Four most exciting cross-industry network slicing opportunities
06 Oct 2021
Four most exciting cross-industry network slicing opportunities
When it comes to utilizing the potential of 5G networks, network slicing seems to be the technology that can offer some very exciting opportunities – not only the telecom industry, but also for others that will be able to deploy new services thanks to slicing solutions. So what are they?
Let’s start with the idea of network slicing – it’s pretty simple. The technology is based on operators creating dedicated “slices” within their infrastructure for businesses to use as a private network.
Each slice is an individual element, which means it can be dedicated to support a very specific application or service, and a specified number of users. What’s more, slices can be added or removed at any time, as required, which makes them a perfect agile and flexible solution for a whole range of industries.
Network slicing offers a service that is and will be much needed in the 5G era. Dedicated slices enable lower latency and enhanced broadband to support businesses from healthcare to field service management, entertainment and automotive. Almost any industry can find network slicing beneficial when it comes to deploying new 5G services.
So, which sectors are looking to use slicing in the future?
Many people around the globe need specialized types of surgery but only a small number of surgeons can perform such operations. Travelling is not always an option, and even if it is, the specialists might not always reach their patients in time – let alone get to all the patients who need help.
Network slicing and 5G can be a gamechanger when it comes to healthcare and the medical sector. The technology can enable surgeons (who might be a thousand miles away) to perform procedures remotely. They only need the assistance of a medical team to take care of the patient on-site, a specialized medical device, and the dedicated slice to support the connection between the surgeon and the patient.
By overcoming the barrier of distance and the time needed to travel, 5G surgery can help save the lives of many more people all around the world.
Getting to less dramatic applications, network slicing can support the entertainment sector, and one of the most common applications will probably be the gaming industry. While this may seem surprising, research shows that the value of global gaming industry exceeds $300 billion.
With online gaming booming, 5G networks and network slicing can make the experience of tournaments and regular online playing even better. After all, everyone can relate to the frustration of losing a game because of a poor Internet connection. Providing a dedicated slice to address the increasing demands for broadband during tournaments will help avoid that.
On the subject of entertainment, another area could benefit from network slicing as well. Through slicing, venue owners can deploy new services based on augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), and offer them during events for an additional price.
Searching for the toilet during a concert? Wondering what the score is after you went to get nachos? Want to re-run an exciting part of an event? Worry no more – thanks to network slicing and AR/VR technology, any of these desires can be addressed with a smart device such as glasses.
These immersive experiences could be a new source of business partnerships and revenue.
A well-orchestrated 5G network and network slicing are the foundation for self-driving cars and a future of autonomous vehicles. They essential for drivers deploying “vehicle-to-everything” communication.
As 5G network slicing proliferates, mainstream use of self-driving cars can become reality. The vehicles will be able to communicate not only with other cars, but also with pedestrians, traffic lights, and more – anything or anybody that is connected to the net.
Network slicing for B2B and B2C sectors is a lucrative opportunity for the communication service providers. Yet, in order to use its potential, operators must act now, while there’s room to grow, and before many other players gain control the market because the widespread availability of network slicing will certainly mean the emergence of new competition.
If you’re curious about how to introduce the technology and address the most common challenges, we’re here to help. Discover the answers to the most burning questions about deploying network slicing and NaaS in the 2021 campaign from Comarch – “Telecoms Journey Towards 5G Monetization”.
Let’s start with the idea of network slicing – it’s pretty simple. The technology is based on operators creating dedicated “slices” within their infrastructure for businesses to use as a private network.
Each slice is an individual element, which means it can be dedicated to support a very specific application or service, and a specified number of users. What’s more, slices can be added or removed at any time, as required, which makes them a perfect agile and flexible solution for a whole range of industries.
The power behind network slices
Network slicing offers a service that is and will be much needed in the 5G era. Dedicated slices enable lower latency and enhanced broadband to support businesses from healthcare to field service management, entertainment and automotive. Almost any industry can find network slicing beneficial when it comes to deploying new 5G services.
So, which sectors are looking to use slicing in the future?
Healthcare – 5G surgery
Many people around the globe need specialized types of surgery but only a small number of surgeons can perform such operations. Travelling is not always an option, and even if it is, the specialists might not always reach their patients in time – let alone get to all the patients who need help.
Network slicing and 5G can be a gamechanger when it comes to healthcare and the medical sector. The technology can enable surgeons (who might be a thousand miles away) to perform procedures remotely. They only need the assistance of a medical team to take care of the patient on-site, a specialized medical device, and the dedicated slice to support the connection between the surgeon and the patient.
By overcoming the barrier of distance and the time needed to travel, 5G surgery can help save the lives of many more people all around the world.
Entertainment – gaming tournaments
Getting to less dramatic applications, network slicing can support the entertainment sector, and one of the most common applications will probably be the gaming industry. While this may seem surprising, research shows that the value of global gaming industry exceeds $300 billion.
With online gaming booming, 5G networks and network slicing can make the experience of tournaments and regular online playing even better. After all, everyone can relate to the frustration of losing a game because of a poor Internet connection. Providing a dedicated slice to address the increasing demands for broadband during tournaments will help avoid that.
Entertainment – big live events
On the subject of entertainment, another area could benefit from network slicing as well. Through slicing, venue owners can deploy new services based on augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), and offer them during events for an additional price.
Searching for the toilet during a concert? Wondering what the score is after you went to get nachos? Want to re-run an exciting part of an event? Worry no more – thanks to network slicing and AR/VR technology, any of these desires can be addressed with a smart device such as glasses.
These immersive experiences could be a new source of business partnerships and revenue.
Automotive – autonomous (self-driving) cars
A well-orchestrated 5G network and network slicing are the foundation for self-driving cars and a future of autonomous vehicles. They essential for drivers deploying “vehicle-to-everything” communication.
As 5G network slicing proliferates, mainstream use of self-driving cars can become reality. The vehicles will be able to communicate not only with other cars, but also with pedestrians, traffic lights, and more – anything or anybody that is connected to the net.
A new opportunity for the telecoms
Network slicing for B2B and B2C sectors is a lucrative opportunity for the communication service providers. Yet, in order to use its potential, operators must act now, while there’s room to grow, and before many other players gain control the market because the widespread availability of network slicing will certainly mean the emergence of new competition.
If you’re curious about how to introduce the technology and address the most common challenges, we’re here to help. Discover the answers to the most burning questions about deploying network slicing and NaaS in the 2021 campaign from Comarch – “Telecoms Journey Towards 5G Monetization”.
