Report
While several documents have already been produced on the network slicing concept, technical details, and business cases, this White Paper tackles a more challenging, complex and practical domain by consolidating the pre-commercial network slicing test results from different chipset platforms
Abstract
While several documents have already been produced on the network slicing concept, technical details, and business cases, this White Paper tackles a more challenging, complex and practical domain by consolidating the pre-commercial network slicing test results from different chipset platforms and indicates that 5G smartphones and 5G S-modules have been able to support network slicing. Tests were performed based on the testing framework White Paper [1], where all test objectives, pre-configurations, procedures, and success criteria were defined.
The network slicing tests for 5G devices use different kinds of Device Under Test (DUT), including 5G smartphones and 5G Superior Universal Modules (S-Modules). Some signalling test cases and service specific test cases were executed, including the configuration and usage of Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI), interworking with Evolved Packet Core Network (EPC), UE Route Selection Policy (URSP) configuration and application, video service and FTP/Speedtest download service. However, due to the difference of devices, the test methods vary.
- 5G smartphones can be tested directly using the applications on smartphones for URSP related test cases
- 5G S-Modules can be tested by AT command with the assistance of computers. Some URSP related test cases cannot be performed in 5G S-Modules.
Due to limited time and product maturity, some test cases from the previously published testing framework White Paper have not been executed yet and may be included in the future update of this White Paper. Observations introduced here give the insight of some future improvements in network slicing.
