scope:

This Recommendation describes high-level characteristics of network softwarization for non-radio parts of International Mobile Telecommunications-2020 (IMT-2020). This Recommendation explores network slicing from two viewpoints: vertical and horizontal aspects. After reviewing each aspect, this Recommendation further describes network slicing for mobile fronthaul (FH) and backhaul (BH), introduction to advanced data-plane programmability and capability exposure, whose technical characteristic descriptions are expected to lead to their detailed study.

Detailed technical features (e.g., signalling specifications) lie outside the scope of this Recommendation.

This edition mainly includes descriptions of: i) an updated reference model showing relations with software-defined networking/network functions virtualization (SDN/NFV) and cloud computing; and ii) security considerations for network slicing. Supplementary information regarding orchestration is given.