Are Network Slices and Edge Computing Competitive Solutions?

As a rule, there always are many ways to solve a particular computing or communications problem. For connectivity providers, that often means supporting different ways of solving business problems. Network slicing--the ability to create end to end virtual private networks across a 5G core network--is one way to create customized end user networks with specific blends of network performance.

Many potential use cases will revolve around ultra-low latency performance, and network slices are one new way to fulfill such requirements. But edge computing might also be a way to solve the same ultra-low latency requirements.

Connectivity providers offering both edge computing support and network slices will in essence be offering two different ways of solving some problems. 

source: TM Forum

Network slicing, the ability to create virtual private networks that run end to end on 5G networks, provides another opportunity to find out where demand might lie for private networks whose characteristics and performance are better matched to some use cases. That providing that the same functionality is not provided by edge computing, which obviates the need for ultra low latency across the wide area network.

Of course, to the extent network slicing offers business value, potential buyers will have incentives to explore “do it yourself” alternatives when it saves them money. In that sense, edge computing networks are an alternative to network slices. 

source: TM Forum

If ultra-low-latency applications are those which could benefit from network slices, one alternative is do commuting at the edge, and not sending data across wide area networks that are optimized for low latency. In many use cases, the value of ultra-low-latency computing is supplied by edge computing services, with non-real time backup across wide area networks. 

Perhaps ironically, consumer customers who have few other alternatives might be good candidates for internet access with quality of service features a network slice offered by a connectivity provider. But regulations often prevent such offers. Gaming services, work from home conferencing and ultra-high-definition video are among potential use cases.