What is NST Network Slice Template

NST (Network Slice Template) Explained Technically in Detail

Within the realm of 5G network slicing, NST (Network Slice Template) serves as a foundational element for defining the characteristics and functionalities of a network slice. Here's a breakdown of its technical aspects:

Network Slicing and NSTs:

• Network slicing is a key technology in 5G that allows for creating virtualized network partitions. Each slice can be independently configured with dedicated resources like CPU, memory, and radio access network (RAN) capabilities to cater to diverse service requirements (e.g., ultra-reliable low-latency communication (uRLLC) for autonomous vehicles, high-throughput services for video streaming).
• An NST acts as a blueprint that outlines the desired characteristics and functionalities of a network slice. It provides a starting point for creating specific network slice instances (NSIs) within the network.

Content of an NST:

An NST typically encompasses various parameters that define the slice's configuration:

• Slice Type: This specifies the category of service the slice is intended for (e.g., enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (uRLLC), or massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC)).
• Network Function (NF) Services: The NST outlines the specific Network Function (NF) services required within the slice. These NFs provide functionalities like user equipment (UE) registration, packet forwarding, or security.
• Service Level Agreements (SLAs): The NST might specify desired performance metrics for the slice, such as latency, throughput, or packet loss rate. These SLAs represent the level of service guarantee offered by the network slice.
• Resource Requirements: The NST can define the resource requirements for the slice in terms of CPU, memory, and potentially radio access network (RAN) capabilities (e.g., bandwidth, transmission power).
• Security Considerations: The NST might outline specific security configurations or isolation mechanisms required for the slice.

Benefits of NSTs:

• Standardized Slice Definition: NSTs provide a standardized format for defining network slices, facilitating communication and consistency between network operators and equipment vendors.
• Reusability and Efficiency: NSTs can be reused to create multiple NSIs with similar characteristics, promoting efficiency in slice deployment and management.
• Customization and Flexibility: NSTs allow for customization by specifying service requirements, resource allocation, and security considerations, enabling the creation of diverse network slices tailored to specific needs.

Network Slice Instance (NSI) Creation:

NSTs serve as a blueprint for creating Network Slice Instances (NSIs). Here's the basic process:

1. Network Slice Management Function (NSMF): The NSMF stores and manages NSTs within the network.
2. NSI Creation Request: A network operator or service provider initiates a request to create an NSI based on a specific NST.
3. NSI Instantiation: The NSMF utilizes the information within the chosen NST to configure and provision resources for the NSI across the network.
4. Network Slice Instance (NSI): The resulting NSI is a concrete instantiation of the network slice within the physical network infrastructure, dedicated to supporting the services defined by the NST.

Understanding NSTs:

NSTs are fundamental building blocks in the 5G network slicing architecture. By providing a standardized and reusable framework for defining slice characteristics, NSTs simplify the creation and management of diverse network slices tailored to meet the demands of various services and applications within a single physical network infrastructure.