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Glossary

Technology evolves at a rapid-fire pace. That’s why we’ve built an easy-to-use glossary to help you better understand the terms, technologies and trends that impact your business.

Network slicing

What is network slicing? In 5G, not all traffic is equal. Mobile operators must be able to match different services with different levels of access—a concept known as network slicing. Many critical applications, such as autonomous vehicles and remote surgery, will demand prioritized 5G “slices” to guarantee a secured continuous service.

5G networks will be sliced into multiple virtual networks running on a common network infrastructure, each with its own set of characteristics. A network slice is composed of a RAN and a core network with either physical or virtualized functions. To learn more, read our blog ‘Navigating 5G-era network architecture’.