RAN Slice Controller
Automated, standards-based 5G RAN slice lifecycle management
What is 5G RAN slicing?
5G RAN slicing enables the creation of sub-slices in the RAN and ensures delivery of required metrics like throughput, latency, mobility and reliability.
5G RAN slicing is complemented by adjacent capabilities in the transport and core network domains, as well as end-to-end network slicing capabilities.
Network slicing enables communication service providers (CSPs) to monetize their 5G network by offering differentiated services and by addressing new revenue opportunities.
Why is automation essential for 5G RAN slicing?
Creating and operating slices is a complex process. The initial deployment of a single slice in a network with 10,000 gNodeBs requires the creation of over 100,000 managed objects and updates to several 100,000s radio parameters.
Done manually, this would translate to 100s of hours of labor. Automation reduces slice creation time to mere minutes, while minimizing human errors.
Once the slice is up and running, automation is also essential for slice modifications, to assure ongoing slice performance and to assign / re-assign radio resources dynamically.
What is the RAN Network Slice Subnet Management Function (R-NSSMF)?
The RAN Network Slice Subnet Management Function (R-NSSMF) enables automated network slicing in 5G RAN, improving time-to-market, quality of service and reliability through less manual work.
What is the Nokia RAN Slice Controller?
The Nokia RAN Slice Controller solution provides the 3GPP R-NSSMF for physical RAN, Cloud RAN and O-RAN deployments from Nokia or other vendors. With automated slice lifecycle management capabilities designed multi-cloud environments, it relies on standards-based open interfaces and SDKs.
What are the key features and benefits of Nokia RAN Slice Controller?
Automated slice lifecycle management enables better monetization of 5G networks
- Use case agnostic solution for all slice types with off-the-shelf templates and workflows
- Full lifecycle support for slice creation, modification and deletion
- Closed-loop automation assures slice SLAs
Modular solution for lower TCO
- Start with one slice management function (e.g., orchestration) and introduce complete lifecycle management later (e.g., adding assurance for closed-loop operations)
- Easily add end-to-end slicing or other domain-specific NSSMFs capabilities
- Cloud-native software designed to run on any cloud
Designed for real-world multi-vendor environments
- Run-time integration with NSMF and NFMF from Nokia or other vendors
- Fully standards-based slice orchestration and assurance
- Flexible SDKs for customization and non-standard integrations
What results can you expect from the Nokia RAN Slice Controller?
Nokia uniquely combines extensive knowledge of 5G networks and network slicing with service and network automation know-how.
of gNBs can be provisioned per hour with Nokia RAN Slice Controller.
or hours to create slices with Nokia RAN Slice Controller instead of days when done manually, while minimizing human errors.
reduction in the number of alarms simplifies slice assurance with Nokia RAN Slice Controller.
Which CSPs are using Nokia’s slicing solution?
Nokia network slicing customers include some of the largest and most advanced CSPs where our software enables multi-vendor 5G network slicing for diverse use cases, including Ooredoo, Starhub, STC and Telenor.
5G slicing case study
A CSP in North America uses Nokia’s fully automated end-to-end slice management capabilities for its multi-vendor network.
The challenge
- Very large-scale, multi-vendor 5G SA network
- Ambition to create a programmable network that fosters innovation
- Aggressively positions network slicing as a competitive differentiator
Nokia’s slicing automation solution
- End-to-end slice orchestration (CSMF & NSMF), plus RAN slicing and Core slicing (R-NSSMF, C-NSSMF) in multi-vendor network
- 3GPP-based slice orchestration, inventory management and AIOps-driven assurance
- Cloud-based deployment
The outcome with Nokia's solution
- Completed extensive tests and trials, including support for large-scale events
- Commercial slice-based offers are now live
- Exponential growth in number of slices
Related solutions and products
Solution
Automate core slicing operations with lifecycle management for 5G slices
Solution
End-to-end closed-loop operations for autonomous networks
Product
Intelligent network management for 5G.
Product
Service Management and Orchestration
Product
AIOps-driven automated network and service assurance for autonomous networks
Product
Intent-based service orchestration for autonomous networks
Ready to talk?
Please complete the form below.
The form is loading, please wait...
Thank you. We have received your inquiry. Please continue browsing.