Tag: Network slicing

FCC’s Net Neutrality Rules: Navigating 5G’s Network Slicing Debate

As we eagerly anticipate the full potential of 5G technology, regulatory bodies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are tasked with updating policies to accommodate these advancements. A big debate in this area revolves around “network slicing” and how it fits with the idea of net neutrality.

Recently, FCC officials confirmed that the upcoming net neutrality guidelines won’t directly address innovations like network slicing, which are set to redefine what 5G networks can do. Instead, they’ll stick to the rules set in 2015 during the Obama administration. However, FCC officials hinted that even though network slicing won’t have its own rules, it’ll still need to follow the principles of net neutrality. They think the existing regulations on managing networks are flexible enough to cover new services like network slicing.

The FCC’s plan to vote on the new net neutrality rules on April 25 has caused a lot of anticipation and disagreement. Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel’s release of the public draft of her proposal is a big step. It’s expected to be a close vote split along party lines, with Democratic commissioners likely to support the rules.

The draft rules from the FCC address concerns about network slicing potentially being misused to go against net neutrality principles, like creating uneven internet access or “pay to play” schemes. The agency says wireless internet providers need to check if their network slicing services follow the rules for Broadband Internet Access Services (BIAS). They’re not calling network slicing services either BIAS or non-BIAS data services because this technology is still developing.

While some worry that network slicing might be used to break rules against paid prioritization or unfair discrimination, the FCC acknowledges that this technology is still new. So, they’re not making big decisions about all aspects of network slicing yet. But they’re committed to stopping network slicing from going against open internet rules if they’re put into effect.

The FCC advises mobile network operators (MNOs) to carefully consider if their use of network slicing falls under BIAS and to follow the conduct rules. They promise to watch closely for situations where network slicing might be risky for investment, innovation, competition, or benefits for users. If needed, the FCC says they’re ready to take action against harmful uses of network slicing.

In response to the FCC’s cautious approach, Nokia’s Chief Public Policy & Government Affairs Officer, Brian Hendricks, shows support and confidence in the benefits of network slicing. He says Nokia will work with the FCC and others in the industry to show how network slicing can be good while following the rules. Together, they can encourage investment, innovation, and U.S. leadership in the 5G era.

There are differing opinions from both sides of the political spectrum. Brendan Carr, the FCC’s top Republican commissioner, criticized what he sees as an attempt to control the internet again. This reflects the long-standing divide over net neutrality.

T-Mobile’s suggestion to broaden the definition of “reasonable network management” to include innovations like network slicing has both supporters and opponents. Supporters think it’ll help new tech and services, while critics worry it might hurt internet neutrality.

Verizon, along with other companies in the industry, wants to keep a neutral stance on managing networks, saying too many rules could harm new tech like network slicing. This shows the balance regulators must find between encouraging new ideas and keeping the internet neutral.

The FCC’s view on network slicing and net neutrality is a major focus. Some praise the agency for being proactive in updating rules for new tech, while others worry that not having clear rules might slow down innovation and investment. As the FCC deals with the complexities of 5G and net neutrality, the stakes are high. The outcome of the vote will shape rules for years to come and affect how technology develops and how the internet is managed. In this fast-changing tech world, finding a balance between rules and new ideas is key to keeping a fair and innovative digital world.

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5G Networks: Non-Standalone vs. Standalone

Perhaps you’ve heard of something called 5G? Who hasn’t at this point? We’ve even talked about the different names for 5G when it comes to the cellular carriers – i.e. Verizon’s Ultra Wideband 5G or T-Mobile’s Ultra Capacity 5G. However, what you may not know are what the terms SA and NSA used along with 5G mean. These are the two types of 5G and is what we’re going to look at in this blog. 

5G NSA Networks: Bridging the Transition

Non-Standalone 5G networks serve as a transitional phase in the global rollout of fifth-generation cellular technology. Leveraging a hybrid approach, these networks combine a 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) with a 4G LTE core network. This hybridization enables a gradual deployment of 5G, allowing operators to upgrade their RANs before progressing to core network enhancements. Nearly all major global network operators adopted this method, providing a faster transition to 5G than a standalone approach.

Key Characteristics of 5G NSA Networks:

  1. Introduction of New Spectrums: NSA networks boost capacity and delivery efficiency by introducing new 5G spectrums.
  2. Maximization of LTE Base: These networks maximize the use of existing LTE infrastructure, facilitating a smoother transition.
  3. LTE Anchor Requirement: Control plane communication and mobility management depend on LTE anchors within NSA networks.
  4. 5G Evolved Packet Core: The presence of a 5G Evolved Packet Core enables advanced functionalities like video streaming, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and immersive media experiences.
  5. Opportunities for New Use Cases: NSA networks open doors to innovative use cases such as Critical IoT, expanding the possibilities of connected devices.

5G SA Networks: Unleashing the Full Potential

In contrast, Standalone 5G networks represent the pinnacle of 5G evolution. With end-to-end networks boasting 5G cores, SA networks fully realize the benefits of 5G, including ultra-low latency, massive capacity, faster speeds, heightened security, and improved reliability. Importantly, SA networks provide access to all three key 5G service categories: Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC), and Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC).

Key Characteristics of 5G SA Networks:

  1. Target 5G Architecture: SA networks offer a simplified Radio Access Network (RAN) and device architecture, aligning with the ultimate vision of 5G.
  2. Cloud-Native 5G Core: The introduction of a new cloud-native 5G Core enhances network capabilities, paving the way for advanced services.
  3. Ultra-Low Latency and High Reliability: SA networks deliver ultra-low latency and high reliability, crucial for applications requiring real-time responsiveness.
  4. Enhanced Security: Features like end-to-end encryption and network slicing enhance security, ensuring the integrity of data transmission.
  5. Same 5G Coverage for Low Band: SA networks are the only option providing consistent 5G coverage across low bands, ensuring a seamless transition from legacy systems.

How 5G SA Supports Network Slicing

One of the groundbreaking features of 5G SA networks is the ability to support network slicing. This functionality becomes particularly powerful when 5G routers align with current chipsets. Network slicing involves dividing the network into logical and independent slices, each aligned with the service categories of 5G. These slices can be tailored to meet diverse application needs, supporting public safety and catering to unique enterprise requirements.

Navigating the Future of 5G

In the dynamic landscape of 5G, the choice between NSA and SA networks holds strategic significance for service providers. While NSA networks provide a pragmatic stepping stone for early adoption, SA networks unlock the full potential of 5G, offering a comprehensive suite of features and capabilities. However, as the industry marches towards the future of hyper-connectivity, it is imperative to acknowledge and address potential challenges associated with the evolution of SA 5G networks. These challenges may include infrastructure costs, interoperability issues, and the need for substantial investments in technology upgrades. Nevertheless, overcoming these hurdles will be crucial to realizing the transformative benefits that SA 5G promises, ensuring that the transition to the next generation of cellular networks is not only seamless but also sustainable in the face of emerging complexities.

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Verizon and Axon Showcase 5G Network Slicing in Public Safety

Verizon Wireless has recently joined forces with Axon Enterprise Inc., a leader in public safety technology, to demonstrate the capabilities of 5G network slicing in public safety applications. The collaboration utilized Axon Fleet 3, an advanced in-car video system, and Axon Respond, a real-time situational awareness service.

Axon’s in-car video system provides live maps and streaming through mobile cameras to enhance safety officials’ awareness of their surroundings. During the demonstration, Verizon conducted two tests. In one scenario, they deployed a network-slicing-enabled commercial 5G Ultra-Wideband network, while in the other, they used the 5G Ultra-Wideband network without slicing.

Network slicing allows real-time resource allocation and customization of functionalities based on diverse requirements. 5G with network slicing can tailor its performance to various services such as IoT devices, AR/VR use cases, gaming, financial services, and more, each with different bandwidth and latency needs. This optimization not only improves network performance but also enhances cost efficiency and revenue potential.

Verizon’s test results revealed a remarkable 68% improvement in application responsiveness across the network with network-slicing-enabled 5G. Additionally, the reduction in Jitter and the time to the first frame signifies improved accessibility for law enforcement officers. Verizon’s network slicing technology, integrated with advanced AI-ML (Artificial Intelligence – Machine Learning), allows automated network configuration changes and scalability to meet evolving service demands. This dynamic provisioning enhances device efficiency and equips security personnel with heightened situational awareness in challenging environments.

This collaboration underscores Verizon’s commitment to innovation and the advancement of 5G use cases. In recent years, the company has developed a cloud-native architecture, an advanced 5G standalone core, acquired spectrum assets, and implemented network virtualization across its infrastructure.

Verizon is experiencing substantial 5G adoption and momentum in fixed wireless broadband. The telecom giant aims to expedite the availability of its 5G Ultra-Wideband network nationwide, focusing on 5G mobility, nationwide broadband, mobile edge compute, and business solutions.

Verizon is actively building a comprehensive network infrastructure and ecosystem to deliver an exceptional 5G experience. The company continues to deploy Home Internet service in select cities, offering users a maximum download speed of up to 1 Gbps.

Verizon’s 5G mobility service has a significant impact on various industries, including public safety, healthcare, retail, and sports. The success of its 5G network relies on three key drivers: extensive spectrum holdings, particularly in millimeter-wave bands for faster data transfer, end-to-end deep fiber resources, and the ability to deploy a large number of small cells.

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T-Mobile is the First to Make 5G Network Slicing Beta Available to Developers

BELLEVUE, Wash. — August 2, 2023 – T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) today announced it launched a 5G network slicing beta for developers who are working to supercharge their video calling applications with the power of 5G SA. With a customized network slice, developers can sign up to test video calling applications that require consistent uplink and downlink speeds along with lower latency (near-real-time responsiveness) and increased reliability.

“The wireless industry has talked about 5G network slicing for years and at T-Mobile we’ve been putting in the work to bring it to life,” said Ulf Ewaldsson, President of Technology at T-Mobile. “Thanks to our nationwide 5G SA network, T-Mobile is the only operator in the country capable of unlocking this technology so developers can immediately begin creating applications that can one day provide tangible benefits to wireless users everywhere.”  

Data traffic on video calling apps has increased dramatically over the last few years as more people work remotely or stay connected with family and friends on the go. That’s why T-Mobile is inviting developers to build new or create better versions of their applications through its network slicing beta — knowing the customized slice will provide their app with optimized network conditions. T-Mobile plans to expand the network slicing beta to additional application types and use cases in the future.  

T-Mobile’s network slicing beta is available today for iOS developers in Seattle and San Francisco and is expected to expand nationwide and to Android later this year as device manufacturers adopt the slicing capabilities available on Android OS. Any video calling app developer — whether a large corporation or small startup — can sign up for the beta by visiting the Un-carrier’s developer platform DevEdge, and those in the greater Seattle area can join T-Mobile engineers at the 5G Hub to test and validate this capability on their applications. They’ll be among developers already working to supercharge applications from companies like Dialpad Ai, Google, Webex by Cisco, Zoom Video Communications, Inc. and more.

“With the rise of the hybrid workforce and an increase in complex applications, there has never been a more critical need for 5G,” said Brian Peterson, chief technology officer and co-founder of Dialpad. “T-Mobile’s 5G opens up incredible new possibilities for bringing mobile and AI applications to the next level. It gives us the ability to test new capabilities with features like network slicing and, ultimately, supercharge Dialpad and AI adoption for customers across the country.”

“Advanced 5G networks are more important than ever with work increasingly happening on the go in today’s era of hybrid work,” said Amit Barave, Vice President of Product Management, Webex by Cisco. “We are proud to be working side-by-side with T-Mobile to harness cutting-edge features like network slicing that will deliver innovative solutions to customers that empower hybrid work.”

T-Mobile is the leader in 5G, delivering the country’s largest, fastest and most awarded 5G network. The Un-carrier’s 5G network covers 326 million people across two million square miles — more than AT&T and Verizon combined. 285 million people nationwide are covered by T-Mobile’s super-fast Ultra Capacity 5G, and the Un-carrier plans to reach 300 million people with Ultra Capacity this year — nearly everyone in the country.

For more information on T-Mobile’s network slicing beta, visit devedge.t-mobile.com/5g-network-slicing.

For more information on T-Mobile’s network, visit T-Mobile.com/coverage. 

Follow T-Mobile’s Official Twitter Newsroom @TMobileNews to stay up to date with the latest company news.

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Note: Limited-time beta for participating developer network traffic through specialized video calling slice. Capable device required; coverage not available in some areas. Some uses may require certain plan or feature; see T-Mobile.com.

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What is Network Slicing and How is Verizon Using it with 5G?

[VERIZON WIRELESS] SYRACUSE, NY – Verizon recently established connections and passed data over multiple network slices in a completely commercial 5G environment. Network slicing allows customers to send their traffic over virtual end-to-end networks tailored to specific application requirements, while optimizing network performance to support all services. This capability, designed for network traffic on Verizon’s new cloud-native, containerized, virtualized standalone 5G core, will offer unprecedented levels of service agility, flexibility, and automated scalability.

“Matching network performance characteristics to specific application requirements, network slicing promises differentiated customer experiences to efficiently provide our customers with the type of service they need to complete the task they want to complete on our network and provide them an exceptional experience,” said Adam Koeppe, Senior Vice President of Technology Planning at Verizon.

The recent demonstration successfully registered a 5G smartphone to multiple network slices and passed data through the entire network. The demonstration used a commercially available smartphone, virtualized and non-virtualized RAN equipment in production in the field, and Verizon’s multi-vendor 5G standalone core. This end-to-end test successfully accessed network slicing capabilities from the device and validated the ability for the device chipset, operating system, application, radio network base station, and the core of the network to work in harmony to demonstrate a full end-to-end path for data to travel on a virtual network slice. Network slicing will be made available with the evolution of Verizon’s 5G standalone core. In order to take advantage of this network functionality, customers must have 5G network slicing capable devices.

What is network slicing?

This unique 5G capability uses a virtualized network infrastructure to dynamically match network performance characteristics to specific application requirements, while optimizing the network performance to support all services. The advanced capabilities, high speed, increased bandwidth, and low latency of 5G is inspiring development of a wide variety of new use cases that include everything from massive numbers of IoT devices that use very few network resources, to smartphone applications that use data in countless ways, to more complex solutions such as gaming, AR/VR and mixed reality that will require massive computing capabilities and low latency on the edge of the network. Those solutions would each benefit from different combinations of network capabilities. The 5G standalone core’s cloud-native virtualized applications, in combination with built-in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), will enable the dynamic allocation of the appropriate resources, referred to as network slicing. It will also allow for automated network configuration changes, including the ability to scale up or scale down network function capacity in real time – to provide the right service levels and network resources needed for each use case.

For example, utility company smart readers use very little bandwidth, are not latency sensitive, and do not need mobility routing functions as they are in a fixed position attached to homes and do not move. This use case would require fewer network resources. Alternatively, massive multi-player online gaming in a mobile environment would benefit from certain upload and download speeds and low latency to work effectively and provide players an immersive experience on a mobile device. In each case, using network slicing, Verizon would be able to better match network performance to application requirements. In short, dynamic network resource provisioning allows the network to dynamically support the experience a customer should get for the applications they are using and efficiently provide that specific service level when resources are available.

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