Ericsson, Google continue to push the envelope on network slicing

In their most recent collaboration, the ecosystem partners demonstrated support for multiple slices on an Ericsson network infrastructure on a single device running Android 13, supporting both enterprise (work profile) and consumer applications. Furthermore, for the first time, a slice for carrier-branded services will enable communications service providers (CSP) to provide additional flexibility for customized offerings and capabilities.

Network slicing has long been regarded as critical to reaping the benefits of a 5G network for CSPs and enterprises. According to the GSMA, the market for network slicing alone in the enterprise segment is expected to reach USD 300 billion by 2025. Google and Ericsson demonstrated a way to bridge the gap between the three important user groups by demonstrating that a single device can use multiple slices, which are used according to the on-device user profiles and network policies defined at the CSP level.

The results were obtained in an Interoperability Device Testing (IODT) environment using Android 13 on Google Pixel 6 (Pro) devices. The new release expands the capabilities for enterprises assigning network slicing to applications via User Equipment Route Selection Policy (URSP) rules, which is the feature that allows one Android device to connect to multiple network slices at the same time.

Aside from the default mobile broadband (MBB) slice, two additional types of slices were made available on a device’s consumer profile. App developers can now specify which connectivity category (latency or bandwidth) their app requires, and a suitable slice with the characteristics defined by the mobile network will be chosen. Depending on the needs of the app, either latency or bandwidth can be prioritized. For example, the app could use a low-latency slice pre-defined by the mobile network for online gaming, or a high-bandwidth slice pre-defined by the mobile network to stream or participate in high-definition video calling.

In addition to the network slicing support provided by Android 12, Android 13 will allow the device’s work profile to use up to five enterprise-defined slices. In the absence of USRP rules, carriers can configure their networks so that traffic from work profile apps can revert to a pre-configured enterprise APN (Access Point Name) connection, implying that the device will always maintain a separate mobile data connection for enterprise-related traffic even if the network does not support URSP delivery.

Monica Zethzon, Head of Solution Area Packet Core at Ericsson says: “As carriers and enterprises seek a return on their investment in 5G networks, the ability to provide for a wide and varied selection of use cases is of crucial importance. Communications Service Providers and enterprises who can offer customers the flexibility to take advantage of tailored network slices for both work and personal profiles on a single Android device are opening up a vast reserve of different uses of those devices. By confirming that the new network slicing capabilities offered by Android 13 will work fully with Ericsson network technology, we are marking a significant step forward in helping the full mobile ecosystem realize the true value of 5G.” 
Using the Android 12 device ecosystem, Ericsson and partners have completed a number of ground-breaking network slicing projects. Telefonica and Ericsson made a breakthrough in end-to-end, automated network slicing in 5G Standalone mode in July.