Nokia and Google have successfully tested a network slice selection that runs on 4G/5G networks that connects a smartphone to multiple slices across consumer and enterprise applications simultaneously.
The slice trial involved using UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) technology and Google Pixel 6 Pro smartphones running Android 13. When deployed, the solution will provide new 5G network slicing services and enhance customer application experiences on Android devices.
What is network slicing?
Network slicing is building and managing a network that meets and exceeds emerging requirements from a wide range of users. The network is transformed into a set of logical networks on top of a shared infrastructure. Each network is then designed to serve a defined purpose (either enterprise or consumer) and comprises all the required resources that are connected end-to-end.
The idea is that this will enable new business model innovation and use cases from all verticals as well as create new revenue opportunities for communication service providers. It allows for operators to deliver services faster with high security, isolation and characteristics to meet contracted SLA.
For example, an enterprise customer could send business-sensitive information using a secure and high-performance network slice while in a video call using another slice simultaneously. Consumers could also receive personalized network slicing for cloud gaming or high-quality video streaming.
The trial
The project took place at Nokia’s network slicing development center in Tampere, Finland, and included LTE-5G New Radio slice interworking functionality.
The trial was conducted using Nokia’s end-to-end 4G/5G network portfolio across RAN-transport-core as well as related control and management systems. 5G network slice selection was included in the trial and connectivity based on both enterprise and consumer categories were in the project.
Nokia has previously carried out line network deployments and trials globally that included new slicing capabilities such as:
- Edge slicing in virtual private networks
- LTE NAS-SA end-to-end network slicing
- Fixed wireless access (FWA) slicing
- Sliced private wireless
- Sliced management automation and orchestration
