In this installment of network slicing 101, we’ll take a look at the basics of network slicing as it relates to both 4G and 5G use cases
Network slicing is often viewed as a single concept within 5G, wholly dependent on 5G networks. However, while 5G use cases will definitely benefit from the ability to dynamically create network slices, it is possible to implement network slicing over 4G networks.
4G network slicing
To date, the majority of announced network slicing PoCs and field trials have involved either fixed line or 4G wireless networks. Partially, this is because 5G networks are in the infancy stages of standardization and pre-standards production deployments. At the same time, there is clear evidence that network operators are eager to tap onto the potential that network slicing holds in order to better serve their existing customers today.