Optimizing Connectivity for Modern Enterprises
The advent of 5G has brought about substantial transformations in the telecommunications industry, with one of the most innovative advancements being network slicing. For enterprises relying on cellular connectivity, particularly those in public safety, industrial IoT, and remote connectivity, network slicing offers tailored, application-specific networking that meets each sector's unique demands. This capability allows for greater reliability, security, and efficiency, as each network slice can be configured independently to prioritize certain types of traffic over others, making it an invaluable tool for businesses requiring high-performance connectivity.
This article will explore network slicing as it pertains to cellular networking solutions provided by key industry players, including Ericsson (formerly Cradlepoint), Semtech (formerly Sierra Wireless), and Digi International, illustrating how each enables network slicing and how enterprises can benefit from this transformative approach to network management.
What is Network Slicing?
Network slicing is a 5G technology that allows operators to create multiple virtual networks on a shared physical infrastructure. Each “slice” is a dedicated network optimized for specific services or applications with distinct performance characteristics, such as low latency, high bandwidth, or reliability. This enables network operators and enterprises to partition resources efficiently and deliver customized connectivity solutions to their users.
Through network slicing, operators can create isolated slices for:
- IoT devices needing low power and low bandwidth but high reliability.
- Mission-critical services, like public safety, require low latency and high reliability.
- High-bandwidth applications, such as streaming video, which prioritizes speed and data capacity.
- Network slicing is integral for enterprises looking to optimize their network resources for diverse applications. It reduces operational complexity and cost by eliminating the need for separate physical networks for each application.
How Network Slicing Works
Network slicing is managed through the 5G core, where different traffic types are separated, and each slice is treated as a unique virtual network. Unlike traditional network segmentation, which relies on virtual LANs or subnets, slicing in 5G networks is more advanced and granular.
Each slice can have:
- Specific quality of service (QoS) parameters include latency and bandwidth.
- Tailored security measures, ensuring data is protected according to the application's sensitivity.
- Separate access controls so only authorized devices or users can access each slice.
This configuration allows network slices to support vastly different applications without interference. For example, one slice might handle real-time data for autonomous vehicles, while another slice manages large-scale video uploads from a surveillance system, all without performance degradation across applications.
Network Slicing Applications for Enterprises
Network slicing is particularly beneficial in applications where multiple data types require distinct connectivity parameters. Key enterprise applications include:
Industrial IoT and SCADA Systems
In industries like oil and gas, power distribution, and manufacturing, IoT-enabled sensors transmit data across remote and often harsh environments. Network slicing allows these industries to create dedicated slices for SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems that prioritize uptime, low latency, and reliable connectivity over other less critical traffic.
Public Safety and First Responders
Network slicing is crucial for emergency response operations where reliable and rapid communication can be lifesaving. A dedicated slice can be set up for public safety devices to maintain connectivity even during network congestion. For instance, Ericsson’s FirstNet-compatible solutions support network slicing for public safety agencies, ensuring uninterrupted access to critical data like CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) and AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location) systems.
Retail and Branch Networking
Retail stores, banks, and businesses with multiple branch locations can leverage network slicing to ensure seamless, secure transactions and application access. Retailers, for example, can allocate separate slices for POS (point-of-sale) data, guest Wi-Fi, and internal systems, ensuring that customer transactions are processed smoothly, even during peak hours.
Remote Industrial Monitoring
Network slicing offers the reliability and security required for 24/7 data transmission from isolated locations for utilities and other enterprises managing remote assets. By designating a specific slice for telemetry data, these industries can monitor equipment health and prevent downtime without interference from other network traffic.
How Ericsson, Semtech, and Digi International Enable Network Slicing
Our partners at Ericsson, Semtech, and Digi International each bring unique strengths, providing network slicing solutions that meet specific industry needs and enable businesses to maximize network efficiency.
Ericsson (Formerly Cradlepoint)
Ericsson’s 5G-enabled routers, including the R1900 and E3000, offer robust network slicing support for branch and mobile applications. Key features of Ericsson’s network slicing capabilities include:
NetCloud Management Platform
NetCloud’s SD-WAN capabilities complement network slicing by allowing businesses to prioritize specific applications and manage traffic more intelligently. This enables users to assign different slices to applications dynamically depending on QoS requirements.
Seamless Integration with 5G Core
Ericsson's extensive expertise in telecommunications infrastructure ensures that their routers integrate well with the 5G core, enabling seamless slicing for different applications. This is especially beneficial for public safety organizations and businesses with highly specific data handling needs, as it ensures mission-critical data gets top priority.
Traffic Isolation and Security
Ericsson’s network slicing solutions provide built-in traffic segmentation and end-to-end encryption, ensuring that sensitive data on dedicated slices is kept secure from other network traffic. This is particularly valuable for industries where data security is paramount, such as healthcare and financial services.
Enhanced Mobility
With Ericsson’s solutions, public safety agencies can utilize network slices that prioritize real-time data, such as CAD and live video feeds, ensuring that first responders can access reliable, real-time information regardless of network congestion.
Semtech (Formerly Sierra Wireless)
Semtech’s AirLink routers, including the XR80 and XR90, support network slicing features that are particularly advantageous for industrial IoT and remote applications. Semtech’s network slicing advantages include:
Edge Intelligence
Semtech’s routers incorporate edge computing capabilities, enabling real-time data processing directly on the device. Combined with network slicing, this optimizes performance by assigning latency-sensitive applications, such as SCADA and telemetry, to dedicated slices.
AirLink Management Service (ALMS)
ALMS offers centralized device management, allowing administrators to configure and monitor slices across multiple devices from a single platform. This enables businesses to oversee complex deployments, particularly in remote and industrial settings, where device health and connectivity are critical.
Dedicated IoT Slicing
For companies with diverse IoT applications, Semtech’s routers allow each device or sensor type to connect via a specific slice, ensuring stable connections for all applications. Whether monitoring water levels in reservoirs or gas leaks in pipelines, Semtech routers can provide slices with dedicated security and performance characteristics to ensure data reliability.
Environmental Ruggedness
Designed to withstand harsh conditions, Semtech’s routers are ideal for industries requiring network slices in remote, outdoor locations. Their devices maintain reliable connectivity for SCADA systems and environmental monitoring in rural and challenging environments.
Digi International
Digi’s solutions, such as the Digi TX64 and IX20, offer reliable and scalable network slicing features tailored to geographically distributed applications. With a strong focus on connectivity for both industrial and commercial uses, Digi’s network slicing strengths include:
Digi Remote Manager (DRM)
DRM simplifies network slicing management by offering centralized control over multi-site deployments, allowing administrators to manage slices for various applications, such as video surveillance and telemetry, across numerous locations from one platform
Flexible Connectivity
Digi’s routers support a range of network configurations, from 5G to LTE, enabling businesses to utilize slicing for both high-bandwidth and low-latency applications. For instance, a retailer could use Digi’s routers to maintain separate slices for in-store POS transactions, customer Wi-Fi, and inventory management systems.
Security-Focused Slicing
Digi emphasizes secure connectivity by providing network slices that meet industry standards for encryption and authentication. This feature is crucial for businesses such as healthcare providers and financial institutions handling sensitive data, where privacy and data integrity are vital.
API Integration for Custom Slicing
Digi’s routers allow for customizable network slices through API integration, enabling businesses to create and manage slices according to specific use cases. This flexibility is ideal for industries with dynamic data needs, such as transportation and logistics, where slicing parameters may vary between locations and applications.
Benefits of Network Slicing for Enterprises
Network slicing offers several key benefits for enterprises deploying 5G solutions, including:
Enhanced Application Performance
Businesses can optimize network performance for each use case by dedicating slices to specific applications, ensuring critical applications receive the resources they need.
Cost Efficiency
Network slicing eliminates the need for multiple physical networks, reducing infrastructure costs and allowing enterprises to maximize their existing network resources.
Scalability
Network slicing can be scaled up or down according to an organization’s needs. As businesses grow, they can add or reconfigure slices to accommodate new applications and data demands.
Security and Compliance
Network slicing allows enterprises to apply unique security protocols to each slice, ensuring compliance with industry regulations while protecting sensitive data.
Operational Resilience: With dedicated network slices, businesses can ensure mission-critical applications maintain connectivity and performance, even during peak usage or network congestion.
Network slicing is a powerful solution that empowers enterprises to leverage 5G and advanced LTE networks in previously unattainable ways with traditional network architectures. By working with partners like Ericsson, Semtech, and Digi, businesses can access tailored network solutions that meet specific industry requirements, from public safety and industrial IoT to retail and remote monitoring.
As network slicing technology continues to evolve, enterprises can implement more precise, application-specific networking strategies that enhance performance, reduce costs, and ensure reliability across all devices and locations. Network slicing offers a new frontier of possibilities for organizations seeking robust and customizable connectivity, enabling more efficient, secure, and resilient network deployments.
About MCA and Our CNS Team
MCA is one of the largest and most trusted integrators in the United States, offering world-class voice, data, and security solutions that enhance the quality, safety, and productivity of customers, operations, and lives. More than 65,000 customers trust MCA to provide carefully researched solutions for a safe, secure, and more efficient workplace.
Our Cellular Networking Solutions (CNS) team (formerly known as USAT) is made up of certified experts in designing and deploying fixed and mobile wireless data connectivity solutions for public and private enterprises nationwide - complete with implementation, training, proof of concept (POC), system auditing, and on-site RF surveying services with optional engineering maintenance contracts.
Our extensive Ericsson catalog of world-class routers, gateways, and software designed for remote monitoring and management in even the harshest environments allows us to deliver a full suite of reliable technologies capped with a service-first approach.
Share this Post
