Towards 6G Network Slicing

TL;DR

The paper argues that 6G requires end-to-end network slices that span multiple autonomous systems and current solutions do not guarantee cross-domain deployment. It introduces NASOR, a hierarchical, distributed orchestration framework that enables recursive multi-domain network slicing at the transport level, interfacing with 3GPP management via Os-Ma-nfvo and deploying subslices through a private NANO component and segment-routing-based data planes. By enabling nests of slices (sub-slices) and dynamic resizing across domains, NASOR supports complex, ManyNet-style services and cross-domain optimization. The authors outline a forward-looking research plan focused on scalability, security, isolation, and AI-driven intelligent slicing provisioning to realize practical 6G network slicing.

Abstract

Networks should connect communicating peers, supporting vertical services requirements. The network evolution towards 6G requires native network slicing techniques. Some literature approaches claim network slice realization, but they do not convincingly address the deployment across multiple Autonomous Systems. This work investigates the current 6G network slicing landscape, presents some gaps, and introduces the concept of the recursive network slicing between multiple Autonomous Systems, supported by the NASOR approach. This innovative concept supports implementing new network services required by the 6G vision. This work also sheds light on the 6G requirements for network slicing.

Figures (2)

• Figure 1: Recursive Network Slicing Proposal at the Transport Level.
• Figure 2: Recursive Multi-domain Network Slicing.