GSM Association Non-confidential
Official Document NG.116 - Generic Network Slice Template
V8.0 Page 10 of 72
Network Slicing
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
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.