Is Essential to Tomorrow’s Networks
Technologies like SDN and NFV are essential to the evolution that is taking place in today’s network architectures. Yesterday’s legacy physical infrastructures are in the process of breaking down into customizable, logical elements that can be controlled programmatically to provide custom levels of connectivity. By maximizing flexibility in this way, network slicing is on the precipice of enabling the future of connectivity.