For those that use edge computing and are getting to grips with utilizing a 5G network, there is a term that continues to grow in prevalence: network slicing. Yet just how beneficial is this feature for edge computing? This guide explores the answer.
What is Network Slicing?
Before anything else, it is important to first clarify what network slicing entails. In general, this technology allows operators to use software-defined networking (SDN) to initiate numerous individual virtualized networks across a shared infrastructure. With network slices, it’s possible to support an assortment of services, sets of users, networks, or specific applications – and this can be done over multiple network domains.
Network slicing is particularly known as part of a 5G network. This is because it has the ability to enable various services that demand particular requirements, ensuring these reach the necessary levels of latency, throughput, and reliability. Examples of these services include connected vehicles and voice calls.
What Are the Benefits of Edge Computing With Network Slicing?
Edge computer specialists like things-embedded.com have been increasingly incorporating network slicing into their tailored system design solutions. Below are some of the main benefits that explain why:
An Inexpensive Way to Customize Services
Network slicing is an effective method for customizing services relatively cheaply. Service providers, for example, can use this feature to test out new services before launch. They can also develop and produce new revenue opportunities.
Improved Flexibility and Scalability
An extra level of flexibility and scalability is gained by those that utilize network slicing. This is because you don’t necessarily have to use dedicated hardware to perform various services. As a result, you avoid making expensive hardware purchases, and you can seamlessly scale up and down as required.
Enhanced Network Performance
Another of the main benefits gained is enhanced network consistency and performance. With network slicing in place, it allows for the allocation of resources on demand. Furthermore, customization and flexibility also come into play when it comes to improved overall network performance.
Reduce Hardware and Software Costs
As you can likely gather from the previous points, this all leads to reduced hardware and software costs for organizations. Less money has to be spent on these aspects, which means network slicing helps to reduce those capital costs – allowing a business to streamline its expenditure and boost profit margins.
Greater Security
When using network slicing, service providers are also able to boost security and privacy for an organization. One of the reasons is that data traffic can be isolated for each slice. Doing this and ensuring the data isn’t being interspersed across different slices helps prevent possible security issues.
Conclusion
As demand for 5G networks continues to grow, so does the need for network slicing. Research suggests that between 2020 and 2027, the network slicing market will have a 23.7% compound annual growth rate.
The reason for this is simple: network slices provide several benefits. By being able to produce ‘slices’ which are tailored exactly to specific use cases, it ensures an organization is able to prioritize data when – and where – required.
