Network Slicing for Zero-Touch Networks: A Top-Notch Technology
Shalli Rani, Himanshi Babbar, Moez Krichen, Keping Yu, Fida Hussain Memon
Abstract
Currently, the research field is extensively focused in Network Slicing technology. But for End-to-End (E2E) NS implementations, Network Slice (NS) modelling features from Standards Developing Organizations (SDOs) are still not fully taken into account. The heterogeneous complexity in zero-touch network slicing networks for operating and managing 5G has driven the trend towards virtual automation of network and service management performance. To this end, the ETSI Zero-touch Network (ZTN) architecture is proposed as a next-generation network services management system to execute all heterogeneous operations smoothly and automatically, preferably with 99.99% automation. The proposed architecture is a key enabler of self-configuring capabilities, and service monitoring, resulting in reduced computational complexity costs and accelerated communication between edge cloud and intra-domain services systems. i.) The current paper aims to introduce the ZTN concept and bring out the building blocks for zero-touch networks, ii.) the architecture is proposed which comprises of E2E management domain and various layers in network slicing, iii.) the challenges are discussed in zero-touch networks and lastly iv.) the case study is discussed to overcome the challenges and architecture.