Introduction
In this article, we are going to discuss about need for network slicing in 5G era and how SRv6 can help us to achieve network slicing to fulfil the requirement of 5G.
In the fast-evolving landscape of telecommunications, the traditional design of IP backbone, metro, and mobile bearer networks has posed challenges for seamless service deployment and efficient network management. Recognizing the need for a unified, ultra-broadband, and intelligent IP bearer network, the industry is transitioning towards an “Everything over IP” approach. One key solution to address the diverse service requirements on this unified network is network slicing. SRv6 based network slicing provide best solution to overcome these challenges.
Network Slicing Unleashed
As the demands of 5G services vary widely, with characteristics ranging from high bandwidth to low latency and high connection density, a one-size-fits-all approach to network infrastructure is no longer viable. Network slicing emerges as a groundbreaking solution, creating multiple virtual networks over a shared physical network. Each virtual network, or slice, is tailored to meet the specific requirements of different services, providing a customized network topology and dedicated resources.
Diverse 5G Service Requirements
The 5G era introduces three main service types:
eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband): Catering to bandwidth-intensive services like HD video, VR, and AR.
URLLC (Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications): Focused on latency-sensitive and reliable services, such as autonomous driving, telemedicine, and industrial control.
mMTC (Massive Machine Type Communications): Covering scenarios with high connection density, like smart cities and smart agriculture.
Network Slicing Essentials
To achieve the differentiation required for various services, network slicing ensures secure isolation and reliability. Data and information are effectively isolated between tenants, and any network exception or failure for one tenant does not impact others on the same network.
SRv6 Empowering Network Slicing
Enter SRv6, a revolutionary technology that enhances the efficiency of network slicing. In SRv6 scenarios, End SIDs are allocated to physical nodes, and End.X SIDs are allocated to physical links. This allocation ensures that logical nodes or links in network slices use the SIDs of the underlying physical network directly.
Control Plane Magic
The control plane of network slicing, illustrated through the example of L3VPNV4 over SRv6 TE Policy, showcases the route advertisement process. PE2 advertises VPN route information to PE1, incorporating color, next hop, and VPN SID. SRV6 TE Policy, associated with a slice ID, enables PE1 to forward data to the appropriate network slice, ensuring secure isolation.
Data Forwarding Symphony
In the data forwarding phase, SRv6 facilitates the seamless transmission of packets within the network slice. The process involves packet encapsulation with SRH information, HBH Options header carrying the slice ID, and IPv6 basic header. Transit nodes forward packets based on SRH information, associating them with the specified network slice interface.
Slice ID-Based Network Slicing
Crucially, slice IDs play a pivotal role in connecting the control and forwarding planes. This approach, termed slice ID-based network slicing, ensures the smooth flow of data between the two planes, providing a holistic solution for the evolving needs of the 5G era.
Conclusion
As the telecommunications industry propels into the 5G era, the combination of network slicing and SRv6 technology stands as a transformative force. By addressing the diverse requirements of services through tailored virtual networks, network slicing, empowered by SRv6, not only enhances the efficiency of data transmission but also opens new avenues for carriers to provide on-demand, customized, and differentiated services, ushering in a new era of value growth.