Technical Summary
Network slicing in 5G enables logical networks for communication
services of multiple 5G customers to be multiplexed over the same
infrastructure. While 5G slicing covers logical separation of
various aspects of 5G infrastructure and services, user's data plane
packets over the Radio Access Network (RAN) and Core Network (5GC)
use IP in many segments of an end-to-end 5G slice. When end-to-end
slices in a 5G System use network resources, they are mapped to
corresponding Transport Network (TN) slice(s) which in turn provide
the bandwidth, latency, isolation, and other criteria required for
the realization of a 5G slice.
This document describes mapping of 5G slices to TN slices using UDP
source port number of the GTP-U bearer when the TN slice provider is
separated by an "attachment circuit" from the networks in which the
5G network functions are deployed, for example, 5G functions that are
distributed across data centers. The slice mapping defined here is
supported transparently when a 5G user device moves across 5G
attachment points and session anchors.
Working Group Summary
The WGLC was productive with no opposition and only non-controversial
feedback with significant support. The document was revised in
response to these and Linda's GENART review.
Document Quality
This document had years of productive WG revisions incorporating
significant changes, including greatly simplifying the document and
expanding the security considerations. It does not describe a new
protocol that would require interoperability testing, but describes
how to map 5G slices onto Transport Network slices. No
implementations are claimed.
Personnel
The Document Shepherd for this document is Satoru Matsushima. The
Responsible Area Director is Tommy Jensen.