Can 5G really perform network slicing?

1. Network slicing divides a network into independent use cases, each tailored to provide specialized services. In the traditional 4G (LTE) era, APN (Access Point Names) were the first form of network slicing in mobile networks, allowing operators to partition their networks based on service requirements.

2. 5G network slices, defined by 3GPP, feature independent network instances with independent control and user plane processing. These slices require support from the 5G Core Network (5GC), which is only used in 5G with Standalone Architecture (SA).

3. Network Elements and Identifiers: Slicing deployments in 5G include network functions such as the user equipment (UE), next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN), control plane functions (e.g., AMF, PCF, SMF), and user plane functions (e.g., UPF). Each network slice is identified by an S-NSSAI (Slice Service Type), which includes a Slice Service Type (SST) to indicate the service to which the network slice applies. Network operators can use standardized SST values ​​such as:

• 1 for enhanced mobile broadband,
• 2 for ultra-reliable low-latency communications,
• 3 for massive IoT,
• 4 for vehicle-to-everything (V2X),
• 5 for high-performance machine-type communications. They can also use locally defined, non-standardized SST values.

4. Terminal Network Slicing Support: For SA (standalone) 5G terminals (UEs) configured with the USRP (UE Routing Policy), they can select S-NSSAI for network slicing (services) based on the desired application (depending on the application's quality of service requirements). For example, Samsung's first Galaxy S24 Ultra equipped with the URSP enables slice selection and service execution within the 5G system.

5. System Network Slicing Support: ADC (Detection and Control) is enabled (a function within the 5G core network elements PCF (Policy Control Function) and SMF (Session Management Function)). ADC is used to identify applications or traffic on the network side, apply policies such as quality of service, billing, or redirection, and implement real-time traffic classification and prioritization.

6. Network Slicing Commercial Deployment Examples: Singapore Telecommunications (Singtel) has launched Singtel 5G+, an advanced "network slicing" innovation that delivers a new standard of connectivity and a prioritized experience through three key features:

• Singtel 5G+: The only network using the 700MHz spectrum band, delivering optimal nationwide coverage, even indoors.
• Singtel 5G+ Ehanced: Wider coverage and faster speeds, with consistently up to 2x speeds.
• Singtel 5G+ Priority: Prioritized network channels with 4x faster speeds, always prioritizing services and detecting emerging