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Generic Network Slice Template
Version 8.0
27 January 2023
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Copyright © 2023 GSM Association
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Table of Contents
Introduction 4
1
Overview 4
1.1
Relationship to existing standards 4
1.2
Scope 4
1.3
Definitions 4
1.4
Abbreviations 5
1.5
References 7
1.6
Conventions 9
1.7
Network Slicing 10
2
Roles in network slicing 10
2.1
Generic network Slice Template (GST) 11
2.2
Network slices and roaming 12
2.3
GST Attributes 12
3
Attribute presence 12
3.1
Attribute categories and tagging 12
3.2
Access Type considerations in Attributes 13
3.2.1
Void 13
3.3
Attributes 14
3.4
Availability 14
3.4.1
Area of service 14
3.4.2
Delay tolerance 17
3.4.3
Deterministic communication 18
3.4.4
Downlink throughput per network slice 20
3.4.5
Downlink maximum throughput per UE 21
3.4.6
Energy efficiency 22
3.4.7
Group communication support 23
3.4.8
Isolation level 24
3.4.9
Void 24
3.4.10
Maximum supported packet size 24
3.4.11
Mission critical support 25
3.4.12
MMTel support 27
3.4.13
NB-IoT Support 27
3.4.14
Network functions owned by Network Slice Customer 28
3.4.15
Maximum number of PDU sessions 28
3.4.16
Maximum number of UEs 30
3.4.17
Performance monitoring 32
3.4.18
Performance prediction 33
3.4.19
Positioning support 35
3.4.20
Radio spectrum 38
3.4.21
Void 39
3.4.22
Monitoring and analytics 39
3.4.23
Session and Service Continuity support 40
3.4.24
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Simultaneous use of the network slice 41
3.4.25
Slice quality of service 43
3.4.26
Support for non-IP traffic 48
3.4.27
Supported device velocity 50
3.4.28
Synchronicity 50
3.4.29
UE density 52
3.4.30
Uplink throughput per network slice 52
3.4.31
Uplink maximum throughput per UE 54
3.4.32
User management openness 55
3.4.33
Data network access 56
3.4.34
V2X communication mode 58
3.4.35
Latency from (last) UPF to Application Server 58
3.4.36
Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization (NSSAA)
3.4.37
Required 59
Multimedia Priority Service 60
3.4.38
Supported data network 61
3.4.39
Maximum number of UEs with at least one PDU session/PDN
3.4.40
connection 63
NEST 64
4
NEST for enhanced Mobile Broadband with IMS support 64
4.1
NEST for ultra-reliable and ultra-low latency communication 64
4.2
NEST for Massive IoT 65
4.3
NEST for High-Performance Machine-Type Communications 65
4.4
NEST for Public Safety 65
4.5
NEST for enhanced Mobile Broadband with IMS and MPS support 66
4.6
NEST for Vehicle-to-Everything 67
4.7
Annex A Relation between GST and network slice NRM ServiceProfile 69
Annex B Information: Zero-touch management of the network slice 69
Document Management 71
Document History 71
Other Information 71
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Introduction
1
Overview
1.1
The purpose of this document is to provide the standardised list of attributes that can
characterise a type of network slice. Network slicing is the key feature of the 5G networks
and enables to build dedicated logical networks on a shared infrastructure. These dedicated
networks would permit the implementation of tailor-made functionality and network operation
specific to the needs of each slice customer, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach as
witnessed in the current and previous mobile generations which would not be economically
viable.
Relationship to existing standards
1.2
3GPP
Unless otherwise stated, the attributes listed in this document are based on the open and
published 3GPP specifications as listed in the Section 0. 3GPP Release 16 is taken as the
basis.
Scope
1.3
The scope of this document is to provide the description of:
Generic network Slice Template (GST); attributes that can characterise a type of
network slice.
Examples of Network Slice Types (NESTs) with a recommended minimum set of
attributes and their suitable values.
The GST attributes apply to any access unless they are defined to apply to a specific access
only. If a NEST includes attributes specific to an access network, those apply only to that
access network.
The GST attributes apply for a Network Slice whether it is accesses in the HPMN or in a
VPMN, unless otherwise specified.
Definitions
1.4
Term
Description
Network Slice
A logical network that provides specific network capabilities and network
characteristics [1]
Network Slice
Instance
A set of Network Function instances and the required resources (e.g. compute,
storage and networking resources) which form a deployed Network Slice as
defined in Section 3.1 of [1]
Network Slice
Subnet
A representation of the management aspects of a set of Managed Functions and
the required resources (e.g. compute, storage and networking resources) [25]
Network Slice
Subnet Instance
An instance of Network Slice Subnet representing the management aspects of a
set of Managed Function instances and the used resources (e.g. compute,
storage and networking resources) [25]
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Term
Description
Service
Continuity
The uninterrupted user experience of a service, including the cases of IP address
and/or anchoring point change [1]
Abbreviations
1.5
Term
Description
5GAA
5G Automotive Association
5GS
5G System
5QI
5G QoS identifier
AECID
Adaptive Enhanced Cell Identity
AN
Access Network
AoA
Angle of Arrival
API
Application programming interface
APN
Access Point Name
BS
Base Station
CID
Cell ID
CN
Core Network
CPE
Customer premises equipment
CSC
Communication Service Customer
CSP
Communication Service Provider
CUPS
Control and User Plane Separation
DL
Down Link
DN
Data Network
DNN
Data Network Name
DSL
Digital Subscriber Line
DV
Data Volume
E2E
End to End
EC
Energy Consumption
ECID
Enhanced Cell ID
EPC
Evolved Packet Core
EPS
Evolved Packet System
E-UTRAN
Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network
FCC
Federal Communications Commission
FFS
For Further Study
FGML5G
Machine Learning for Future Networks including 5G
GBR
Guaranteed Bit Rate
GERAN
GSM/Edge Radio Access Network
GFBR
Guaranteed Flow Bit Rate
GNSS
Global Navigation Satellite Systems
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Term
Description
GPS
Global Positioning System
GRE
Generic Routing Encapsulation
GST
Generic Slice Template
HARQ
Hybrid automatic repeat request
IMS
IP Multimedia System
IOPS
Isolated E-UTRAN Operation for Public Safety
IoT
Internet of Things
KPI
Key Performance Indicators
KQI
Key Quality Indicators
L2TP
Layer 2 Tunnelling Protocol
LBO
Local Break Out
LTE-M
Long Term Evolution for Machines
MDBV
Maximum Data Burst Volume
MC
Mission-Critical
MCC
Mobile Country Code
MCD
Mission-Critical Data
MCI
Mission-Critical Interworking
MCPTT
Mission-Critical Push-To-Talk
MCVideo
Mission-Critical Video
MFBR
Maximum Flow Bit Rate
MIoT
Massive IoT
MMTel
Multimedia Telephony Service
MNC
Mobile Network Code
MNO
Mobile Network Operator
MPS
Multimedia Priority Service
MTU
Maximum Transmission Unit
NB-IoT
Narrowband IoT
NEF
Network Exposure Function
NEST
NEtwork Slice Type
NF
Network Function
NOP
Network Operator
NR
New Radio
NSC
Network Slice Customer
NSEP
National Security Emergency Preparedness
NSI
Network Slice Instance
NSP
Network Slice Provider
NSS
Network Slice Subnet
NSSI
Network Slice Subnet Instance
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Term
Description
NSST
Network Slice Subnet Template
OTDOA
Observed Time Difference of Arrival
PDB
Packet Delay budget
PDN
Packet Data Network
PER
Packet Error Rate
PDU
Protocol Data Unit
QoS
Quality of Service
RAN
Radio Access Network
RAT
Radio Access Type
RF
Radio Frequency
RSTD
Reference Signal Time Difference
SC-PTM
Single Cell Point to Multipoint
SDO
Standards developing organizations
SLA
Service Level Agreement
SMF
Session Management Function
SSC
Session Service Continuity
SST
Slice/Service Type
TN
Transmission Network
TRxP
Transmission Reception Point
TSN
Time-Sensitive Networking
TSP
Telecommunications Service Priority
UAS
Uncrewed Aerial Systems
UE
User Equipment
UDM
User Data Management
UL
Uplink
UDR
User Data Register
UL
Up Link
UPF
User Plan Function
URLLC
Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication
UTRAN
Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network
VM
Virtual Machine
VPN
Virtual Private Network
ZSM
Zero-touch network and Service Management
References
1.6
Ref
Title
1
System Architecture for the 5G System; Stage 2 (Rel-15)
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Ref
Title
2
“Key words for use in RFCs to Indicate Requirement Levels”, S.
Bradner, March 1997. Available at http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc2119.txt
3
Study on Communication for Automation in Vertical domains (CAV)
4
NR; User Equipment (UE) radio transmission and reception; Part 1:
Range 1 Standalone
5
Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA); Base Station
(BS) radio transmission and reception
6
Study on user centric identifiers and authentication
7
Precision Time Protocol
8
TSN
10
Architecture enhancements for control and user plane separation of
EPC nodes
11
Interface between the Control Plane and the User Plane nodes
12
5G System; Interworking between 5G Network and external Data
Networks; Stage 3
13
Universal Geographical Area Description (GAD)
14
Security architecture and procedures for 5G System
15
Functional architecture and information flows to support Mission
Critical Push To Talk (MCPTT); Stage 2
16
Functional architecture and information flows to support Mission
Critical Data (MCData); Stage 2
17
Functional architecture and information flows to support Mission
Critical Video (MCVideo); Stage 2
18
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) enhancements for Evolved
Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) access
19
3GPP System Architecture Evolution (SAE); Security architecture
20
Mission Critical Communication Interworking with Land Mobile
Radio Systems
21
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS); Vehicular Communications;
GeoNetworking; Part 4: Geographical addressing and forwarding for
point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communications; Sub-part 1:
Media-Independent Functionality
22
IMS Profile for Voice, Video and Messaging over 5GS
23
NR; User Equipment (UE) radio transmission and reception; Part 1:
Range 1 Standalone
24
Study on Architecture for Next Generation System
25
Aspects; Management and orchestration; Concepts, use cases and
requirements
26
Environmental Engineering (EE); Assessment of mobile network
energy efficiency
27
Service requirements for the 5G system; Stage 1
28
Service requirements for cyber-physical control applications in
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Ref
Title
vertical domains
29
5G Network Resource Model (NRM); Stage 2 and stage 3
30
5GS Roaming Guidelines
31
Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects;
Multimedia priority service
32
Management and orchestration.
5G end to end Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
33
Zero-touch network and Service Management (ZSM); Requirements
34
Zero-touch network and Service Management (ZSM); Reference
Architecture
35
Zero-touch network and Service Management (ZSM); End-to-end
management and orchestration of network slicing
36
Non-Access-Stratum (NAS) protocol for 5G System (5GS); Stage 3
37
Mission Critical Services Common Requirements (MCCoRe)
38
Support of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) connectivity,
identification and tracking; Stage 2
39
Procedures for the 5G System (5GS)
40
5G System; Network Exposure Function Northbound APIs; Stage 3
41
Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects;
Enhancement of 3GPP support for V2X scenarios
42
TR C-V2X Use Cases and Service Level Requirements Volume I
43
TR C-V2X Use Cases and Service Level Requirements Volume II
Conventions
1.7
If the document includes binding material, this section shall contain the following statement,
and RFC 2119 shall be included as a reference:
“The key words “must”, “must not”, “required”, “shall”, “shall not”, “should”, “should not”,
“recommended”, “may”, and “optional” in this document are to be interpreted as described in
RFC2119 [2].
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Network Slicing
2
Network slicing is a mandatory feature of the 5G System (5GS). As defined in 3GPP TS
23.501 [1], a network slice as a logical network that provides specific network capabilities
and network characteristics. The network slice can be tailored based on the specific
requirements agreed between Network Slice Customer (NSC) and Network Slice Provider
(NSP), see also below.
A network slice could span across multiple network domains used by a NSP (e.g. access
network, core network and transport network). A network slice is comprised of dedicated
and/or shared resources, e.g. in terms of functionality, processing power, storage, and
bandwidth. Dedicated resources can be isolated from other network slices. A network slice
available in the HPMN to their own subscribers, may also be available when the UE is
roaming.
Roles in network slicing
2.1
Multiple roles related to network slicing are displayed in Figure 1 and specified in 3GPP TS
28.530 [25]. In this document the following roles are used:
Communication Service Customer (CSC): Uses communication services, e.g. end
user, tenant, vertical.
Communication Service Provider (CSP) : Provides communication services.
Designs, builds and operates its communication services. The CSP provided
communication service can be built with or without network slice.
Network Operator (NOP): Provides network services. Designs, builds and operates
its networks to offer such services.
Network Slice Customer (NSC): The Communication Service Provider (CSP) or
Communication Service Customer (CSC) who uses Network Slice as a Service.
Network Slice Provider (NSP): The Communication Service Provider (CSP) or
Network Operator (NOP) who provides Network Slice as a Service.
Depending on actual scenarios an organisation can play one or several roles
simultaneously, e.g.:
CSP only provided by NOP
One company is CSP, NOP, and NSP, and
One company is CSC and NSC, or
CSP only provided by CSC
One company is CSC, CSP and NSC and
One company is NOP and NSP.
Both NOP and CSC are CSP for different services:
One company is CSC, CSP (Service B) and NSC, and
One company is CSP (Service A), NOP and NSP.
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Communication Service
Customer
Communication Service
Provider
Network Operator
Client
Provider
Client
Provider
Network Slice Customer
Network Slice Provider
Client
Provider
Figure 1: Model roles in network slicing
Generic network Slice Template (GST)
2.2
The Generic Network Slice Template (GST) is a set of attributes that can characterise a type
of network slice/service. GST is generic and is not tied to any specific network deployment.
The NEtwork Slice Type (NEST) is a GST filled with values. The values are assigned to
express a given set of requirements to support a network slice customer use case. The
NEST is an input to the network slice preparation performed by the Network Slice Provider
(NSP). All of this is depicted in Figure 2.
A UE can use a network slice when the related S-NSSAI, together with any applicable
information mapping to the NEST-related attributes and parameter values, is included in the
subscription information for the UE. NEST-related attributes can be differentiated by a
Service Category. For instance, when an attribute of a NEST includes a Service Category
parameter and the UE subscription information includes a parameter value associated with
that Service Category, then the UE will be subject to the differentiated service associated
with the Service Category in the network slice.
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Figure 2 : GST and NEST in context of the network slice lifecycle
Network slices and roaming
2.3
Every NSP deploying 5GS will deploy network slices fitting its business. These may be
network slices based on NESTs defined in clause 4 or NSP-defined NEST.
In order for NSP to ensure that the service requirements for the service are met while
roaming, a roaming agreement to support network slicing between NSP A and NSP B must
be in place that covers the related network functionality and required services.
Guidance on roaming architecture, Inter-PMN security deployment models and general
technical roaming guidelines are found in GSMA PRD NG.113 [30].
Note: Interaction with the HPMN for attributes requiring such an interaction while roaming
should be optimized to maintain performance.
GST Attributes
3
Attribute presence
3.1
Each attribute has a defined presence in the GST:
Mandatory the attribute’s value must be present
Conditional the attribute’s value is mandatory if a certain condition exists
Optional the attribute’s value doesn’t need to be present
Attribute categories and tagging
3.2
In general, attributes can be categorised into character attributes and scalability attributes.
An attribute can be either a character or a scalability attribute but not both:
Character attributes - characterise a slice (e.g. throughput, latency, Application
Program Interfaces (APIs), etc.) and are independent of the Network Slice Customer
(NSC) and the Network Slice Provider (NSP).
UseCase
CSC
CSC
NSC Use Case
Requirements
Network Slice Preparation
GST
NEST
NEST
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Scalability attributes - provide information about the scalability of the slice (e.g.
number of UEs, etc.) and are specific for the NSC and the NSP.
Note: Different use cases and network slice designs could result in some attributes
being a character or a scalability attribute (e.g. area of service), but never
both at the same time.
Character attributes can be further tagged. Tags are used as labels attached to the attributes
to give additional information about the nature of each attribute. Each attribute could have
multiple tags. The following tags apply to the character attributes:
Performance related - specify the KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) supported by a
slice (e.g. throughput, latencies, etc.). Performance related attributes are relevant
before the slice is instantiated.
Function related specify functionality provided by the slice (e.g. positioning,
prediction, etc.). Function related attributes are relevant before the slice is
instantiated.
Control and management related - specify which methods are provided to the NSC
in order to control and manage the slice. These attributes are relevant after the slice
is instantiated.
Exposure Attributes
The way the attributes interact with the NSC can be used for tagging:
API these attributes provide an API to the NSC in order to get access to the slice
capabilities. Many of the functional- and operational related attributes provide APIs to
the NSC.
KPI these attributes provide certain performance capabilities (e.g. throughput and
delay).
Access Type considerations in Attributes
3.2.1
Some attributes may include an access type (e.g. 3GPP, Non 3GPP) applied to them in the
attribute description. When an access type is specified for the attribute, it implies that the
attribute is only considered for SLA enforcement when this access type is used to access the
network.
When no specific access type is specified for an attribute, it implies that SLA enforcement
applies when any access is used to access the network.
Void
3.3
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Attributes
3.4
Availability
3.4.1
(Communication service) availability: percentage value of the amount of time the end-to-end
communication service is delivered according to an agreed QoS, divided by the amount of
time the system is expected to deliver the end-to-end service according to the specification
in a specific area, see also 3GPP TS 22.261 [27].
Typical values:
Low: <90%
Medium: 90-95%
High: >95-99.999%
Very high: >99.999%
Availability
Measurement unit
percent
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 1 Availability Table
Area of service
3.4.2
This attribute specifies the area where the UEs can access a particular network slice.
Therefore, the attribute specifies the list of the countries where the service will be provided.
The list is specific to NSPs and their roaming agreements.
In case the list comprises more than one entry, roaming agreements between the HPMN
and the VPMNs are required.
As a part of region specification, requirements for altitude can be provided. Altitude is
needed for airborne devices communication where the devices can be from simple UEs or
Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) at lower aviation height and up to helicopters and small
aeroplanes at higher aviation height. The values for the height may be impacted by the
regional regulation and other aspects limiting the use of the full range of the indicated values
in practice.
Note: Comma separated multiple values are allowed.
Editor’s note: This attribute is FFS in 3GPP Rel18.
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Area of service
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
All ISO 3166-1 Alpha-2 country codes
(two letter country codes)
Tags
Character Attribute/ Operation
Scalability Attribute*
KPI
*Depends on the use case, this attribute can be also scalability attribute.
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 2 Area of Service Table
Region specification
For every single country listed in the area of service attribute it needs to be indicated if the
service will be provided in the whole country or just in part of the country.
If the NSC requires a specific location, this parameter can be used to specify the regions of
the country where the service will be provided. It needs to be completed for every country
listed in the Area of service attribute.
The list of regions is specific for each country and the way to define these regions is the
decision of the NSC and NSP. Examples of how the regions could be specified is provided in
the clause on "Additional information" here below.
Region specification
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Full country
List of regions
Tags
Character Attribute/ Operation
Scalability Attribute*
KPI
*Depending on the use case, this parameter can also be scalability attribute.
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
X
Optional
Table 3 Region Specification Table
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Minimum altitude
This parameter describes the minimum height required for the service that the network slice
should support. If the NSC requires a different minimum altitude per region, this parameter
needs to be provided for every region listed in Region specification parameter.
Examples
450 m helicopters
610 m planes
Minimum altitude
Measurement unit
m
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 4 Minimum altitude Table
Maximum altitude
This parameter describes the maximum height required for the service that network slice
should support. If the NSC requires a different maximum altitude per region, this parameter
needs to be provided for every region listed in Region specification parameter.
Examples
4500 m helicopters
4500 m planes
Maximum altitude
Measurement unit
m
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 5 Maximum altitude Table
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Additional Information
The regions specification, which is defined based on agreement between NSC and NSP,
specifies per county the area of service. This can be done for example by:
1. Geodetic shapes (defining 2D or 3D shapes of coverage) as defined in 3GPP TS
23.032: "Universal Geographical Area Description (GAD)" [13].
2. Civic addresses or identification of known locations (e.g. name of a stadium, or
location of a certain enterprise site etc.)
3. Specification of a geographic region/location by means of string of text which defines
it univocally (e.g. a city, a Postcode or list of postcodes, a county, a state)
Mission critical users use aircrafts and helicopters for operational purpose. Being able to
communicate in real time with helicopters and aircraft is a basic need [37].
The architecture enhancements for supporting Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) connectivity,
identification, and tracking are described in 3GPP Release 17 TS 23.256 [38].
Delay tolerance
3.4.3
Provide the NSC with service delivery flexibility, especially for the vertical services that are
not chasing a high system performance. For instance, the service will be delivered once the
mobile system has sufficient resources or during the off-peak hours. For this type of traffic, it
is not too critical how long it takes to deliver the amount of data, e.g. within hours, days,
weeks, etc.
Note: Not including this attribute is equal to setting it to Not supported.
Editor’s note: This attribute is FFS in 3GPP.
Delay tolerance
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Not supported
Supported
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 6 Delay Tolerance Table
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Additional information
In principle, relevant mechanisms are available for Application Function (AF). For instance,
this type of traffic could be scheduled for transmission to the UE in dedicated times of the
day when the traffic load is low, or this traffic could get an own traffic class which is de-
prioritized over all other traffic.
Certain traffic flows should reach the end user within certain latency boundary. At the same
time, there are use cases that are less sensitive to delay variations, giving AF some level of
flexibility in scheduling downlink traffic. For instance, in automotive industry, (non-critical)
software/firmware update could be deprioritised and delivered when traffic is low such as
during off-peak hours.
This attribute applies to 3GPP access type only.
Deterministic communication
3.4.4
This attribute defines if the network slice supports deterministic communication for periodic
UE traffic. Periodic traffic refers to the type of traffic with periodic transmissions.
Editor’s note: This attribute is FFS in 3GPP.
Availability
This parameter describes if the network slice supports deterministic communication.
Note: Not including this parameter is equal to setting it to Not supported.
Availability
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Not supported
Supported
Tags
Character attribute / Performance
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 7 Deterministic Communication Table
Periodicity
This parameter provides a list of periodicities supported by the network slice.
This parameter must be present when the “Availability” is set to Supported.
Examples:
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200s - motion control - printing machine
600s - temperature sensors
1*10
-3
s - motion control - machine tool
Periodicity
Measurement unit
Seconds
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Character attributes / Performance
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
X
Optional
Table 8 Periodicity Table
Additional information
Periodic traffic has a transmission interval (in which a single packet is transmitted) that is
repeated. For example, a transmission occurs every 15 ms. Reasons for a periodic uplink
transmission can be the periodic update of a position or the repeated monitoring of a
characteristic parameter.
Note: Transmission of a temperature every 15 minutes is a periodical
transmission. However, most periodic intervals in communication for
automation are rather short. The transmission is started once and continues
unless a stop command is provided [3].
Determinism refers to whether the delay between transmission of a packet and receipt of the
packet at the destination address is stable (within bounds). Usually, communication is called
deterministic if it is bounded by a given threshold for the latency/transit time [3].
It should be noted that multiple periodicities could be supported. It is then a matter of
resource scheduling and the identification of the different packets in order to treat them in a
way to not disturb their periodicity.
This attribute should not be mixed up with periodic communication demand in which
periodically a specific amount of data (not only a single packet) needs to be transmitted.
Hence, there is no periodicity between individual data packets but there is a periodicity
between activities of a customer or device.
(R)AN/TN/CN (Radio Access Network/Transport Network/Core Network) may use this
attribute to optimize the scheduling and performance.
This attribute applies to 3GPP access type only.
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Downlink throughput per network slice
3.4.5
This attribute relates to the aggregated data rate in downlink for all UEs together in the
network slice (this is not per UE).
This attribute applies to 3GPP access type only.
Guaranteed downlink throughput quota
This parameter describes the guaranteed throughput/data rate supported by the network
slice for the aggregate of all GBR QoS flows in downlink belonging to the set of all UEs using
the network slice. This only corresponds to the provisioned resources (i.e. there is no
expectation that this guarantee is met irrespective of the instantaneous distribution of the
UEs using the network slice).
Not including this parameter or if the value is 0, best effort traffic is expected where no
minimum throughput is guaranteed.
Examples:
0 (best effort)
10 000 kbps
1 000 000 kbps
Guaranteed downlink throughput quota
Measurement unit
kbps
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Scalability attribute
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 9 Guaranteed Downlink Throughput Table
Maximum downlink throughput
This parameter defines the maximum data rate supported by the network slice for all UEs
together in downlink.
Examples:
100 000 kbps
20 000 000 kbps
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Note: The sum of all data rates in downlink for all UEs does not exceed this value.
Maximum downlink throughput
Measurement unit
kbps
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Scalability attributes
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 10 Maximum Downlink Throughput Table
Downlink maximum throughput per UE
3.4.6
This attribute describes the maximum data rate supported by the network slice per UE in
downlink.
The attribute is comprised of a list of Service Category parameters with the associated
Maximum Downlink Throughput per UE value.
If no Service Category parameter is present all devices in the network slice, experience the
same Maximum Downlink Throughput per UE value. If Service Category parameters are
present, then the UEs will be associated with a specific Maximum Downlink Throughput per
UE parameter value depending on which Service Category the UE is associated with for the
network slice. In this case, different UEs within a network slice can experience a different
maximum data rate.
Examples:
50 000 (Service Category 1)
400 000 (Service Category 2)
1 000 000 (Service Category 3)
Maximum downlink throughput per UE value
This parameter defines the Maximum Downlink Throughput per UE value. This may be
associated with a Service Category parameter.
Maximum downlink throughput per UE value
Measurement unit
kbps
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Character attribute /Performance
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Maximum downlink throughput per UE value
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 11 Maximum Downlink Throughput per UE Table
Service category
This parameter defines a service category which may be assigned to certain groups of
devices using the network slice. If present, it shall be associated with a Maximum Downlink
Throughput Value parameter.
Service category
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Any text identifying the Service
Category
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 12 Downlink Maximum Rate Service Category Table
Additional information
Maximum throughput can be used to offer different service categories which have different
maximum throughput values.
This attribute applies to 3GPP access type only, across GBR and Non-GBR QoS flows.
Energy efficiency
3.4.7
This attribute describes whether the network slice supports the energy efficiency KPI.
The energy efficiency is evaluated only when the network is running.
Network slice energy efficiency KPI
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Network slice energy efficiency KPI is defined in 3GPP Release 17 TS 28.554 Section 6.7
[32]. It is defined as a ratio between the performance of a network slice and its energy
consumption.
Note: Not including this parameter is equal to setting it to Not supported.
Energy efficiency
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Not Supported
Supported
Tags
Character attributes / Operational
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 13 Energy Efficiency Table
Group communication support
3.4.8
This attribute describes which type of group communication is provided by the network slice.
This attribute applies to 3GPP access type only.
Note: Not including this attribute is equal to setting it to Not supported.
3Group communication support
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Not supported
Single Cell Point to Multipoint (SC-
PTM)
Broadcast/Multicast
Broadcast/Multicast + SC-PTM
Unicast
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
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Presence
Optional
X
Table 14 Group Communication Support Table
Isolation level
3.4.9
Editor’s note: This attribute is FFS in GSMA NG.
Void
3.4.10
Maximum supported packet size
3.4.11
This attribute describes the maximum packet size supported by the network slice and may
be important for URLLC (Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication) and MIoT (Massive
IoT), or to indicate a supported maximum transmission unit (MTU).
Note: Not including this attribute is equal to setting it to value 1500 Bytes.
Examples
40 Bytes - IoT
160 Bytes URLLC for 5 ms latency
1 500 Bytes eMBB
Maximum supported packet size
Measurement unit
Bytes
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Character attribute /Performance
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 15 Maximum Packet Size Table
Additional Information
This attribute might serve different purposes:
Limitation of the packet size to achieve the required latencies for instance in Industry
4.0 or energy use cases
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To improve the radio performance in case many very small packets are transmitted
by a large number of devices as like for MIoT use cases
To indicate the MTU provided by the network slice
A UE or a server that uses this network slice needs to be aware of the limitation, which could
be operational, or performance nature. For instance, the network does not guarantee the
SLA if packets are bigger than the specified size or too large packets could be fragmented
which will increase latency.
(R)AN/CN may use this attribute to optimize scheduling and performance, especially for
URLLC case and very small packets. Transport of very small packets is very inefficient in
some technologies. Knowledge about the maximum supported packet size might help to
improve the efficiency, e.g. by scheduling resources more efficiently.
Mission critical support
3.4.12
Mission-critical (MC) leads to a priority of the network slice relative to others, for C-plane
(Control Plane) and U-plane (User Plane) decisions. This is relative to a customer provider
relationship and to a PMN (Public Mobile Network).
Note: Not including this attribute is equal to setting it to Non-mission critical.
Mission critical support
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Non-mission-critical
Mission-critical
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 16 Mission Critical Support Table
Mission-critical capability support
This parameter specifies what capabilities are available to support mission-critical services.
More than one capability may be supported at once. This parameter must be present if
Mission critical support is set to Mission-critical.
Note: Comma separated multiple values are allowed.
Mission-critical capability support
Measurement unit
NA
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Mission-critical capability support
Allowed Values
Inter-user prioritization
Pre-emption
Local control
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
X
Optional
Table 17 Mission Critical Capabilities Table
Inter-user prioritization capability provides admission and the scheduling of priorities for PS
(Packet Service) users over non-PS users, and different priorities among PS users.
Pre-emption capability allows non-PS users to be pre-empted by PS users, and a PS user to
be pre-empted by another PS user.
Local control capability allows dynamic and temporary assignment of inter-user prioritization
and pre-emption levels to local PS users (e.g. local to an incident).
Mission-critical service support
This parameter specifies whether or not the network slice supports mission-critical push-to-
talk (MCPTT) [15], mission-critical data (MCData) [16], mission-critical video (MCVideo) [17],
or mission-critical interworking [20].
Editor’s note: IOPS is FFS; MC interworking may need further study.
This parameter is present when Mission critical support is set to Mission-critical.
This parameter applies to 3GPP access type only.
Note: Comma separated multiple values are allowed.
Mission-critical service support
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
MCPTT
MCData
MCVideo
MC interworking
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
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Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
X
Optional
Table 18 Mission Critical Service Support
MMTel support
3.4.13
This attribute describes whether the network slice supports IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)
and Multimedia Telephony Service MMTel. This attribute describes whether the GSMA PRD
NG.114 [22] compliant MMTel deployment is supported in the network slice.
Note: Not including this attribute is equal to setting it to value Not Supported.
MMTel support
Measurement unit
NA
Example
Not supported
Supported
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 19 MMTel Support Table
NB-IoT Support
3.4.14
This attribute describes whether NB-IoT is supported in the RAN in the network slice.
This attribute applies to 3GPP access type only.
Note: Not including this attribute is equal to setting it to value Not supported.
NB-IoT Support
Measurement unit
NA
Example
Not supported
Supported
Tags
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Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 20 NB-IoT Support Table
Network functions owned by Network Slice Customer
3.4.15
A NSC can own some network functions. This attribute provides a list of network functions to
be provided by the NSC. If the list is empty, or this attribute is not included, the NSC is not
providing any network function relevant for the network slice.
Examples:
UDM
AUSF
AF
Note: Comma separated multiple values are allowed.
3.4.15 Network functions owned by Network Slice Customer
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Any desired list of functions
Tags
Character attribute / Functional /
Operational
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 21 Network Functions Table
Additional information
The NSC like a MVNO, who owns a unique Mobile Country Code (MCC) and a unique
Mobile Network Code (MNC), stores all the subscriber information in its own User Data
Management (UDM). This UDM can also be connected to multiple networks within the same
country.
Maximum number of PDU sessions
3.4.16
This attribute describes the maximum number of concurrent PDU supported by the network
slice as specified by the "Maximum number of PDU sessions" parameter. If the network slice
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also requires taking into account Packet Data Network (PDN) connections that can be
handed over to the 5GS while the UEs are in the EPS, this is specified in the optional
attribute "EPS counting required". If the parameter " EPS counting required" is missing, then
no counting happens of any PDN connections in EPS. In roaming case (i.e. when the Area
of Service attribute includes roaming partners' PMNs), the number of PDU sessions includes
any Local Breakout PDU sessions if the Parameter "Local Break Out (LBO) PDU Sessions
Counting Required" is set to "Yes". Otherwise (including the case where this parameter is
not present), Local Breakout PDU sessions are not counted.
Examples:
100 000 PDU sessions
10 000 000 PDU sessions
Maximum number of PDU sessions
This parameter specifies how many PDU sessions can simultaneously use the network slice.
Maximum number of PDU sessions
Measurement unit
PDU sessions
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Scalability attribute
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 22 Number of PDU Session Table
EPS counting required
If this parameter indicates that EPS counting is required, the PDU sessions counting shall
also take into account the PDN connections in the EPS connected to an APN that maps to a
DNN/S-NSSAI of the network slice.
EPS counting required
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Yes
No
Tags
Scalability attribute
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Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 23 EPS counting required Table
LBO PDU Sessions Counting required
This parameter specifies whether the LBO PDU sessions are counted. If the value is "Yes",
then LBO sessions are counted also, if the value is set to "No", then LBO sessions are not
counted. If this parameter is not present, then the LBO PDU sessions are not counted.
LBO PDU Sessions Counting required
Measurement unit
N/A
Allowed Values
Yes
No
Tags
Scalability attribute
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 24 LBO PDU Session Counting Required Table
Maximum number of UEs
3.4.17
This attribute describes the maximum number of UEs that can use the network slice
simultaneously as specified by the "Maximum number of UEs" parameter. If the network
slice also requires taking into account UEs using PDN connections that can be handed over
to the 5GS while they are in the EPS, this is specified in the optional parameter "EPS
counting required". If the parameter " EPS counting required" is missing, then no counting of
UEs happens while they are in EPS. In roaming case (i.e. when the Area of Service attribute
includes roaming partners' PMNs), the number of UEs includes any roaming UEs if the
parameter "Roaming UEs Counting Required" is set to "Yes". Otherwise (including the case
where this parameter is not present), roaming UEs are not counted.
Examples:
100 000 UEs
10 000 000 UEs
Maximum number of UEs
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This parameter specifies how many UEs can simultaneously use the network slice.
Maximum number of UEs
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Scalability attribute
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 25 Number of UEs Table
EPS counting required
If this parameter indicates that EPS counting is required, the counting of UEs shall take into
account the UEs in the EPS with at least one PDN connection in the network slice, i.e., it is
required to count the UEs that have at least one PDN connection connected to an APN that
is associated with the DNN/S-NSSAI of the network slice.
EPS counting required
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Yes
No
Tags
Scalability attribute
Attribute Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 26 EPS counting required Table
Roaming UEs Counting required
This parameter specifies whether roaming UEs are counted. If the value is "Yes", then
roaming UEs are counted also, if the value is set to "No", then roaming UEs are not counted.
If this parameter is not present, then the roaming UEs are not counted.
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Roaming UEs Counting Required
Measurement unit
N/A
Allowed Values
Yes
No
Tags
Scalability attribute
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 27 Roaming UEs Counting Required Table
Performance monitoring
3.4.18
This attribute provides the capability for NSC and NOP to monitor Key Quality Indicators
(KQIs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). KQIs reflect the end-to-end service
performance and quality while KPIs reflect the performance of the network.
Availability
This parameter contains a list of KQIs and KPIs available for monitoring. If the list is empty
this parameter is not available in the network slice and the other parameters might be
ignored.
Availability
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Service Request Success Rate
Tags
Character attribute / Functional /
Operational
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 28 Performance Availability Table
Monitoring sample frequency
This parameter describes how often the KQIs and KPIs are monitored.
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Only the KQIs of communication services offered by the NSP can be monitored. For over-
the-top services, the NSP is not able to access the KQIs.
Monitoring sample frequency
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Per second
Per minute
Per-hour
Tags
Character attribute / Functional /
Operational
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 29 Monitoring Frequency Table
Additional information
Only the KQIs of communication services offered by the network operator can be monitored.
For over-the-top services, the network operator is not able to access the KQIs.
Performance prediction
3.4.19
This attribute defines the capability to allow the mobile system to predict the network and
service status. Predictive QoS (Quality of Service) can be done for various Key Quality
Indicators (KQIs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). KQIs reflect the end-to-end
service performance and quality, while KPIs reflect the performance of the network. The
prediction is done for a specific point of time in the future and for a specific geolocation.
Only the KQIs of communication services offered by the NSP can be predicted. For over-the-
top services, the NSP is not able to access the KQIs.
Availability
This parameter contains a list of KQIs and KPIs available for prediction. If the list is empty,
the parameter is not available in the network slice and the other parameters might be
ignored.
Note: Comma separated multiple values are allowed.
Availability
Measurement unit
NA
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Availability
Allowed Values
Throughput
Latency
Service Request Success Rate
Tags
Character attribute / Functional /
Operational
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 30 Performance Availability Table
Prediction frequency
This parameter describes how often KQIs and KPIs prediction values are provided.
Prediction frequency
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Per second
Per minute
Per hour
Tags
Character attribute / Functional /
Operational
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 31 Performance Prediction Frequency Table
Additional information
This attribute recently raised a lot of attention and different organisations as like 5GAA (5G
Automotive Association) and ITU-T (Machine Learning for Future Networks including 5G (FG
ML5G)) are looking at it. Towards the NSC, an API would be provided allowing the NSC to
send a request (e.g. KPI prediction for a certain geo-location and a certain time in the future)
and receiving the prediction.
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Predictive QoS is an important feature allowing NSP to inform the service in advance about
a quality drop. Predictive QoS can be applied to various KPIs, e.g. area of service,
throughput, latency, etc. and KQIs.
Performance prediction could be implemented in different ways:
Active prediction network actively informs the NSC and/or the UE proactively about
the predicted values. Alternatively, the NSC and/or UE are only informed in case the
predicted KPI or KQI value crossed a defined threshold.
Passive prediction the NSC and/or UE requests prediction from the network via
APIs provided by the network.
It should be noted that performance prediction is not a pure action between NSC and the
mobile system, but between UE (like the car) and the mobile system.
A prediction (request as well as reply) is always associated with a point of time in the future
and a geolocation. A prediction provided by the network slice to the UE and/or customer
(prediction reply) should always be associated with a confidence interval to give an idea
about how reliable the prediction is. The reliability depends on many parameters, e.g. which
KPI to predict, look ahead of time, etc.
Positioning support
3.4.20
This attribute describes if the network slice provides geo-localization methods or supporting
methods.
Availability
This parameter describes if this parameter is provided by the network slice and contains a
list of positioning methods provided by the slice. If the list is empty this parameter is not
available in the network slice and the other parameters might be ignored.
Note: Comma separated multiple values are allowed.
Availability
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
CIDE-CID (LTE and NR)
OTDOA (LTE and NR)
RF fingerprinting
AECID
Hybrid positioning
NET-RTK
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
API
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Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 32 Positioning Support Table
Prediction frequency
This parameter describes how often location information is provided. This parameter simply
defines how often the customer is allowed to request location information. This is not related
to the time it takes to determine the location, which is a characteristic of the positioning
method.
Prediction frequency
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Per second
Per minute
Per-hour
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
API
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 33 Prediction Frequency Table
Accuracy
This parameter describes the accuracy of the location information. Accuracy depends on the
respective positioning solution applied in the network slice.
Examples:
1m
-1m
0.01m
-0.01m
Accuracy
Measurement unit
meter
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Accuracy
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 34 Prediction Accuracy Table
Additional Information
Many use cases have a strong demand for the capability of positioning (geo-localisation)
devices. Different NSC may have different requirements in terms of accuracy, energy
efficiency, indoor/outdoor support, and cost, etc. For some of the use cases, positioning
techniques will have to work reliably under challenging conditions, e.g. deep indoors.
It should be noted that either for some use cases, such as many IoT use cases, GPS (Global
Positioning Service) or other Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are not an option
because of the high energy consumption or because simple devices are not equipped with
the suitable receiver.
For other use cases, e.g. automotive, GNSS is a suitable positioning solution for most of the
times although there are a number of situations where this is not accessible e.g. tunnels,
indoors, etc. Hence, it is beneficial to combine the advantages of these systems with the
positioning capabilities of 5G to provide a solution that meets the NSC scenarios.
In general, the different positioning methods can be categorized into precise positioning,
cellular-based positioning and new radio (NR)-based positioning.
Cellular positioning refers to positioning methods in which the cellular network is determining
the position of the UE. The following cellular positioning technologies can be used:
Cell ID (CID) is the basic method which utilizes cellular system knowledge about the
serving cell of a specific user; the user location area is thus associated with the
serving CID.
Enhanced Cell ID (E-CID) refers to a network-based method assisted by the UE. This
method utilizes CIDs, Radio Frequency RF measurements from multiple cells, timing
advance, and Angle of Arrival (AoA) measurements.
Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) is a UE-assisted method based on
reference signal time difference (RSTD) measurements conducted on downlink
positioning reference signals received from multiple locations, where the user location
is calculated by multi-alteration.
RF fingerprinting is a method of finding a user position by mapping RF measurements
obtained from the UE onto an RF map, where the map is typically based on detailed
RF predictions or site surveying results
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Adaptive Enhanced Cell Identity (AECID) is a method that enhances the performance
of RF fingerprinting by extending the number of radio properties that are used, where
at least CIDs, timing advance, RSTD, and AoA may be used in addition to received
signal strengths, and where the corresponding databases are automatically built up
by collecting high-precision OTDOA and A-GNSS positions, tagged with measured
radio properties.
The following table provides an overview about the characteristics of the different cellular
positioning methods.
Positionin
g Method
Environme
nt
Limitations
UE
Impac
t
Site
Impac
t
Syste
m
Impac
t
Respons
e Time
(RAN)
Horizonta
l
uncertaint
y
Vertical
Uncertaint
y
CID
Proximity
location
No
No
No
Small
Very low
High
NA
E-CID
No
Small
Small
Mediu
m
Low
Medium
NA
E-CID/AoA
Rich
multipath
Small
Large
Mediu
m
Low
Medium
NA
RF
fingerprintin
g
Rural
Small
Small
Large
Low/mediu
m
Low/mediu
m
Medium
AECID
No
Small
Small
Mediu
m
Low
Low/mediu
m
Medium
UTDOA
Suburban/Rur
al
Small
Large
Large
Medium
<100m
Medium
OTDOA
Rural
Mediu
m
Mediu
m
Mediu
m
Medium
<100m
Medium
A-GNSS
Indoor
Large
Small
Mediu
m
Medium/hi
gh
<5m
<20m
Table 35 Characteristics of cellular positioning methods
Radio spectrum
3.4.21
Defines the radio spectrum in which the network slice should be supported. This is important
information, as
some UEs of the NSC might be capable of using certain frequency bands only.
The NSC may only own or have access to certain frequency bands.
Note: This attribute does not limit the use of the listed frequency bands for other use
cases, i.e., there is no exclusive use of the listed frequency bands for the
network slice.
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Examples of allowed values:
n1
n77
Note: Comma separated multiple values are allowed.
Radio spectrum
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
See NR operating band identifiers in
3GPP TS 38.101-1 [4]
Tags
Scalability attribute
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 36 Radio Spectrum Table
Additional information
This attribute applies to 3GPP access type only.
This attribute simply tells which frequency bandscan be used to access the network slice.
5G NR operating bands are defined in 3GPP TS 38.101-1 [4].
Void
3.4.22
Monitoring and analytics
3.4.23
This attribute helps the NSC to understand or investigate the root cause of network service
performance degradation or failure. The network can provide an interface to expose
monitoring and analytics information (e.g. via Network Exposure Function (NEF) as defined
in 3GPP TS 23.502 [39])
Note: Not including this attribute is equal to setting it to Not supported.
Monitoring and analytics
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Not supported
Passive investigation
Active investigation
Tags
Character attribute / Functional /
Operational
API
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Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 37 Monitoring and Analytics Table
Additional information
This attribute could be implemented in different facets: passive investigation or activate
investigation.
In passive investigation, the NSC is informed about the root cause of the network service
performance degradation or failure in case there is a problem with the network slice. The
NEF can support the following monitoring and analytics APIs (non-exhaustive list), that are
defined in 3GPP Release 17 TS 29.522 [40]:
UE Communication Failure
UE Loss of Connectivity
Analytics Exposure
In active investigation, if something is wrong in the network, a NSC could perform
investigation itself, for instance call for the log files of different technical domain, to
understand where the problem is, then it is not just an API telling the NSC if there is a
problem or not. The NEF can support the following API (non-exhaustive list), that is defined
in 3GPP Release 17 TS 29.522 [40]:
Analytics Exposure - AnalyticsData
It should be clear that this attribute is only about the investigation of a problem. This attribute
does not provide any means to solve the problem.
Session and Service Continuity support
3.4.24
The attribute defines the continuity of a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session. The following
three Session and Service Continuity (SSC) modes are specified [1]:
SSC mode 1 - the network preserves the connectivity service provided to the UE (for
the case of IPv4, IPv6 or IPv4v6 type, the IP address is preserved)
SSC mode 2 - the network may release the connectivity service delivered to the UE
and release the corresponding PDU Session. For the case of IPv4 or IPv6 or IPv4v6
type, the release of the PDU Session induces the release of IP address(es) that had
been allocated to the UE.
SSC mode 3 - changes to the user plane can be visible to the UE, while the network
ensures that the UE suffers no loss of connectivity. A connection through new PDU
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Session Anchor point is established before the previous connection is terminated in
order to allow for better service continuity. For the case of IPv4 or IPv6 or IPv4v6
type, the IP address is not preserved in this mode when the PDU Session Anchor
changes.
Session and Service Continuity support
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
SSC mode 1
SSC mode 2
SSC mode 3
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 38 Service Continuity Table
Simultaneous use of the network slice
3.4.25
This attribute describes whether a network slice can be simultaneously used by a UE
together with other network slices and if so, with which other classes of network slices. The
attribute is comprised of a list of Service Category Parameters with the associated
Simultaneous Use Class parameter value.
If no Service Category parameters are present, all UEs in the network slice are associated
with the same Simultaneous Use Class.
Note: Not including this attribute in a NEST is equal to setting it to Can be used
simultaneously with any network slice.
Note: “use of a network slice” starts from the time a UE is successfully registered with a
network slice.
Note: Simultaneous use of a network slice is not associated with physical or logical
isolation requirements.
Example:
{Service Category = Service Category 1, Simultaneous Use Class = " Can be used
simultaneously with any network slice"}
{Service Category = Service Category 2, Simultaneous Use Class = " Cannot be used
simultaneously with any another network slice"}
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Simultaneous Use Class
This parameter defines which class of simultaneous use applies. This may be associated
with a Service Category parameter.
Simultaneous Use Class
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Can be used simultaneously with any
network slice
Can be used simultaneously with any
network slices with same SST value
but different SD values
Can be used simultaneously with any
network slice with the same SD value
but different SST value
Cannot be used simultaneously with
any another network slice
Operator defined class
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 39 Simultaneous Use Class Table
Service category
This parameter defines a service category which may be assigned to a UE. If present, it shall
be associated with a Simultaneous Use Class parameter value.
Service category
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Any text identifying the service
category
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
Attribute Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
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Slice quality of service
3.4.26
This attribute defines all the QoS relevant parameters supported by the network slice. For
the 5G QoS Identifier (5QI) parameter, 3GPP has already defined standardised values (see
3GPP TS 23.501 [1]). By preselecting a standardised 5QI value, QoS characteristics values
for that 5QI will be automatically filled out using the default QoS characteristics value as
listed in Table 5.7.4-1 of 3GPP TS 23.501 [1]. However, QoS characteristics values must be
specified in this attribute (by using respective parameters in this attribute) for Operator-
specific 5QIs [36] or for standardised 5QIs using non default QoS characteristics values.
This attribute applies to 3GPP access type only.
3GPP 5QI
A 5QI is a scalar, used as a reference to 5G QoS characteristics defined in clause [1], i.e.
access node-specific parameters that control QoS forwarding treatment for the QoS Flow
(e.g. scheduling weights, admission thresholds, queue management thresholds, link layer
protocol configuration, etc.).
The 5G QoS characteristics for pre-configured 5QI values are pre-configured in the Access
Network (AN). The 5G QoS characteristics for QoS Flows with dynamically assigned 5QI are
signalled as part of the QoS profile (see 3GPP TS 23.501 [1]).
Examples:
1,2,3: standardised 5QI values, in Table 5.7.4-1 of 3GPP TS 23.501 [1]
134, 156, 230: operator-specific 5QI values in the range defined in Table 9.11.4.12.1
of 3GPP TS 24.501 [36]
Note: Comma separated multiple values are allowed.
3GPP 5QI
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
standardised 5QI values in Table
5.7.4-1 of 3GPP TS 23.501 [1] and/or
any desired Operator-specific 5QI
values in the range defined in Table
9.11.4.12.1 of 3GPP TS 24.501 [36]
Tags
Character attribute / Functional /
Operational
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
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Presence
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 40 Slice Quality Table
Resource Type
The Resource Type determines if dedicated network resources related to the QoS Flow-level
Guaranteed Flow Bit Rate (GFBR) value, are permanently allocated (see clause 5.7.3.2 of
3GPP TS 23.501[1]).
This value needs to be provided for each Operator-specific 5QI value selected.
Examples:
GBR - Mission Critical Video user plane
Delay critical GBR - Intelligent Transport Systems
Non-GBR - Voice, AR
Resource Type
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
GBR
Delay critical GBR
Non-GBR
Tags
Character attribute / Functional /
Operational
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
X
Optional
Table 41 Resource Type Table
Priority Level
The Priority level associated with 5G QoS characteristics indicates a priority in scheduling
resources among QoS Flows. The Priority level shall be used to differentiate between all
QoS Flows of the same UE, and it also shall be used to differentiate between QoS Flows
from different UEs. Once all QoS requirements up to GFBR are fulfilled for all the
Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR) QoS Flows, the Priority Level may also be used to distribute
resources between GBR QoS Flows (for rates above GFBR up to MFBR, Maximum Flow Bit
Rate) and non-GBR QoS Flows, in an implementation specific manner. The lowest Priority
level value corresponds to the highest Priority (see clause 5.7.3.3 of 3GPP TS 23.501 [1]).
This value needs to be provided for each Operator-specific 5QI value selected.
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Examples:
10 - IMS signalling
30 - Real time gaming
Priority Level
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Character attribute / Functional /
Operational
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
X
Optional
Table 42 Priority Level Table
Packet Delay Budget
The Packet Delay Budget (PDB) defines an upper bound for the time that a packet may be
delayed between the UE and the UPF, and that terminates the N6 interface. For a certain
5QI the value of the PDB is the same for UL (Uplink) and DL (Downlink). In the case of
3GPP access, the PDB is used to support the configuration of scheduling and link layer
functions (e.g. the setting of scheduling priority weights and HARQ (Hybrid Automatic
Repeat request) target operating points) (see clause 5.7.3.4 of 3GPP TS 23.501 [1]).
If the value is set to 0, no special measures are used to bring latency down to a minimum
required by low-latency use cases.
This value needs to be provided for each Operator-specific 5QI value selected.
Examples:
20*10
-3
s - Cooperative driving
30*10
-3
s - Virtual reality
Packet Delay Budget
Measurement unit
Seconds
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Character attribute / Functional /
Operational
KPI
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Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
X
Optional
Table 43 Packet Delay Budget Table
Packet Error Rate
The Packet Error Rate (PER) defines an upper bound for the rate of the PDUs (e.g. IP
packets) that have been processed by the sender but that are not successfully delivered by
the corresponding receiver. The purpose of the PER is to allow for the appropriate link layer,
protocol configurations (e.g. RLC and HARQ in RAN of a 3GPP access). For all 5QIs the
value of the PER is the same in the UL and the DL. For the GBR QoS Flows with Delay
critical GBR resource type, a packet which is delayed more than the PDB (but which
complies with the GFBR and the MDBV (Maximum Data Burst Volume) requirements) is
counted as lost, and included in the PER. Delayed packets are not included in the PER if a
GBR QoS Flow with a Delay critical resource type is exceeding the GFBR and the Maximum
Data Burst Volume (see clause 5.7.3.4 of 3GPP TS 23.501 [1]).
This value needs to be provided for each Operator-specific 5QI value selected.
Examples:
10
-6
- mission critical data
10
-2
- V2X messaging
Packet Error Rate
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Character attribute / Functional /
Operational
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
X
Optional
Table 44 Packet Error Rate Table
Averaging Window
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Each GBR QoS Flow shall be associated with an Averaging window. The Averaging window
represents the duration over which the GFBR and MFBR shall be calculated (e.g. in the
(R)AN, UPF, UE). (see clause 5.7.3.6 of 3GPP TS 23.501 [1]).
This value needs to be provided for each Operator-specific 5QI value selected.
Averaging Window
Measurement unit
millisecond
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Character attribute / Functional /
Operational
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 45 Average Window Table
Maximum Data Burst Volume
Each GBR QoS Flow with Delay-critical resource type shall be associated with a Maximum
Data Burst Volume (MDBV). MDBV denotes the largest amount of data that the 5G-AN is
required to serve within a period of 5G-AN PDB (i.e. 5G-AN part of the PDB) (see clause
5.7.3.7 of 3GPP TS 23.501 [1]).
This value needs to be provided for each Operator-specific 5QI value selected.
Maximum Data Burst Volume
Measurement unit
Bytes
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Character attribute / Functional /
Operational
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 46 Maximum Data Burst Volume Table
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Maximum Packet Loss Rate
The Maximum Packet Loss Rate (UL, DL) indicates the maximum rate for lost packets of the
QoS flow that can be tolerated in the uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) direction.
The Maximum Packet Loss Rate (UL, DL) can only be provided for a GBR QoS flow
belonging to voice media.
This is a QoS parameter that may optionally be supported for a 5QI indicated in this
parameter.
Maximum Packet Loss Rate
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Character attribute / Functional /
Operational
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 47 Max Packet Loss Rate Table
Additional Information
3GPP has defined standardized 5QI to QoS characteristics mapping (see Table 5.7.4-1 of
3GPP TS 23.501 [1]). As long as these classes are used, the 5G (or the 3GPP) system is
able to support these requirements. For different combinations of QoS characteristics it
needs to be checked if and how they can be supported.
The parameters of this attribute can be filled separately. However, by selecting an already
specified standardized 5QI the relevant parameters might be filled automatically. For some
QoS characteristics of these 5QIs default values apply as shown in Table 5.7.4-1 of 3GPP
TS 23.501 [1]. Non default values can be signalled if needed. Therefore, a NEST may
include non-default values to be signalled for 5QI.
Support for non-IP traffic
3.4.27
This attribute provides non-IP Session support (Ethernet session and forwarding support) of
communication devices.
Note: Not including this attribute is equal to setting it to Not Supported.
Support for non-IP traffic
Measurement unit
NA
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Support for non-IP traffic
Allowed Values
Not supported
Supported
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 48 Non-IP traffic Support Table
Additional information
The most important case is to support packet exchange in the power deferential protection:
Transmission between a mobile device, customer premises equipment (CPE) and
UPF
Between adjacent UPF.
Core Network (UPF) may use Ethernet session and forwarding to transmit package as
customized network slice ability to fully meet the communication requirement of some
vertical industries application scenarios.
There are mechanisms for DNN (data network name) described in 3GPP TS 23.501 [1].
A DNN is equivalent to an APN and both identifiers have an equivalent meaning and carry
the same information.
The DNN may be used e.g. to:
Select a Session Management Function or SMF and UPF(s) for a PDU Session.
Select N6 interface(s) for a PDU Session.
Determine policies to apply to this PDU Session.
Today some scenarios of industries have requirements for which protocol transport between
communications devices need to support Non-IP sessions, such as, power differential
protection.
End to End 5G network slicing needs to support the Ethernet session and forwarding to
transmit package as customized network slice ability to fully meet the communication
requirement of the power differential protection.
This attribute applies to 3GPP access type only.
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Supported device velocity
3.4.28
Maximum speed supported by the network slice at which a defined QoS and seamless
transfer between TRxPs (Transmission Reception Point(s)), which may belong to different
deployment layers and/or radio access technologies (multi-layer /-RAT), can be achieved.
Editor’s note: This attribute is FFS in 3GPP.
Examples:
0 km/h - Stationary
10 km/h - Pedestrian
120 km/h - Vehicular
500 km/h - High speed vehicular
Supported device velocity
Measurement unit
Kilometres per hour (km/h)
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Character attribute / Performance
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 49 Device Velocity Table
Additional information
For non-low latency requirements, the expected speeds might not be a problem. More
important is the support of URLLC services under high mobility scenarios.
Orchestrator may use this attribute to orchestrate the resources and network functions. If
value is set to 0 km/h, it means no mobility is supported (e.g., the UE is not moving).
This attribute applies to 3GPP access type only.
Synchronicity
3.4.29
This attribute provides synchronicity of communication devices. Two cases are most
important in this context:
Synchronicity between a base station and a mobile device and
Synchronicity between mobile devices.
Availability
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The synchronicity between devices over PC5 in absence of the network is not in scope of
this parameter.
Note: Not including this parameter is equal to setting it to Not supported.
Availability
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Not supported
Between BS and UE
Between BS and UE & UE and UE
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 50 Synchronicity Availability Table
Accuracy
This parameter describes the accuracy of the synchronicity.
Examples:
1*10
-6
(1µs)
Accuracy
Measurement unit
second
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 51 Synchronicity Accuracy Table
Additional Information
Today these requirements are met by the deploying cable connections/networks as like
industrial Ethernet systems or fieldbuses. These networks are normally closed solutions by a
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single vendor in which all the equipment is perfectly aligned. Based on standards like IEEE
802.1 AS [8] or IEEE 1588 [7] very high synchronicity can be achieved in the networks.
This attribute applies to 3GPP access type only.
UE density
3.4.30
This attribute describes the maximum number of connected and/or accessible devices per
unit area (per km
2
) supported by the network slice.
Examples:
10 000 devices per km
2
- industry 4.0
1 000 000 devices per km
2
- MIoT
UE density
Measurement unit
Number per km2
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Scalability attribute
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 52 UE Density Table
Additional information
Most of the required densities can be supported with 5G. Most challenging is the MIoT use
cases for which it is not sure if the required device densities can be fulfilled.
This attribute describes the maximum number of users/UEs supported per area. In case
fewer users are present at moment, the network slice can be scaled down, e.g. resources
can be released and for instance be used by other network slices.
This attribute applies to 3GPP access type only.
Uplink throughput per network slice
3.4.31
This attribute relates to the aggregated data rate in uplink for all UEs together in the network
slice (this is not per UE).
This attribute applies to 3GPP access type only.
Guaranteed uplink throughput quota
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This parameter describes the guaranteed throughput/data rate supported by the network
slice for the aggregate of all GBR QoS flows in uplink belonging to the set of all UEs using
the network slice.
Not including this parameter or if the value is 0, best effort traffic is expected where no
minimum throughput is guaranteed. This only corresponds to the provisioned resources. (i.e.
there is no expectation that this guarantee is met irrespective of the instantaneous
distribution of the UEs using the network slice).
Examples:
0 (best effort)
10 000 kbps
1 000 000 kbps
Guaranteed uplink throughput quota
Measurement unit
kbps
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Scalability attribute
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 53 Guaranteed Uplink Throughput Table
Maximum uplink throughput
This parameter describes the maximum data rate supported by the network slice for all UEs
together in uplink.
Note: The sum of all data rates in uplink for all UEs does not exceed this value.
Examples:
100 000 kbps
10 000 000 kbps
Maximum uplink throughput
Measurement unit
kbps
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Scalability attribute
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Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 54 Maximum Uplink Throughput Table
Uplink maximum throughput per UE
3.4.32
This attribute describes the maximum data rate supported by the network slice per UE in
uplink.
The attribute is comprised of a list of Service Category parameters with the associated
Maximum Uplink Throughput per UE value.
If no Service Category parameter is present, all devices in the network slice experience the
same Maximum Uplink Throughput per UE value. If Service Category parameters are
present, then the UEs will be associated with a specific Maximum Uplink Throughput per UE
parameter value depending on which Service Category the UE is associated with for the
network slice. In this case, different UEs within a network slice can experience a different
maximum data rate.
Examples:
10 000 (Service Category 1)
100 000 (Service Category 2)
200 000 (Service Category 3)
Maximum Uplink Throughput per UE value
This parameter defines the Maximum Uplink Throughput per UE value. This may be
associated with a Service Category parameter.
Maximum Uplink Throughput per UE value
Measurement unit
kbps
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 55 Maximum Uplink Throughput per UE Table
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Service category
This parameter defines a service category which may be assigned to certain groups of
devices using the network slice. If present, it shall be associated with a Maximum Uplink
Throughput Value parameter.
Service category
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Any text identifying the Service
Category
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 56 Uplink Rate Service Category Table
Additional information
Maximum throughput can be used to offer different service categories which have different
maximum throughput values.
This attribute applies to 3GPP access type only, across GBR and Non-GBR QoS flows.
User management openness
3.4.33
This attribute describes the capability for the NSC to manage their users or groups of users’
network services and corresponding requirements. For instance, if NSC Y orders a network
slice which is capable to support X users of Y, then Y should be capable to decide which X
users could use this network slice. Hence, Y could manage the users, in terms of add,
modify or delete users to receive network services provided by the specific network slice.
Note: Not including this attribute is equal to setting it to Not supported.
Editor’s note: This attribute is FFS in 3GPP.
User management openness
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Not supported
Supported
Tags
Character attribute / Functional /
Operational
API
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Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 57 User Management Table
Data network access
3.4.34
For each Supported data network list value in the Supported data networks attribute (see
clause 3.4.39). This attribute defines how the network slice supported data networks handle
the user data.
Examples:
Data Network access:
Data access per Data Network = {DataNetwork1, Termination in the private
network}, {DataNetwork2, Internet}
Tunnelling mechanism per Data network = {DataNetwork1, L2TP}
LBO Allowed: {DataNetwork1, No}, {DataNetwork2, Yes}
Data access per data network
The options for a specific Supported data network are as follows:
Direct access to the Internet
Termination in a private network (e.g. via tunnelling mechanism such as L2TP, VPN
Virtual Private Network, tunnel, etc.)
All data traffic stays local to an operator network and the devices do not have access
to the Internet or private network
Data access per data network
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
List of {[Text identification of one data
network], [one of "Direct internet
access" or "Termination in the private
network" or
"Local traffic (no internet access)"]}
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
Presence
Mandatory
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Presence
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 58 Data Access Table
Tunnelling mechanism
The parameter, if present, defines the tunnelling mechanism used to connect to a private
data network. 3GPP TS 29.561 [12] lists the interworking with data networks and tunnelling
mechanism used.
This parameter must be present if Data access per data network is set to Termination in the
private network.
Note: Comma separated multiple values are allowed.
Parameters
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
List of {[Text identification of one data
network], [one of "L2TP Tunnel" or
"GRE Tunnel “or "VPN Tunnel" or
"Label bases routing" or "Other"]}
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
Parameter Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
X
Optional
Table 59 Tunnelling Mechanism Table
LBO Allowed
The parameter, if present, defines whether a data network is available in Local Breakout
whilst roaming.
Parameters
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
List of { [Text identification of one data
network], [one of "Yes”, “No”]}
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
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Parameter Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 60 LBO allowed Table
V2X communication mode
3.4.35
This attribute describes if the V2X communication mode is supported by the network slice.
This attribute applies to 3GPP access type only.
Note: Not including this attribute is equal to setting it to Not supported.
Parameters
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Not supported
YES-EUTRA
YES- NR
YES -NR and E-UTRA
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
Attribute Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 61 V2X Communication Mode Table
Latency from (last) UPF to Application Server
3.4.36
This optional attribute specifies maximum or worst-case one-way latency between UPF, and
application server offered by the slice. This does not include latency introduced by the
application server. In the case of chained UPFs, this refers to the last UPF (in the chain)
towards the application server. This attribute extends what is covered by the 3GPP QoS
PDB attribute (see GST QoS attribute) which is only between UE and UPF. This is an
optional attribute for network slices that offer latency objectives between UPF and
application server residing within the operator network.
Examples:
1.5.10
-3
s
5.10
-3
s
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Latency from UPF to Application Server
Measurement unit
second
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Character attribute / Performance
KPI
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 62 Latency to Application Server Table
The boundary of the “application server” is defined by the application domain, which may
simply be a server, or may for example be front ended by a load balancer provided by the
application. For example, if the application provides its own load balancer to front-end the
server, then the latency is between UPF and the load balancer; on the other hand, if the slice
provider (e.g. an operator) provides the load balancer, then the latency is between UPF and
the application server.
Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization (NSSAA)
3.4.37
Required
This attribute specifies whether for the Network Slice, devices need to be also authenticated
and authorized by a AAA server using additional credentials different than the ones used for
the primary authentication (see Rel-16 of 3GPP TS 23.501 [1] clause 5.15.10 for a definition
of the Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization feature).
Note: Not including this attribute is equal to setting it to Not supported.
NSSAA required
Measurement unit
N/A
Allowed Values
Not supported
Supported
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 63: Network Slice-Specific Authentication and Authorization Required Table
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Multimedia Priority Service
3.4.38
Multimedia Priority Service (MPS) leads to priority of traffic relative to other traffic.
Note: Not including this attribute is equal to setting it to Non-MPS.
Multimedia Priority Service
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Non-MPS
MPS
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 64 Multimedia Priority Service Support Table
As specified in 3GPP TS 22.153 [31] an MPS session is a session that has priority treatment
applied for allocating and maintaining radio and network resources.
Priority treatment for MPS requires an appropriate ARP and 5QI (plus 5G QoS
characteristics) for QoS Flows. The default values for standardized 5QIs described in clause
3.4.26 could be overridden according to the operator policy, as defined in 3GPP TS 23.501
[1].
Multimedia Priority Service capability support
This parameter specifies what capabilities are available to support MPS. More than one
capability may be supported at once. This parameter must be present if Multimedia Priority
Service support is set to “MPS”.
Note: Comma separated multiple values are allowed.
Multimedia Priority Service capability support
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
User prioritization
Pre-emption
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
Presence
Mandatory
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Presence
Conditional
X
Optional
Table 65 Multimedia Priority Service Capabilities Table
User prioritization is the admission and the scheduling of different priorities among MPS
users.
Pre-emption allows for an established session to be pre-empted for admission of a higher-
priority session.
Multimedia Priority Service support
This parameter specifies whether or not the network slice supports MPS for MMTel voice,
MPS for MMTel video, and/or MPS for Data as specified in 3GPP TS 22.153 [31].
This parameter must be present if Multimedia Priority Service support is set to “MPS”.
Note: Comma separated multiple values are allowed.
Multimedia Priority Service support
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
MPS for MMTel voice
MPS for MMTel video
MPS for Data
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
X
Optional
Table 66 Multimedia Priority Service Table
Supported data network
3.4.39
This attribute describes the data networks the network slice provides access to. The attribute
is comprised of a list of Service category parameters with the associated network or
networks list.
If no Service category parameters are present, all UEs in the network slice are associated
with the same network or list of networks.
Example:
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{Service category = Service category 1, Supported networks list = " DataNetwork1, DataNetwork2"}
{Service category = Service category 2, Supported networks list = " DataNetwork1"}
Supported data networks list
This parameter defines which data networks the network slice provides access to. This may
be associated with a Service Category parameter.
For every Supported data network, a Data network access (see clause 3.4.34) needs to be
provided.
Supported data network list
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Text identification of one data network
or a list of data networks
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
x
Table 67 Supported Networks Table
Service category
This parameter defines a service category which may be assigned to a UE. If present, it shall
be associated with a Supported data networks list parameter.
Service category
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Any text identifying the service
category
Tags
Character attribute / Functional
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 68 Service Category Supported Networks Table
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Maximum number of UEs with at least one PDU session/PDN
3.4.40
connection
This attribute, which applies for network slices where EPS interworking is supported,
describes the maximum number of UEs that can use the network slice simultaneously with at
least one PDU session/PDN connection as specified by the "Maximum number of UEs with
at least one PDU session and PDN connection" parameter. The counting of UEs shall
consider the UEs in 5GS with at least one PDU Session in the network slice, and the UEs in
the EPS with at least one PDN connection in the network slice, i.e., it is required to count the
UEs that have at least one PDN connection connected to an APN that is associated with the
S-NSSAI of the network slice.
NOTE: A UE registered in a 5GS slice with no PDU session established is not counted in
this case. In addition, this attribute is not used together with attribute “Maximum number of
UEs” depicted in clause 3.4.17 in the same NEST.
Examples:
100 000 UEs with at least one PDU session/PDN connection
10 000 000 UEs with at least one PDU session/PDN connection
Maximum number of UEs with at least one PDU session/PDN connection
This parameter specifies how many UEs can simultaneously use the network slice with at
least one PDU session/PDN connection.
Maximum number of UEs with at least one PDU session/PDN
connection
Measurement unit
NA
Allowed Values
Any desired value
Tags
Scalability attribute
Presence
Mandatory
Conditional
Optional
X
Table 69 Number of UEs with at least one PDU session/PDN connection Table
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NEST
4
Different requirements for the services to be supported result in different NESTs. This
section defines NESTs that address common use cases in the industry, i.e. GSMA-defined
NESTs, and, where applicable, a mapping to the standardised SST values defined in 3GPP
TS 23.501[1]. The values defined here are to be assumed as "minimum requirements" for
the Network Slice Type. A NSP may provide Network Slices that meet or exceed the
requirements defined for a NEST in this clause.
NEST for enhanced Mobile Broadband with IMS support
4.1
Table 70 describes the NEST for enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) SST defined in 3GPP
TS 23.501[1], where IMS services (MMTel and RCS) are supported, along with Internet
DNN. Both of these supported data networks are home routed as a baseline. To provide the
seamless service continuity, SSC mode 1 must be supported.
Attribute
Value
Availability
99,999
MMTel support
Supported
Session and Service Continuity
support
SSC mode 1
Data Network access
Data access per data network
{Internet DNN, Direct
access to the internet},
{IMS, Local traffic (no
internet access)}
Supported data network
Supported data network list
Internet DNN,
IMS
Slice quality of service
3GPP 5QI
1,2,5,6,7,8,9
Table 70 List of attributes needed for NEST with IMS support
NEST for ultra-reliable and ultra-low latency communication
4.2
Table 71 describes the NEST for ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC) SST
defined in 3GPP TS 23.501[1].
Bounded latency, ultra-reliable data delivery and ultra-low latency characterise this use case.
Attribute
Value
Availability
99.999
Session and Service Continuity
Support
1
Slice quality of service
3GPP 5QI
82
Supported device velocity
2
Table 71 List of attributes needed for NEST for URLLC SST
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NEST for Massive IoT
4.3
Table 72 describes the NEST for Massive IoT (MIoT) SST defined in 3GPP TS 23.501[1].
Small data volumes per UE, high density of devices, and extreme coverage characterise this
use case.
Attribute
Value
Availability
99,9
Slice quality of service
3GPP 5QI
9
Supported device velocity
2
UE density
100000
Table 72 List of attributes needed for NEST for MIoT SST
NEST for High-Performance Machine-Type Communications
4.4
Table 73 lists the minimum set of attributes needed for NEST for High-Performance
Machine-Type Communications (HMTC) SST defined in 3GPP Release 17 TS 23.501[1].
IoT devices that require high throughput characterise this use case.
Attribute
Value
Availability
99.999
Device Velocity
0
UE density (per km
2
)
1000
Mission critical support
Mission critical
Mission-critical capability
support
Inter-user prioritization
Mission-critical service
support
MCData
Slice quality of service
3GPP 5QI
83
Table 73 List of attributes needed for HMTC
NEST for Public Safety
4.5
Table 74 describes NEST for Public Safety that supports highly complex use cases seen by
police, fire, ambulance, disaster relief, customs, special forces, airborne units, sea and
mountain rescue, armed forces. Yellow light units (gas, water, electric, etc.) may be
considered as well in the future. These use cases require a high number of UEs with a high
density together with the attributes listed below.
Editor’s note: This is work in progress.
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Attribute
Value
Availability
99,999
Delay tolerance
Supported
Deterministic communication
Availability
Supported
Periodicity
2 sec
Group communication support
Broadcast/Multicast + SC-PTM
Mission critical support
Mission-critical
Mission Critical Capability
Support
Inter-user prioritization
Mission Critical Service
Support
MCPTT
MCData
MCVideo
MMTel support
Supported
Performance monitoring
Availability
Service Request Success Rate
Monitoring sample
frequency
Per minute
Performance Prediction
Availability
Throughput
Latency
Service Request Success Rate
Prediction Frequency
Per minute
Positioning support
Availability
CIDE-CID (LTE and NR)
OTDOA (LTE and NR)
AECID
Prediction frequency
Per minute
Session and Service Continuity
Support
SSC mode 1
Support for Non-IP traffic
Supported
Supported device velocity
450
Synchronicity
Availability
Between BS and UE & UE and
UE
User Management Openness
Supported
V2X communication mode
YES -NR and E-UTRA
Multimedia Priority Service
Support
MPS
Table 74 List of attributes needed for Public Safety
NEST for enhanced Mobile Broadband with IMS and MPS support
4.6
Table 75 describes the NEST for enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) SST defined in 3GPP
TS 23.501[1], where IMS and MPS services are supported along with Internet DNN. This
NEST is the same NEST defined in clause 4.1 where the only difference is the inclusion of
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the MPS attribute in support of MPS services. This NEST is intended for operators
supporting MPS (see note).
Attribute
Value
Availability
99,999
MMTel support
Supported
Session and Service Continuity
support
SSC mode 1
Data Network access
Data access per data network
{Internet DNN, Direct
access to the internet},
{IMS, Local traffic (no
internet access)}
Supported data network
Supported data network list
Internet DNN,
IMS
Slice quality of service
3GPP 5QI
1,2,5,6,7,8,9
Multimedia Priority Service
MPS
Multimedia Priority Service
capability support
User prioritization
Pre-emption
Multimedia Priority Service
support
MPS for MMTel voice
MPS for MMTel video
MPS for Data
Table 75 List of attributes needed for an eMBB NEST with IMS and MPS support
Note: Multimedia Priority Service (MPS) is described in 3GPP TS 22.153 [31]. It is intended
to be used by qualified and authorized users, i.e., emergency service personnel, only during
times of emergency situations and network congestion. For example, in the USA, MPS is
used for National Security Emergency Preparedness (NSEP) in accordance with the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) rules provided in Title 47 Appendix A to Part 64 -
Telecommunications Service Priority (TSP) System for NSEP.
NEST for Vehicle-to-Everything
4.7
Table 76 describes NEST for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) SST defined in 3GPP Release 16
TS 23.501 [1]. It is based on 3GPP V2X requirements defined in 3GPP TS 22.186 [41], and
5GAA V2X use cases and service level requirements defined in 5GAA T-200111 [42] and
5GAA T-200116 [43] Technical Reports (TRs).
Examples of 3GPP V2X use cases intended to be covered are mentioned in Table 5.7.4-1 of
3GPP TS 23.501 [1].
Categories (broader groups) of 5GAA V2X use cases intended to be covered (with varying
degrees) are: Safety, Autonomous Driving, Advanced Driving Assistance, and Traffic
Efficiency and Environmental Friendliness. Note that some of these use cases either need
the MDBV of 5QI 85 to be higher than the default (to support the needed guaranteed bit rate)
or a new 5QI.
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Attribute
Value
Availability
99,999
Device Velocity
180
Deterministic communication
Availability
Supported
Periodicity
0,02
Session and Service Continuity
support
SSC mode 1
Performance Prediction
Availability
Throughput
Latency
Service Request Success
Rate
Prediction Frequency
Per minute
Positioning support
Accuracy
<= 0.1
Slice quality of service
3GPP 5QI
3, 79, 83, 84, 85, 86
Table 76 List of attributes needed for V2X NEST
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Annex A Relation between GST and network slice NRM
ServiceProfile
The GST defined by GSMA, and the service performance requirements defined in 3GPP TS
22.261 [27] and 3GPP TS 22.104 [28] are all considered as input for the network slice
related requirements.
Figure 3 shows how GST attributes are used by 3GPP as inputs to network slice Network
Resource Model (NRM) ServiceProfile defined in 3GPP TS 28.541 [29] and then further
translated into relevant attributes of constituted network slice subnets SliceProfile (i.e.
CNSliceSubnetProfile and RANSliceSubnetSliceProfile) and TN requirements, and finally,
being translated into different 5G domain configuration parameters (i.e. 5GC domain and
NG-RAN domain).
Figure 3: Relation between GST and network slice NRM ServiceProfile
Annex B Information: Zero-touch management of the network
slice
ETSI Zero-touch network and Service Management (ZSM) group examined many business
cases and their requirements in ETSI ZSM001 [33] and designed ZSM architecture
framework [34] to satisfy them. Figure 4 shows the example for network slicing
management.
TopSliceSubnetProfile
5GC domain
NG-RAN domain
CNSliceSubnetProfile RANSliceSubnetProfile
translation
translation
TN requirements
TN domain
Configuration
parameters
Configuration
parameters
translation
UseCase
CSC
CSC
NSC Use Case
Requirements
Network Slice Preparation
GST
NEST
NEST
ServiceProfile
translation
3GPP
IETF
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Figure 4 ZSM architecture deployment example for network slicing management [35]
ETSI ZSM003 [35] shows an example of E2E network slicing management solutions and
related management interfaces in relation to the ETSI ZSM architecture, with reference to
and reuse of available standards. Some attributes of the GST are translated into the 3GPP
defined service profile for E2E Service Management Domain (MD) and the corresponding
profiles of AN, CN and TN Management Domain (MD). Figure 5 shows the relation between
GSMA GST, 3GPP NRM ServiceProfile and ETSI ZSM architecture.
Figure 5 Relation between GST, 3GPP NRM ServiceProfile and ETSI ZSM architecture
TopSliceSubnetProfile
5GC domain
NG-RAN domain
CNSliceSubnetProfile ANSliceSubnetProfile
translation
translation
translation
translation
translation
TN requirements
TN domain
translation
Configuration
parameters
Configuration
parameters
translation
Configuration
parameters
UseCase
CSC
CSC
NSC Use Case
Requirements
Network Slice Preparation
GST
NEST
NEST
ServiceProfile
E2E Service MD
CN MD
AN MD
TN MD
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Document Management
Document History
Version
Date
Brief Description of Change
Approval
Authority
Editor /
Company
1.0
11-March-
2019
Final version for approval
5GJA#7, NG
5GJA#7
NG#9
Sandra
Ondrusova / CK
Hutchison
2.0
15-Oct-
2019
CR1002, CR1003, CR1004,
CR1005, CR1006, CR1007,
CR1008, CR1009, CR1010,
CR1011, CR1012, CR1013
incorporated
NG#10
Sandra
Ondrusova / CK
Hutchison
3.0
21-May-
2020
CR1014, CR1015, CR1016,
CR1017, CR1018, CR1019,
CR1020, CR1022, CR1023,
CR1025, CR1026, CR1028,
CR1029, CR1030, CR1031,
CR1032, CR1034, CR1037,
CR1039 incorporated
NG#11
Sandra
Ondrusova / CK
Hutchison
4.0
23-Nov-
2020
CR1040, CR1041, CR1042,
CR1043, CR1044, CR1048,
CR1049, CR1050, CR1051,
CR1052, CR1053, CR1054
incorporated
NG#12
Sandra
Ondrusova / CK
Hutchison
5.0
28-May-
2021
CR1055, CR1056, CR1057,
CR1058, CR1059, CR1062,
CR1063, CR1064, CR1065,
CR1066, CR1067, CR1068,
CR1069 incorporated
NG#13
Sandra
Ondrusova / CK
Hutchison
6.0
16-Nov-
2021
CR1070, CR1071, CR1072,
CR1073 incorporated
NG#14
Sandra
Ondrusova / CK
Hutchison
7.0
17-June-
2022
CR1074, CR1075, CR1076,
CR1077, CR1079, CR1080,
CR1081, CR1082 incorporated
NG#15
Sandra
Ondrusova / CK
Hutchison
8.0
January-
2023
CR1083, CR1084, CR1085,
CR1086, CR1087, CR1088
incorporated
NG#16
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Ondrusova / CK
Hutchison
Other Information
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Description
Document Owner
NG
Editor / Company
Sandra Ondrusova / CK Hutchison
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