Implementing Network Slicing in 5G Transport Networks Using Programmable Switches

With the increasing complexity of 5G networks, flexible solutions are needed to ensure the requirements of each service. Network slicing isolates resources for different services, but there is no standard for end-to-end isolation in the transport network domain. This work explores using SDN and programmable P4 switches for network slicing in the transport domain. It presents a solution that accommodates various interconnections between the radio access and core network, evaluated in an experimental setup with Free5GC, UERANSIM, and Kathará. Results show the solution effectively maintains SLA requirements, enhancing flexibility in the 5G transport domain.