5G slicing allows telcos to create multiple virtual networks with different performance characteristics on the same physical network, enabling customised solutions for different customer needs.

The engine analyses 5G slicing traffic every second to check if a customer has received the committed performance promised.

If they get the promised service, they will be billed, or otherwise not charged if they did not get it.

“This [engine] solves a critical piece in the puzzle to deploying 5G slicing to enterprise customers across different industries, ensuring transparency and accountability around specific speeds and uptime as part of the network slice,” said Telstra executive network applications and cloud Shailin Sehgal.

The Telstra 5G slicing uses templates to tailor a slice to a customer case and specific performance requirements such as speed, security and latency.

“The customisation we can layer on our 5G slice technology makes it especially useful for a wide variety of use cases, from performance for transport networks or construction sites, to public safety technology such as video surveillance”, said Sehgal.

Australian construction company Hindmarsh is the first customer to trial Telstra’s new solution.

Hindmarsh IT manager Mark Crameri said they deployed the 5G fixed wireless network slicing link at one of their heaviest manned sites with over 30 staff each with laptops and phones, along with tablets and video conferencing equipment.

“To date the reliability of the new link has been tremendous, access to our business-critical systems is incredibly fast, not to mention video conferencing and internet access, making it faster and easier to work productively on site,” Crameri said.

Telstra worked with Casa Systems to ensure network performance. The company used Casa Systems’ Realtime Fastlane Accelerator (RFA) technology and User Equipment Route Selection Policy (URSP) 5G standard to route different types of traffic to different slices based on a network template.

For example, Telstra could create a network template for IP telephony applications that Casa Systems devices will support.

Telstra also worked with Ericsson on a solution to deploy network slicing.

Telstra’s approach to 5G slicing will be on display within the Ericsson Hall at Mobile World Congress until Thursday 29 February 2024.