The Impact of Network Slicing on 5G Testing Requirements

Table of Contents

1. What is Network Slicing in 5G?
2. Why Does Network Slicing Matter?
3. How Network Slicing Impacts 5G Test Requirements
4. Role of 5G Frequency Testing in Network Slicing
5. Real-World Applications of Network Slicing 5G
6. Challenges in 5G Network Testing with Slicing
7. Conclusion
8. Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways:

• Network slicing in 5G allows multiple virtual networks to run on a shared physical infrastructure, enabling tailored connectivity for different use cases.
• Each network slice has unique performance requirements, creating a need for specialised 5G test strategies.
• 5G frequency testing becomes critical to ensure each slice delivers reliable performance in terms of speed, latency, and security.
• Industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and autonomous driving rely on network slicing 5G to meet strict service requirements.
• Orbis Systems provides accurate and adaptable 5G testing solutions that align with the evolving needs of network slicing in 5G environments.

As 5G continues to evolve, one concept that has captured the attention of both engineers and enterprises is network slicing. It's a feature that enables a single 5G network to be divided into multiple virtual networks, or "slices," each optimized for specific tasks or services. Imagine a highway where some lanes are reserved for emergency vehicles, others for public transport, and others for everyday cars. That’s what network slicing does for 5G.

This innovation is not just a technical upgrade—it changes the way we test, monitor, and maintain 5G networks. It has created a growing demand for specialized testing tools and methods, particularly 5G frequency testing, to ensure each slice performs as expected. At Orbis Systems, we recognize the importance of adapting testing approaches to keep up with these changes, and we’re here to break it down for you in a way that’s easy to understand.

What is Network Slicing in 5G?

Network slicing allows mobile network operators to create separate, dedicated networks on top of a shared 5G infrastructure. Each slice can be customized to meet the specific needs of a particular service or application. For example, one slice may support low-latency communications for remote surgeries, while another may provide high-speed bandwidth for video streaming.

This is made possible by software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualisation (NFV), two key technologies that allow networks to be flexible and programmable. Each slice is isolated from the others, so what happens in one doesn’t affect the others.

Why Does Network Slicing Matter?

The strength of network slicing is its ability to support a wide variety of services with very different requirements, all on the same 5G network. Here’s why it’s important:

• Efficiency: One infrastructure supports many use cases.
• Customisation: Each industry can get exactly what it needs from the network.
• Security: Slices can be isolated for privacy and protection.

Different industries need different types of network performance, from remote surgeries in healthcare to self-driving cars in transportation. But making sure every slice performs properly means that traditional testing methods are no longer enough.

How Network Slicing Impacts 5G Test Requirements

Network slicing fundamentally changes the way 5G networks are tested. Each slice operates like a self-contained, virtual network, tailored to meet distinct performance requirements. While some slices must deliver ultra-fast data speeds, others prioritize ultra-low latency or exceptional reliability. This variation significantly increases the complexity of testing compared to previous network generations.

Instead of testing the 5G network as a single, unified system, each individual slice must be evaluated to ensure it meets its specific service-level agreement (SLA). Key performance indicators such as speed, bandwidth, latency, reliability, and security must all be assessed on a per-slice basis. Broad, high-level performance checks are no longer sufficient—deep, granular testing is essential.

This evolution has given rise to new testing strategies that go beyond traditional approaches. Each network slice requires its own comprehensive test cycle, often using realistic simulations that replicate intended real-world use cases. Whether it's a slice supporting emergency medical services or one designed to stream live sporting events, every slice must undergo rigorous validation to guarantee consistent, reliable performance under expected conditions.

Role of 5G Frequency Testing in Network Slicing

5G frequency testing plays a central role in ensuring that network slicing performs as intended. Since different slices operate under different frequency bands, it’s important to test each frequency range carefully. High-frequency testing helps slices that handle lots of data, like video streaming or online meetings, perform well. Low-frequency testing is useful for things like sensors, which need to work over long distances without using much power. Mid-band testing helps slices meant for everyday users by balancing speed and coverage. Testing across all these bands ensures every slice works the way it’s supposed to under real-world conditions.

With precise 5G frequency testing, we can evaluate how signal strength, interference, and speed vary across slices. This ensures each slice can deliver the quality users expect, even in crowded or high-stress environments.

Real-World Applications of Network Slicing 5G

Let’s look at some of the ways network slicing 5G is already being used:

• Healthcare: Remote surgeries require ultra-low latency and high reliability. A dedicated slice ensures that there’s no delay or data loss.
• Smart Manufacturing: Factories need real-time data exchange and control over machines. A slice dedicated to automation ensures minimal lag.
• Autonomous Vehicles: Cars that communicate with each other need consistent, low-latency data exchange. Their slice has to support real-time decision-making.
• Streaming Services: High-resolution video needs high bandwidth. A slice for media can optimise performance without affecting other services.

All of these use cases rely on accurate 5G network testing to validate that their specific slices are performing reliably.

Challenges in 5G Network Testing with Slicing

Network slicing makes 5G incredibly powerful, but it also adds layers of complexity to testing:

• Slice Isolation: Each slice must be tested as if it were a separate network.
• Dynamic Behavior: Slices need real-time testing and automation to prevent service issues when created, modified, or removed.
• Frequency Overlap: Multiple slices may share the same spectrum, which increases the risk of interference.
• Scalability: As more devices connect to each slice, testing must ensure performance doesn’t degrade.
• Frequency Band Testing: Testing across frequency bands must address signal strength, interference, and coverage, increasing overall network complexity.

The challenge lies in conducting 5G test procedures that are flexible and robust enough to measure these parameters in real time.

Conclusion

Network slicing is one of the most important innovations in 5G technology. It enables the same physical network to serve many different industries by creating customized, virtual slices tailored to unique needs. But with that power comes responsibility—each slice must be tested to ensure it performs as expected.

This is where 5G frequency testing becomes essential. It allows us to measure how each slice performs across different frequency bands, ensuring that users receive the quality they’re promised. Whether we’re supporting remote surgeries, autonomous cars, or high-definition streaming, reliable testing helps make it all possible.

At Orbis Systems, we’re committed to helping the world’s most advanced networks deliver on their promises. Through our expertise in 5G test, automation, and real-time analysis, we help businesses unlock the full potential of network slicing 5G.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is network slicing in 5G?

Network slicing in 5G means that one physical network can act like many separate networks. It’s like having different lanes on a highway, each one for a different kind of traffic. Some slices might be made just for hospitals to do remote surgeries, while others might be made for people watching videos or for smart factories controlling machines. Each slice gets what it needs in terms of speed, reliability, and security, without being affected by what’s happening in the other slices.

2. Why is 5G frequency testing important for network slicing?

5G networks use different frequencies to deliver different types of services. One slice might need high-speed internet and work on a high-frequency band, while another might be made for long-distance communication on a low-frequency band. 5G frequency testing helps us make sure each of these frequency bands works well. It prevents signals from interfering with each other and helps every slice do its job properly. Without this kind of testing, users could face dropped calls, slow downloads, or glitches in critical services.

3. What are the main challenges in 5G test strategies for network slicing?

The biggest challenge is that network slices aren’t fixed—they can change based on what’s needed. So, testing has to keep up in real time. Another issue is that some slices might use the same frequencies, which can cause problems if they interfere with each other. Each slice also has different needs. Some need to be super-fast, while others need to be super-reliable. Our testing strategies need to handle all of this without slowing down the network.

4. What industries benefit most from network slicing 5G?

Many industries are already using network slicing to make their services better. In healthcare, it helps with real-time video for surgeries. In the automotive world, cars use it to talk to each other and the road. Factories use it to control machines quickly and safely. Even streaming services use it to make sure you get smooth, high-quality videos. Each of these industries benefits because they can have a slice of the network that’s made just for what they need.