# Management of Network Slicing in 5G Radio Access Networks: Functional Framework and Information Models

**Authors:** R. Ferrús, O. Sallent, J. Pérez-Romero, R. Agustí  
**arXiv:** [1803.01142](https://arxiv.org/abs/1803.01142)  
**Date:** 2018-03-03  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/arxiv-id/1803.01142v1/

## Key points

- Network slicing in 5G networks is crucial for efficiently catering to diverse applications and business entities.
- While progress has been made at the 3GPP specifications level, management solutions for network slicing in Next Generation Radio Access Networks (NG-RAN) are still in early stages.
- The authors propose a comprehensive framework for managing network slicing within an NG-RAN infrastructure, including essential functions, interfaces, and information models.
- A key contribution is the proposed information model that accurately describes the manageable characteristics and behavior of a RAN slice.
- The framework's applicability in a neutral host provider scenario is discussed, showing its potential real-world implementation.
- Robust management solutions are deemed critical to fully exploit network slicing capabilities in 5G networks, leading to enhanced efficiency and performance across applications and use cases.

## Summary

In their paper titled "Management of Network Slicing in 5G Radio Access Networks: Functional Framework and Information Models," authors R. Ferrús, O. Sallent, J. Pérez-Romero, and R. Agustí delve into the crucial aspect of network slicing in 5G networks. Network slicing is identified as a pivotal feature that enables 5G networks to efficiently cater to a diverse range of applications and business entities. While strides have been made at the 3GPP specifications level in defining the architectural and functional aspects necessary for implementing network slicing in 5G networks, the development of management solutions for leveraging this feature within the Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) remains at an early stage. The authors present a comprehensive framework aimed at managing network slicing within an NG-RAN infrastructure. This framework outlines the essential functions, interfaces, and information models required to automate the provisioning and management processes of RAN slicing effectively. A key contribution of their work is the proposal of an information model designed to describe the manageable characteristics and behavior of a RAN slice accurately. Furthermore, the authors discuss the applicability of their proposed framework in a neutral host provider scenario, illustrating how it can be implemented in real-world settings. Their research sheds light on the critical need for robust management solutions to fully exploit network slicing capabilities within 5G networks, paving the way for enhanced efficiency and performance across various applications and use cases. The paper has been submitted to IEEE for potential publication, underscoring its significance in advancing research efforts in this domain.
