DoCoMo, Ericsson Trial Dynamic 5G Network Slicing

NTT DoCoMo and Ericsson announced they have completed a joint proof of concept trial of dynamic network slicing for 5G core networks.

Network slicing technology is designed to virtually partition physical networks into multiple co-existing logical networks divided based on service requirements.

The proof of concept involved autonomous creation of network slices to allow widely varying services to be delivered simultaneously.

NTT DoCoMo said the trial shows how 5G services could be connected flexibly between networks according to set policies to meet specific service requirements for latency, security or capacity.

DoCoMo created the network slice creation and selection functions, while Ericsson provided technologies to perform network slice lifecycle and service management.

"Network slicing has the potential to simultaneously deliver diverse cutting-edge 5G services, for enhanced entertainment as well as further effective and secure communication,” DoCoMo SVP and GM of R&D strategy Hiroshi Nakamura said.

“We expect the results of our PoC with Ericsson will play an important role in the realization of highly efficient and secure 5G networking technologies."

The technology will be exhibited as part of an AR application at 5G World in London later this month.