Why 5G Network Slicing Will be Adopted Slower than Many Expect

One reason 5G-based network slicing probably will not be adopted as fast as mobile service providers hope is that there are other alternatives for achieving the touted advantages of network slicing. Supporters cite quality of service mechanisms, including bandwidth, latency or class of service advantages. 

But other alternatives, including Wi-Fi 6, edge computing or private networks provide the same advantages, though many will point out other advantages or disadvantages as well. If an enterprise really wants to support multiple classes of service, network slicing has the advantage, compared to Wi-Fi 6.

If cost is an issue, Wi-Fi 6 will offer more advantages. If complexity is an issue, then private networks have some advantages. Edge computing of course requires some sort of local connectivity mechanism. 

Feature	Network Slicing	Wi-Fi 6	Edge Computing	Private Network
Latency	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Bandwidth	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
QoS (Quality of Service)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Security	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cost	Higher	Lower	Medium	Higher
Complexity	Higher	Lower	Medium	Lower
Deployment	More complex	Less complex	Medium	Less complex