Simulate Network Slicing and Slice Selection

[MohamedSeliem]

Description

Currently, the Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) selects slices, but slices do not impact the simulation yet. To achieve a more accurate 5G Core simulation, we need to enforce slice-specific handling, ensuring different slices operate with distinct resources, policies, and network components.

Objective

Associate UE sessions with specific slices and ensure that the User Plane Function (UPF), Session Management Function (SMF), and Policy Control Function (PCF) correctly handle network slicing.

For example, different slices should have separate UPFs and custom policies, ensuring proper isolation and behavior for eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband), URLLC (Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication), and mMTC (Massive Machine-Type Communication).

Tasks

Slice Assignment and Handling

• Associate each UE session with a specific slice at registration.
• Ensure NSSF properly selects slices based on UE capabilities and subscription policies.

UPF Enhancements

• Implement separate UPF instances for different slices (e.g., UPF for eMBB vs. UPF for URLLC).
• Ensure that UPFs enforce slice-specific routing, policies, and QoS.

SMF and PCF Enhancements

• Modify SMF to support slice-aware session management.
• Ensure PCF applies slice-specific policies for traffic prioritization and QoS enforcement.

References

• 3GPP TS 23.501: 5G System Architecture
• OMNeT++ Simulation Framework](https://doc.omnetpp.org/omnetpp/)
• Cisco’s Network Slicing Overview

Acceptance Criteria

• UEs are assigned appropriate slices during registration.
• Separate UPF instances handle different slices as per 3GPP specifications.
• Slice-specific policies are enforced in SMF and PCF.
• The simulation accurately represents slice-based traffic differentiation.

Additional Notes

Simulating network slicing is crucial for evaluating 5G micro-slicing, scalability, and performance in industrial and commercial applications.