Use Cases for Network Slicing Often Also are Amenable to Edge Computing

Network slicing might be one of those times you will see a feature described as a market. That is not to deny that network slicing functionality is an attribute of virtualized core networks, and that the hardware and software to support network functions virtualization is not a “market.”

But it likely is more accurate to say that markets for core network platform elements include network slicing as an objective and function. That noted, service providers already are thinking about products they can create and monetize that take advantage of network slicing, mostly centering on use cases with specialized requirements (bandwidth and latency, primarily) distinct from networks optimized for smartphone users.  

source: Market Expertz

High bandwidth, low latency use cases such as virtual reality and augmented reality, at sporting events or for gaming, provide some examples. In other instances, bandwidth demands can vary, but very low latency is a must. Autonomous car support provides the commonly-cited example.

In other cases it is the ability of the network to poll devices in a battery-efficient way is key. Sensor apps in remote locations provide the best example of that use case.

In many ways, edge computing provides a substitute platform for low-latency or high-bandwidth apps, as well. Processing at the edge helps solve the latency issue, while local processing also avoids the need to transfer lots of data across the core network.