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Procedia Computer Science 00 (2020) 000–000 www.elsevier.com/locate/procedia
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th th
17 th InternationalLearning & Technology Conference 2020 (17th L&T Conference)
17
17th International
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Learning & Technology Conference 2020 (17th
Procedia Computer Science 00 (2020) 000–000 2020 (17 L&T
L&T Conference)
Conference)
th
17th International ScienceDirect
Learning & Technology Conference 2020 (17th L&T th
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www.elsevier.com/locate/procedia
17th International
17 International Learning
Learning &
& Technology
Technology Conference
Conference 2020
2020 (17
(17th L&T Conference)
L&T Conference)
Procedia Computer Science 182 (2021) 38–45
17th International Learning & Technology Conference 2020 (17th L&T Conference)
Survey
Survey on
on Network
Network Slice
Slice Isolation
Isolation in
in 5G
5G Networks:
Networks:
Survey on Network Slice Isolation in 5G Networks:
Survey
17Survey on Fundamental
Network
Fundamental Slice Challenges
Isolation
Challenges in 5G Networks:
Survey on on Network Slice Isolation in 5G Networks:
th th
International Learning & Technology Conference 2020 (17 L&T Conference)
Fundamental
Network Slice Challenges
Isolation in 5G Networks:
Survey on Network Fundamental
Fundamental Slice Isolation Challenges
Challenges in 5G Networks:
Fundamental
Daifallah Challenges
Alotaibi 11
Fundamental
Daifallah
Daifallah Challenges
Alotaibi
Alotaibi
Faculty of Computing and IT1
Survey on Network King Slice
Daifallah
Faculty
Abdulaziz
Faculty
King Abdulaziz Isolation
Alotaibi
of Computing
University,
Daifallah of Jeddah,
Computing
Alotaibi
University, Jeddah,
IT1
Saudi in 5G Networks:
and IT1 Arabia
andSaudi
IT
Arabia
Daifallah
Email:
Faculty
King Abdulaziz Alotaibi
d-alotaibe@hotmail.com
of Computing
University, andSaudi
Jeddah, 1 Arabia
Fundamental
Email:
Faculty
King Abdulaziz
Daifallah
Email:
Faculty
King Abdulaziz
Challenges
d-alotaibe@hotmail.com
of Computing
University,
of Computing
University,
and
Jeddah, IT
andSaudi
Alotaibi IT1 Arabia
d-alotaibe@hotmail.com
Jeddah, Saudi
Email: d-alotaibe@hotmail.com Arabia
King Abdulaziz
FacultyUniversity, Jeddah,
of Computing andSaudi
IT Arabia
Email: d-alotaibe@hotmail.com
Email: d-alotaibe@hotmail.com
King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Abstract
Abstract
Daifallah
Email: Alotaibi 1
d-alotaibe@hotmail.com

Abstract Faculty of Computing and IT

5G technology is the future of mobile networks, and in different countries, 5G mobile networks are launched. Different use cases
Abstract
5G technology is the future of mobile King Abdulaziz
networks, and in University,
different Jeddah, 5G
countries, Saudi Arabianetworks are launched. Different use cases
mobile
have different requirements
Abstract
5G technology is the future of formobile
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2 Daifallah Alotaibi / Procedia Computer Science 00 (2020) 000–000
Daifallah Alotaibi et al. / Procedia Computer Science 182 (2021) 38–45 39

the underlying problems of 5 G network slicing are answered by section 4. Ultimately, this paper is concluded in
section 5.

2.State-of-the-art
The network slice in 5G networks is discussed in this section. This introduces the definition and the existing
architecture of the network slice.

2.1. Network slice definition

A network slice is basically a logical network that provides specific network capabilities and characteristics

Network slicing helps the operator to build tailored networks in order to provide integrated solutions for various needs.
In [5], the author believes that one of the most critical developments in the fifth-generation networks is network
slicing. Slicing mechanism allows virtual networks to provide personalized services on request.
By 2020, a wide variety of services and applications will be provided by the 5G mobile networks to meet the
connected users’ requirements. [6], [7].

2.2. Network slice architecture

There are architectures for slicing networks from different resources [8]. Fig. 1 shows the Network slicing conceptual
outline, according to NGMN as below

Fig. 1. Network slicing.

Besides, fig. 2 shows the control plane (CP) architecture for network slicing as below:

Fig. 2. CP for Network slicing.

Furthermore, fig 3. shows an application scenario of network slicing

3 Daifallah Alotaibi / Procedia Computer Science 00 (2020) 000–000
40 Daifallah Alotaibi et al. / Procedia Computer Science 182 (2021) 38–45

Fig3. Network slice use case

3. Related work

5G mobile networks are expected to deliver a significant digital revolution that will provide unparalleled
information-sharing opportunities to individuals, businesses and governments. The consensus of the industry is that
5 G should be recognized not only for its state-of - the-art wireless connectivity technology but also for the manner
in which it incorporates cross-domain networks so that operators can provide networks on a consumer basis. In [9],
“Each network slice works independently and virtually represents the end-to-end network, and all slices work
simultaneously because of slicing architecture”.
.
In [5], the author believes that in the fifth generation (5G) mobile networks, network slicing has been considered
one of the key technologies. Slicing mechanism allows virtual networks to provide personalized services on request.
The 5G E2E network slicing is seen as a key factor in achieving this challenging goal. [10]. The challenge is how to
provide very different types of services and support 5 incompatible 5G core features with a single network
infrastructure. The solution is to create multiple networks customized to each service and main capabilities. The
distinction from the current network model is that each network is a logical network based on a single network
infrastructure that is virtualized. Logical network consists of a collection of network functions chosen for a service
and is known as a network slice [11]. A network slice is a logical network that provides unique network capabilities
and network features.

In [12], where to go from a high-level definition of the service to a practical slice in terms of infrastructure and
network functions is a major challenge for the realization of a network slice. The question of service definition has
been described in the literature, but without satisfactory resolution
. The 5G technology is going to accommodate many areas of life, but it is the chance, that IoT devices will reduce
the speed of this 5G technology. To overcome this issue and to get more reliable network speed, the network slicing
is the natural solution, because this solution can easily accommodate multiple services. In [13] these slices can be
controlled by using the software. In this technique, the networks will be transformed by using the solutions of
software-based. For this purpose, the Software-Defined Network technique is being used. SDN is providing
software-enabled virtualization where many virtual or logic networks can be created. These virtual and software-
enabled networks are known as slices of the network. These slices will be enabled on one network; it means, one
network will be divided into multiple logical networks. In [14] this technique is not new, because on traditional
networks VPN is the example of the slice. But slices will be independent mutually, and all the control and
management system of each slice is independent. These slices can be created according to the requirement or on-
demand. This technique can be helpful for different business domains to work on their one slice which same sharing
infrastructure of the networks. In [15] the main requirement of this 5G network slicing is the isolation of all the
slices. Thus, strong isolation is required, where all the slices will be working parallel by sharing the same network
architecture. The isolation must be considered based on the performance of each slice like each slice must provide
all the required services. The performance of isolation is measured in the end to end connections. That’s why in
isolation, each slice must provide the performance according to the specific performance requirements.
In [16] also the isolation of each slice is measured in the form of privacy and security, like if there will be any
security threat or security issue with anyone slice, then this threat to security will not affect the performance of other
network slices. Each slice must be working independently based on defined security measures and security solutions
4 Daifallah Alotaibi / Procedia Computer Science 00 (2020) 000–000
Daifallah Alotaibi et al. / Procedia Computer Science 182 (2021) 38–45 41

provided for each slice. In this way, only authorized people can access the slice; the unauthorized access can’t
change any configuration of the slice. That’s why the security impact of each slice must be isolated from other
slices. Isolation of each slice also depends on the management, like every slice must be managed independently
because each slice must be working as a separate network. In [17] 5G network slicing can be configured based on
layers, and each layer must be working to provide isolated services to all the slices. This architecture can improve
the overall connectivity of the networks. Because right now, the complete isolates networking slicing technology is
not working, because still, slices of the network depend on the other slices, that’s why the performance is not
according to the requirements. Network slicing architecture is based on the software because the software will
virtually divide the network into multiple slices. Table 1 shows a summary of related survey papers on network
softwarization and 5G network slicing [30].

Table 1. Related Survey papers

The author [1] is stating that the network slicing can also work for edge nodes and this node can easily offer low
latency services to the end-users. The centralized applications, services and can be shifted towards the edge slices of
the network to perform better services. For this purpose, a complete management model is required to hand over all
the services and applications to the edge slices of the network. In [18], a complete 5G network slicing architecture is
proposed and presented based on physical resource allocation to the virtual slices. This slicing architecture can be
implemented in the local area network by introducing scheduling between all slices. SDN can easily manage all the
workings of the resource allocation for central slices because the management of mobility can be performed by the
SDN quite accurately in slicing networks. Also, the designing of slicing network architecture for the 5G network is
based on the control of hardware and infrastructure of software. The slicing is interconnectivity or interworking
between software and hardware. The slices of the network must be sharing the same network resources, and physical
infrastructure will be shared between all slices, but they will be working separately as an isolated network [18]. The
[2] is identifying SDN as a software control because SDN is being used widely for implementing the slicing in the
network and for this purpose the network virtualization is used. In [19], the novel network slicing mechanism is
introduced in 5G networks. There are three-fold involve, in the first-fold, there are 3 layers, the first layer is
introducing the service layer of the network slice, the second layer is introducing the applications and network idea,
and third is being used for the realization of network slicing. This architecture is generic because this architecture
can be used for LTE and 5G as well. This is called novel slicing network architecture. The author [20] is stating that
the slicing networks are providing many advantages. Like slicing, networks will be more flexible as compared to the
tradition networks because network equipment is very costly, and when many slicing networks are the same share
hardware, then the overall cost of the network will reduce. That’s why slicing networking architecture is very strong
to provide flexible services. Table 2 show the comparison of 5G slice modelling approaches [31].
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Table 2. comparison of 5G slice modelling approaches

In [21], the slicing networks can provide unified management, where centralized networking services will provide
perfect network control, particularly this logical centralized control is helpful for heterogeneous networks, and the
traffic requirements are controlled by the network according to the demand of the slices. Each slice must have a self-
management and run as a separate network [22], [23]. In [24], the author states that Software-Defined Networking
(SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) are the main technologies for implementing network slicing.
The author [25] also is stating that the slicing networks are used for simplification of the network operations because
network operators are going to control few centralized networking operations and entities and these few entities are
enough to control the whole network perfectly. In [26], the slicing network architecture is enabling to innovate
things, because the functions of the controller are modified according to the performance requirements of each slice.
In this way, the new services and new functions can be introduced in the core architecture. This whole process can
be completed in a few hours because SDMC apps are providing a controller to modify any service and any function
of the slicing network. The [17], the slicing network can improve the programmability of the network admins
because it is allowing to schedule the functions, services, and selection of the channel. In the way, this architecture is
providing inter-slice resources control mechanism as well, this will help to allocate resources in compliance with
users’ requirements. SDMC is also allowing to assign idle resources to the other slices, and even services of the third
party can utilize all the unutilized resources. The way we classify users and ensure isolation is an open research
topic, while the network operator must provide slice / system monitoring APIs for slice life management. [13]
Author [27] is stating that the slice network architecture is going to face many challenges as well like resource
sharing can be a big issue, because in traditional slicing networks we can add more hardware devices to the network
to avoid hardware constraints. However, in 5G the limited spectrum can cause an issue of limited hardware
resources. In RAT (radio access technology) the sharing of the spectrum can be a big issue for slicing networks.
Sharing constraints like information sharing, MAC layer sharing, physical resource sharing, and physical layer
sharing constraints can be more difficult to manage during the resource management process. In [28], the author
states that the problem of isolation is still less dealt with in the literature, despite being one of the major research
challenges in this area
In [29], the transparency is another big challenge, because the slicing networks will be extended to different
countries, that’s why it could be difficult to manage transparency of the network when the network expands.
Unlimited requests of slices will also cause a big issue because we can’t keep the network architecture to access all
requests and if all request is accepted, then the whole network will go down due to overwhelming requests.
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4. 5G network slice challenges

What is 5G network slicing and its challenges? It’s a common but very important question we need to answer it.
Undoubtedly, its fifth’ generation internet but in real it’s the name of logical networks which deploying on a
physical common infrastructure. In other words, an individual stable network working as a core which provides
multi-service as the control plane and the end-user data plane are completely separate. It’s not a node base, however,
there are many challenges which need to resolve. Where it is to understand slicing limits is a big challenge. Because
still, it couldn’t compute that what are the limits of network slicing with 5G networks? Although, it is not hard to
understand a slice of network. Basically, slice of network consists of common network services and management.
So, concept is not tough but implementation of the network slicing with 5G network is a big challenge. There are a
few suggestions for network slicing and relation between 5G networks but there are some reservations still, such as
mobility management.

4.1. Recourse allocation

Fast mobility services and compatibility with 5G network slicing is another big challenge. The slice network
provides all services but mobility support to some specific network slicing not meet with all network slicing.
Ultimately, it’s a mobility management failure because it doesn’t get success to connect with every slice network.

4.2. Isolation and security

Isolation and security are one of major challenges of slice networking with 5G networking. Isolation is a common
term in networking and it’s also the part of slice networking. The issue or challenge is that isolation with QoS
(quality of service) and QoE (quality of experience). Ring fencing plays great role in slice isolation according
security. Because ring fencing is a resource of security protocols. The inquisitive or worry-able thing is that ring
fencing almost failure when slice network connects with 5G. In fact, it’s not support communication between slices
on the time of isolation in 5G. Isolated network slices are a significant factor for service realization in the future

network [4]. Also, without isolation, there would be opportunities to create new attack methods. If there is an attack
on a weak, isolated slice, this could lead to reaching a resource and sensitive data in other slices.

4.3. RAN (Radio Access Network) Virtualization

According to a study, RAN is on early stage and needs to be flexible with the infrastructure to provide various RAT.
Because RAN work multiple base stations comparatively RATs. The proper configuration of RAN has capabilities
to fulfill the slice-based load balancing. However, it’s the big challenge to manage the traffic with QoS accordingly.
So, the goal of 5G usage with RAN is challenging and end to end 5G network is not successful though.

4.4. Coarse-Grained and Fine-Grained functions

As we know that in 5G technology there are collaboration of many slice networks. While the coarse-grained
functions are very important because it plays a role to chain the interfaces together. The challenging thing is that
where it defines the chain, on the other hand, it reduces the flexibility for the slice network. It also less adaptive in
underlying conditions, so it’s not scalable as functional in slicing. While in fine-grained function, the challenging
point is service chaining because of exchanging the data or interoperability of function.

4.5. End-to-end Slice Orchestration

End-to-end slice orchestration is a major challenge in 5G slice networks. According to its functionality, it should
trivial slice generation through slicing and mapping efficiently. However, it should also adaptive and deploying the
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services, but it shouldn’t be limited. This is the huge challenge of essential a flexible slices end to end orchestration.
In other words, slice orchestration failure because of limitation functionality in virtualization.

5. Conclusion and future direction

In this paper, a set of 5g network slicing challenges have been discussed. The main challenge is how to isolate the
network slices and what levels and types of isolation are required. Also, another challenge is whether or not the
isolated network slices can improve overall network performance.

In future, redesigning or building new architecture should be proposed to achieve the objective of making all slices
work independently without sharing resources with other slices, providing network selection, isolation / separation
between storage network slices, traffic, etc., and a routing system for transmitting end-user data to the network slice.
This would be done by using network simulations (eg: OMNET++) to analyze the future 5G network slicing
architecture in different mobility scenarios.

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