Netzslicing

NetzSlicing is the practice of creating multiple logically isolated network instances, or slices, on a common physical and virtualized infrastructure to support diverse services with distinct requirements. Each slice can have its own bandwidth, latency, reliability, security, and routing characteristics while sharing underlying resources.

It is enabled by network function virtualization (NFV), software-defined networking (SDN), and comprehensive orchestration within 5G networks. End-to-end NetzSlicing spans the radio access network, transport, and core, relying on policy-driven resource allocation and lifecycle management. Standards bodies such as 3GPP define end-to-end slicing concepts and interfaces, while ETSI NFV provides virtualization and management functions, with open platforms and open-source MANO projects supporting implementation.

The architectural model introduces slice-aware control planes and network function constructs. Core components include a Network Slice Manager and Network Slice Subnet Management Function, along with resource controllers and orchestration components. A Network Slice Selection Function and related interfaces help route user traffic to the appropriate slice. Slices may be composed from reusable subnets and deployed on shared or dedicated infrastructure, enabling flexibility in resource assignment and isolation.

Lifecycle management covers design, instantiation, operation, and termination of slices, together with policy-based resource allocation, performance monitoring, and strong isolation guarantees to prevent cross-slice interference. NetzSlicing aims to provide predictable performance, reliability, and security for heterogeneous services on a common network platform.

Typical use cases include enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) for high data rates, ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) for critical applications, and massive machine-type communications (mMTC) for IoT. By tailoring network profiles to each vertical, NetzSlicing supports industries such as automotive, manufacturing, and public safety while optimizing resource efficiency.