6.3 SDN-based network slicing and multi-tenancy

Network slicing in SDN lets multiple virtual networks run on shared hardware. It's like having your own private network within a bigger one, customized for your needs. This tech is key for 5G and beyond.

SDN makes slicing possible by separating the network's brain from its muscles. This lets providers create and manage slices easily, giving each user or app the exact network resources they need.

Network Slicing Concepts

Understanding Network Slicing and Multi-tenancy

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  The Roles of 5G Mobile Broadband in the Development of IoT, Big Data, Cloud and SDN View original

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• 

  Enabling IoT Network Slicing with Network Function Virtualization View original

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  Evaluation of 5G Core Slicing on User Plane Function View original

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  The Roles of 5G Mobile Broadband in the Development of IoT, Big Data, Cloud and SDN View original

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• Network slicing creates multiple virtual networks on shared physical infrastructure
• Each slice operates independently with dedicated resources and configurations
• Multi-tenancy allows multiple users or organizations to share network resources
• Tenants receive isolated network environments tailored to their specific needs
• Slices can be customized for different use cases (IoT, mobile broadband, mission-critical services)

Ensuring Tenant Isolation and Quality of Service

• Tenant isolation prevents interference between different network slices
• Isolation mechanisms include virtualization, containerization, and network segmentation
• Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees performance levels for each network slice
• QoS parameters include bandwidth, latency, jitter, and packet loss
• Traffic prioritization and resource allocation enforce QoS requirements

Resource Allocation Strategies

• Resource allocation distributes network resources among different slices
• Dynamic allocation adjusts resources based on real-time demand and slice priorities
• Static allocation assigns fixed resources to each slice for predictable performance
• Hybrid allocation combines static and dynamic approaches for flexibility
• Resource types include compute, storage, network bandwidth, and radio spectrum

Network Slicing Components

Virtual Network Functions and Service Chaining

• Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) replace hardware-based network functions with software
• VNFs include firewalls, load balancers, routers, and intrusion detection systems
• Service Function Chaining connects multiple VNFs to create end-to-end network services
• Chaining allows customized service delivery for each network slice
• VNFs can be scaled and reconfigured dynamically to meet changing demands

Network Slice Management and Orchestration

• Network Slice Manager oversees the lifecycle of network slices
• Slice Manager functions include slice creation, modification, and termination
• Slice Orchestration automates the deployment and management of network slices
• Orchestration coordinates resource allocation, VNF placement, and service chaining
• Management interfaces allow tenants to monitor and control their network slices

Slice Templates and Customization

• Slice templates provide pre-defined configurations for common use cases
• Templates include resource requirements, QoS parameters, and VNF compositions
• Customization allows tenants to modify templates or create bespoke slice designs
• Slice policies define rules for resource allocation, security, and performance
• Policy enforcement ensures slices adhere to agreed-upon service level agreements (SLAs)