The Third 5G Network Slicing Summit was held online under the theme "5G Network Slicing: Drive B2B Success and Empower Industries". This summit was sponsored by the 5G Slicing Association (5GSA) and co-hosted by Huawei and China Mobile.
At this summit, the latest achievements of the 5GSA were unveiled and a ceremony was thrown to induct new members. In addition, experts and representatives from various organizations and enterprises took a deep dive into network slicing, and sketched out a plan for the future. The participants included China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), China's Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), IMT-2020 5G Promotion Group, China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom, Huawei, AsiaInfo Technologies, and China Sports Media.
5G network slicing is a basic 5G capability, and also a highlighted feature that distinguishes 5G from 4G. It infuses vertical segments with 5G strength. The enormous benefits of network slicing will be borne out of 5G SA networks and implanted in diverse industries. China has built up the largest commercial 5G SA network in the world, providing fertile ground for maturing 5G network slicing. On the other hand, there are challenges ahead to commercialize network slicing. In terms of technical implementation, it spans multiple subnets and involves complex service processes. Operations and management cannot be accomplished at one stroke. It is difficult to streamline slicing across the network as a whole and enable smooth communications among devices from different vendors. Huawei, together with the three major Chinese carriers — China Mobile, China Telecom, and China Unicom — are actively promoting the commercial application of network slicing in various industries and have made remarkable achievements.
At the summit, the 5GSA interpreted and discussed the Categories and Service Levels of Network Slicing White Paper. This document provides technical reference for the early commercialization of network slicing, bridging the gap between theory and practice. It classifies network slicing capabilities into five levels based on the slicing standards, implementation, and service requirements from vertical sectors. According to this classification, service providers can precisely tailor slicing capabilities for different industries.
No less important, was the presentation regarding the smart grid project at China Southern Power Grid which has become the first global PoC case of 5G SA network slicing in GSMA. This project leverages network slicing to address the electric power industry's requirement for reliable services, secure data, and manageable resources. It also verifies the feasibility of the GSMA Generic Network Slice Template (GTS) and proves that the GTS can be continuously polished through new projects. More importantly, it inspires others to apply network slicing in other vertical industries around the world.
The 5GSA officially welcomed four new members — China Telecom, China Unicom, AsiaInfo Technologies, and China Sports Media — that will work together with other alliance partners to advance the commercial use of network slicing and boost the 5G business.
5G network slicing will fuel the digitalization of thousands of industries. To achieve this vision, all participants need to take action. The 5GSA provides a grand always-open platform for partners worldwide, aiming to unleash the full potential of network slicing and take the 5G market to new heights. Joint efforts will streamline the slicing process for everything from terminals and networks, to applications and verticals, and unlock more and more business models.
The 5GSA was founded in 2018. It aims to leverage network slicing to empower business transformation and create value for industries and society as a whole. It continuously identifies service requirements from different industries and explores the optimal business models. For more information, or join the 5GSA, visit www.5gnsa.org.
Source: https://www.huawei.com/en/news/2020/7/the-third-5g-network-slicing-summit