A network slice is used to securely connect public mobile radio to a company's cloud. This allows companies to ensure that their employees can access their applications via a secure and high-quality network slice. The new solution makes it easy for companies: it enables automated configuration, provisioning and end-to-end orchestration of network slices. Additional configuration of company devices by employees is not necessary. The prerequisite for the new solution was a successful feasibility study.

"In our feasibility study, we demonstrated the potential of 5G network slicing functions for companies. They enable new and flexible services that are tailored to individual needs," says Kaniz Mahdi, SVP Technology Architecture & Innovation at Deutsche Telekom. "Together with our partners, we want to turn this innovation into convincing solutions. And thus support the digitalization of our corporate customers."

The slice design tool

A slice design tool enables flexible booking, management and analysis. The extended functions of the slicing solution also include the configuration of devices at app level via Mobile Device Management (MDM) and User Equipment Route Selection Policy (URSP). In addition, the Business Support System (BSS) TM Forum provides APIs for integration into third-party management interfaces. In this way, external management systems can take over the ordering and management of network slices.

The feasibility study was implemented in a 5G Standalone (SA) test environment in a Telekom laboratory. Ericsson provided the 5G core network, the radio access network (RAN) and the end-to-end orchestration including URSP. Deutsche Telekom provided the management interface and the business support systems (BSS).

Network Slicing

Network slicing is a key architectural feature of 5G Standalone (SA) that allows multiple virtual networks to be created on a single physical network infrastructure. Different service features and quality parameters can then be provided for each slice, adapted to customer requirements. The slices are completely isolated from each other. These technical requirements enable the development of new, differentiated services and business models.