What are the key metrics and tools for measuring and monitoring RAN slicing quality and performance?

1 RAN slicing metrics

RAN slicing metrics are indicators that measure the performance of RAN slices in relation to their service level agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs). These metrics include slice availability (the percentage of time that a slice is operational and accessible to users), slice capacity (the amount of bandwidth and resources offered to users), slice latency (the delay between sending and receiving data), slice reliability (the probability of data delivery without errors or losses), slice throughput (the rate of data transfer), and slice utilization (the ratio of used resources to available resources). They can be measured at different levels of granularity, such as per slice, per cell, per user, or per application. Additionally, these metrics can be aggregated and compared across slices, cells, users, or applications to identify any issues.

2 RAN slicing tools

RAN slicing tools are software or hardware solutions that allow operators to collect, analyze, visualize, and act on the RAN slicing metrics. These tools include RAN slicing probes, which are devices deployed at strategic locations in the RAN to capture and report traffic and performance data; RAN slicing analyzers, which process and correlate data from probes and other sources to generate insights and reports on slice quality and performance; RAN slicing dashboards, which display slice metrics and KPIs in real-time or historical charts, graphs, maps, or tables; and RAN slicing controllers, which interact with network elements and orchestrators to adjust and optimize slice configurations. These tools can be integrated and automated to form a closed-loop system that monitors and optimizes the RAN slices dynamically.

3 RAN slicing benefits

RAN slicing is a technology that can enable operators to leverage the full potential of 5G, but it requires careful and continuous measurement and monitoring of the RAN slicing quality and performance. Through this, operators can gain several benefits such as improved customer satisfaction, increased revenue opportunities, reduced operational costs, and enhanced network agility. By using the appropriate metrics and tools, operators can gain valuable insights from their RAN slicing strategies to ensure its success and sustainability.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?