5G Network Slicing Enabling

the Smart Grid

Network
Slicing

MEC
Contents

Introduction01

1 Trends and Challenges of Smart Grid Development02

2 Typical Service Scenarios of a 5G Network Slicing Enabled Smart Grid04

2.1 Scenario 1: Intelligent Distributed Feeder Automation04
2.1.1 Service Scenario 04
2.1.2 Development Trends and Characteristics 05
2.1.3 Key Requirements for Communications Networks 06
2.2 Scenario 2: Millisecond-Level Precise Load Control06
2.2.1 Service Scenario 06
2.2.2 Development Trends and Characteristics 07
2.2.3 Key Requirements for Communications Networks 07
2.3 Scenario 3: Information Acquirement of Low Voltage Distribution Systems08
2.3.1 Service Scenario 08
2.3.2 Development Trends and Characteristics 08
2.3.3 Key Requirements for Communications Networks 09
2.4 Scenario 4: Distributed Power Supplies10
2.4.1 Service Scenario 10
2.4.2 Development Trends and Characteristics 10
2.4.3 Key Requirements for Communications Networks 11

3 5G Network Slicing12
3.1 Concepts and Features of 5G Network Slicing13
3.2 E2E Architecture of 5G Network Slicing14
3.3 Benefits of 5G Network Slicing15

4 Discussion on 5G Slicing Solution of the Smart Grid16

4.1 Smart Grid Enabled by 5G Network Slicing17
4.1.1 Technical Perspective 18
4.1.2 Service Perspective 18
4.1.3 Deployment Perspective 18
4.2 Smart Grid's Multi-Slice Architecture19
 4.3 Life Cycle Management of the Smart Grid20
4.3.1 Slice Design on the Smart Grid 20
4.3.2 Slice Deployment and Enabling on the Smart Grid 20
4.3.3 Operation of Smart Grid Slices 20
4.3.4 Slice O&M Monitoring on the Smart Grid 21
4.3.5 Closed-Loop Optimization of Smart Grid Slices 21
4.3.6 Slice Capability Exposure on the Smart Grid 22

5 Conclusion and Outlook23

Figure 2-1 Typical service scenarios of smart grids 04

Figure 2-2 Development trends of distribution automation 05
Figure 2-3 Key performance indicator (KPI) requirements of intelligent distributed feeder automation for
communications networks 06
Figure 2-4 Development trends of precise load control 07
Figure 2-5 KPI requirements of millisecond-level load control for communications networks 08
Figure 2-6 Development trends of information acquirement of low voltage distribution systems 09
Figure 2-7 K PI requirements of information acquirement of low voltage distribution systems for
communications networks 09
Figure 2-8 Development trends of distributed power supplies 10
Figure 2-9 KPI requirements of distributed power supplies for communications networks 11
Figure 3-1 E2E architecture of 5G network slicing 15
Figure 4-1 Smart grid enabled by 5G network slicing 17
Table 4-1 5G network slices meeting various requirements of different Smart Grid scenarios 19
Figure 4-2 5G Network slicing architecture of smart grids 19
Figure 4-3 Life cycle management of 5G network slices 20
Table 4-2 Two types of O&M modes for 5G network slices on the smart grid 21
Table 4-3 Two closed-loop optimization modes of 5G network slices on the smart grid 21
 5G Network Slicing Enabling the Smart Grid

Introduction

Introduction
In recent years, the State Grid Corporation of China experience and enable vertical industries. In the 5G era,
(SGCC) has been building a strong smart grid to improve diversified vertical industry applications will bring more
the security level of the power grid. By implementing the extensive requirements for mobile networks. Ultra-high
Internet+ strategy, the SGCC comprehensively improves the bandwidth, ultra-low latency, and an ultra large number
informatization and intelligence of the power grid and fully of connections will change the operating and working
utilizes modern information communication technologies modes of core services in vertical industries, improving the
and control technologies. This achieves effective operational efficiency and decision-making intelligence
security, clean energy, close coordination, and intelligent of traditional vertical industries. Network slicing emerges
development of the power grid and provides reliable power from this background. It provides agile and customizable
for economic and social development. With the rapid capabilities that allow the construction of dedicated
development of power consumption information collection, networks for different applications.
distribution automation, distributed energy access, electric
vehicle services, and bidirectional user interaction, the Intelligence technologies represented by artificial
communication requirements of various power grid devices, intelligence (AI) are driving the fourth industrial revolution.
power terminals, and customers are rapidly increasing. Electricity is the blood of industrialization, and network
New real-time, stable, reliable, and efficient communication connections are the nerves. The combination of power
technologies and systems, suitable for the electric power grids and 5G networks will provide a solid foundation for
industry, are urgently needed for monitoring the status of the intelligent industrial revolution and help "Made in
and collecting information about intelligent devices and China 2025" to achieve its target.
triggering new working modes and power service modes.
Smart grid is the basis of smart energy and is important
4G changes lives, but 5G changes societies. Vertical for promoting economic and social coordination and
industries represented by power grid will complete digital sustainable development. It provides strong support for
transformation in the 5G era. "Industry 4.0" of Germany a better life, cleaner environment, and more harmonious
and "Made in China 2025" both require fast network society. This helps refine energy management and enables
connections. 5G networks will bring better bandwidth transformation to clean energy and electrical energy.

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 5G Network Slicing Enabling the Smart Grid

1 Trends and Challenges of Smart Grid Development

Smart grid is built based on integrated and high-speed

bidirectional communications networks. Advanced
technologies are used to build reliable, secure, economical,
efficient, and environment-friendly power grids. These
technologies include sensing, measurement, device, and
decision support system technologies, as well as control
methods.

In May 2009, the SGCC released the concept of a strong

smart grid that features informatization, automation, and
interaction. A strong smart grid uses ultra-high voltage
power grids as backbone networks, while ensuring all
levels of power grids coordinate with these backbone
networks. The SGCC also specifies its strategic goal and
development route to build a strong smart grid.

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 5G Network Slicing Enabling the Smart Grid

1 Trends and Challenges of Smart Grid Development

1 Trends and Challenges of Smart Grid Development

Smart grids are facing new challenges and opportunities increases requirements for available charging capacity.
during development and construction. For better demand-side management (DSM) (such as
peak load shaving), new methods can be used to manage
• New energy: Renewable energy is vital for electricity electrical power. For example, an electric vehicle can
generation to cope with global warming and achieve charge when necessary rather than upon connection.
sustainable development. The large-scale deployment of • New requirements: New devices and new scenarios
renewable energy brings new challenges to the operation require higher quality of consumption. For example,
and management of power grids. The intermittent and some high-tech digital devices require zero interruption
random power generation of renewable energy brings of power supplies. In addition, requirements for asset
difficulties to power balancing and operation control. utilization efficiency are gradually increasing from the
On the other hand, the deep penetration of distributed perspective of power grid operation. Such requirements
energy resources (DER) transforms distribution networks include improving device utilization efficiency, reducing
from passive networks with one-way flows to active the capacity/load ratio, and reducing line loss. In this
networks with bidirectional power flows. case, the load and power supply of power grids must be
• New users: The rapid development of electric vehicles adjusted with more accuracy.

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 5G Network Slicing Enabling the Smart Grid

2 Typical Service Scenarios of a 5G Network Slicing Enabled Smart Grid

2 Typical Service Scenarios of a 5G Network

Slicing Enabled Smart Grid

From the current perspective, a power grid consists of five and are likely to be enabled by 5G network slicing in the
phases: power generation, transmission, transformation, future. These scenarios include intelligent distributed
distribution, and consumption. Requirements of electric feeder automation, millisecond-level precise load control,
power industry partners are fully surveyed, discussed, and information acquirement of low voltage distribution
analyzed. There will be four typical smart grid application systems, and distributed power supplies.
scenarios that may require wireless communications

Typical Service Scenarios of Smart Grids

Intelligent distributed Millisecond-level Information acquirement Distributed

feeder automation precise load control of low voltage power supplies
distribution systems

Figure 2-1 Typical service scenarios of smart grids

2.1 Scenario 1: Intelligent Distributed Feeder Automation

2.1.1 Service Scenario • In the first stage, automatic switching devices, which are
Distribution Automation is an integrated information mainly reclosers and sectionalizers, work together, and
management system that uses computer technology, data communications networks and computer systems are
transmission, control technology, modern equipment, and not required. If a fault occurs, the automatic switching
management. It is used to improve the reliability of power devices isolate the area in which the fault occurred and
supplies and the quality of consumption, provide high- continue supplying power to other areas. During this
quality services to users, reduce operational costs, and stage, automatic reclosers and standby reserved auto-
reduce labor intensity. The development of the Distribution switch-on devices are used, and manual operations are
Automation system can be divided into three stages: still required. These systems are still widely used.

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 5G Network Slicing Enabling the Smart Grid

2 Typical Service Scenarios of a 5G Network Slicing Enabled Smart Grid

• In the second stage, communications networks, feeder solution. This solution's communication system mainly
terminal units, and backstage computer networks are transmits data service traffic including telemetry and
used. When the power distribution network is running teleindication information that is uploaded from terminals
properly, the Distribution Automation system monitors to primary sites (uplink direction) and routine instructions
the operating status of the power distribution network and remote control commands for line fault isolation and
and changes the operating mode remotely, allowing restoration in line or segment locating that are delivered
prompt fault detection. In addition, a dispatcher can from primary sites to terminals (downlink direction). There
isolate the fault area remotely and restore the power is more uplink traffic than downlink traffic, and primary
supply in other areas. sites are deployed in prefectural-level cities.
• As computer technology develops, the Distribution
Automation system moves to the third stage. In this High-reliability power supply areas are required for
stage, automatic control functions are added. These providing a continuous power supply and ensuring the
functions enable an integrated automation system accident isolation time does not exceed milliseconds.
that uses the supervisory control and data acquisition This brings more severe challenges to the centralized
(SCADA) system, power distribution geographic processing capabilities and latency of primary sites in
information system, DSM, dispatcher scheduling centralized distribution automation. Therefore, intelligent
simulation, fault call service system, and work distributed feeder automation becomes one of the trends
management. In addition, a distribution management of power distribution network automation. In intelligent
system (DMS) is provided. This system has more than distributed feeder automation, the processing logic of
140 functions including substation automation, feeder primary sites goes to smart power distribution terminals.
section switch control, capacitor bank regulation By means of peer-to-peer communications between
control, user load control, and remote meter reading. terminals, intelligent judgment, analysis, fault location,
Currently, the Distribution Automation system is fault isolation, and power supply recovery in non-fault
developed based on these functions. areas can be implemented. This makes the troubleshooting
process fully automated, minimizing the duration and
2.1.2 Development Trends and Characteristics scope of power failures and shortening the troubleshooting
Centralized distribution automation is now the mainstream time from minutes to milliseconds.

Development Phases of Distribution Automation

Mechanization Automation Intelligentization

Local single-node Centralized automatic Distributed intelligent

processing processing processing
Hour-long power outages Minute-long power outages Millisecond-long power outages

Figure 2-2 Development trends of distribution automation

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 5G Network Slicing Enabling the Smart Grid

2 Typical Service Scenarios of a 5G Network Slicing Enabled Smart Grid

2.1.3 Key Requirements for Communications Networks • High isolation: Distribution automation is a service in the I/
The key requirements of intelligent distributed feeder II production area of the power grid. It must be completely
automation for communications networks are as follows: isolated from services in III/IV management areas.
• Ultra-low latency: milliseconds • High reliability: 99.999%

Network Requirements of Intelligent Distributed Feeder Automation

Latency

Isolation Bandwidth

Number of terminals Reliability

Figure 2-3 Key performance indicator (KPI) requirements of intelligent distributed feeder automation for
communications networks

2.2 Scenario 2: Millisecond-Level Precise Load Control

2.2.1 Service Scenario seriously, or the system frequency may even break down. To
Power grid load control mainly includes two control modes: ensure the stable and secure operation of a power grid after
scheduled batch load control and marketing load control. DC faults occur, the power of the power grid is balanced
When the power grid fails, the stability control system by means of multi-DC improvement and pump switching
urgently removes the load to prevent the power grid from at pumped storage power stations. However, if these
being damaged. The low frequency and low voltage load measures cannot make up the frequency drop caused by
reducing device can be further used to avoid the breakdown severe DC faults, urgent load removal is still necessary.
of the power grid. Load removal using the stability control If severe faults, such as DC bipolar blocking, occurs and
system will have a great impact on society, and the use of the traditional method of centralized load removal on 110
the load reducing device means a larger scale of power KV lines is used, power accidents will be triggered, which
loss. During the transition to ultra-high voltage (UHV) will cause a great social impact. If the precise load control
AC/DC power grids, a secure and stable control system system based on the stability control technology is used,
is an important means to ensure power grid security in interruptible load within enterprises is controlled, which
emergencies. If a feed-in UHVDC system encounters bipolar meets the emergency handling requirements and involves
blocking and the power loss of the receiving-end power grid only enterprises. In this case, only interruptible load is
exceeds a certain limit, the power grid frequency will drop removed, thereby minimizing the economic loss and social

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2 Typical Service Scenarios of a 5G Network Slicing Enabled Smart Grid

impact. This is a technical innovation in the current load support precise load removal. Generally, only an entire
control system. power distribution line can be removed. To reduce impacts
on services and user experience, precise control is required
2.2.2 Development Trends and Characteristics to first remove interruptible less-important load, such
Traditional power distribution networks are not deployed as electric vehicle charging piles and non-continuous
with sufficient communications networks and do not production power supplies in factories.

Precise Load
Control
Millisecond-level load
balancing

Now
The entire line is removed.

Trends
Fine-grained control is extended
to the end; interruptible load,
such as cooling, is removed first.

Figure 2-4 Development trends of precise load control

2.2.3 Key Requirements for Communications Networks • High isolation: Precise load control is a service in the I/II
The key requirements of millisecond-level load control for production area of the power grid. It must be completely
communications networks are as follows: isolated from services in III/IV management areas.
• Ultra-low latency: milliseconds • High reliability: 99.999%

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2 Typical Service Scenarios of a 5G Network Slicing Enabled Smart Grid

Network Requirements of Millisecond-Level Precise Load Control

Latency

Isolation Bandwidth

Number of terminals Reliability

Figure 2-5 KPI requirements of millisecond-level load control for communications networks

2.3 Scenario 3: Information Acquirement of Low Voltage Distribution Systems

2.3.1 Service Scenario transmission. All types of terminals adopt concentrator
Power consumption information of electric power users mode. Currently, primary sites are deployed in centralized
is collected, processed, and monitored in real time. This mode in provincial companies. There were 24 measurement
enables various functions including automatic power points every day. Currently, information is collected at a 5-
consumption information collection, monitoring of or 15-minute interval as well as at 00:00 every day.
abnormal measurements and the quality of consumption,
power consumption analysis and management, related New services will bring requirements for real-time
information release, distributed energy monitoring, and and quasi-real-time reporting of power consumption
information exchange of smart electric devices. data. In addition, the number of terminals will be
further increased. In the future, the collection of power
2.3.2 Development Trends and Characteristics consumption information will be further extended to
The power user electric energy data acquire system is families to obtain the load information of all electric
mainly used for metering and primarily transmits data terminals. This will ensure a more refined balance
service traffic. The traffic includes state parameters between supply and demand and guide reasonable off-
uploaded from terminals to primary sites (uplink direction) peak power consumption. For example, the multistep
and routine instructions and commands delivered from electricity price policy has been implemented in certain
primary sites to terminals (downlink direction). There countries. In this case, the electricity price needs to
is more uplink traffic than downlink traffic. Existing be publicized in real time so that users can purchase
communication modes include 230 MHz dedicated electricity as required.
networks, wireless public networks, and optical fiber

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2 Typical Service Scenarios of a 5G Network Slicing Enabled Smart Grid

Information Acquirement of Low

Voltage Distribution Systems
Extended to families to guide reasonable off-peak
power consumption for a balance between supply
and demand

Now
Small-scale, low-frequency, used for metering

Trends
Massive, quasi-real-time, used to promote off-peak
power consumption

Figure 2-6 Development trends of information acquirement of low voltage distribution systems

2.3.3 Key Requirements for Communications Networks • Massive access: tens of millions of terminals
The key requirements of information acquirement of low • High frequency and high concurrency: second-level to
voltage distribution systems for communications networks quasi-real-time data reporting in the future
are as follows:

Network Requirements of Information Acquirement of Low Voltage Distribution Systems

Latency

Isolation Bandwidth

Number of terminals Reliability

Figure 2-7 KPI requirements of information acquirement of low voltage distribution systems for communications networks

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 5G Network Slicing Enabling the Smart Grid

2 Typical Service Scenarios of a 5G Network Slicing Enabled Smart Grid

2.4 Scenario 4: Distributed Power Supplies

2.4.1 Service Scenario system will be more flexible. For example, if a power grid is
New types of distributed power supplies, such as wind damaged by the weather, distributed power supplies can
power generation, solar power generation, electric vehicle form isolated islands or micro networks. These can provide
charging stations, energy storage devices, and micro emergency power supplies to important areas, such as
networks, are energy supply modes built at the user end. hospitals, traffic hubs, and broadcast and TV stations.
Such power supplies can run independently or be deployed
on power grids. As energy transformation develops, the 2.4.2 Development Trends and Characteristics
fast integration and accommodation of clean energy have Connecting distributed power supplies to power
become pressing issues for power grid enterprises. distribution networks also brings new technical problems
and challenges to the secure and stable operation of the
In China, distributed power supplies are developing rapidly. power distribution networks. This is because distributed
The proportion of these power supplies increases year power supplies were not considered in the design of
by year, with an average annual increase of nearly 1%. By traditional power distribution networks. After distributed
2020, the installed capacity of distributed power supplies power supplies are integrated, a radial network with
is predicted to reach 187 million kilowatts, accounting a single power supply becomes a network with two or
for 9.1% of the national installed capacity at that time. more power supplies. The power flow mode on the power
Integrating distributed power supplies into power grids is distribution network is more complex. Users are both
an indispensable link in the development of strong smart users and generators of electricity, and current flows are
grids and will bring great benefits. This saves investments bidirectional and change dynamically in real time.
on power transmission networks, improves the reliability
and efficiency of the entire system by providing emergency Therefore, new technologies and tools are required to
power and peak load power grid support. In addition, the increase the reliability, flexibility, and efficiency of power

Distributed Power Supplies

New types of distributed power supplies, such as
wind power generation, solar power generation,
electric vehicle charging stations, energy storage
devices, and micro networks, have an average
annual increase of 1%. By 2020, the installed
capacity of distributed power supplies will reach
9.1% of the national installed capacity.

Benefits Challenges
Reduced investments; Complex network nodes;
higher reliability and real-time changes
efficiency in distributed power
supplies

Figure 2-8 Development trends of distributed power supplies

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 5G Network Slicing Enabling the Smart Grid

2 Typical Service Scenarios of a 5G Network Slicing Enabled Smart Grid

distribution networks. A distributed power monitoring communication system.

system can be used to automatically monitor and
control the operation of distributed power supplies. This 2.4.3 Key Requirements for Communications Networks
system has many functions including data collection and The key requirements of distributed power supplies for
processing, active power adjustment, voltage/reactive communications networks are as follows:
power control, grid islanding detection, scheduling and • Massive access: millions of to tens of millions of
coordination control, and interconnection with related terminals
service systems. The distributed power monitoring • Low latency: Distributed power supply management
system consists of the distributed power monitoring includes uplink data collection and downlink control.
master station, distributed power monitoring sub- Downlink control flows require second-level latency.
stations, distributed power monitoring terminals, and • High reliability: 99.999%

Network Requirements of Distributed Power Supplies

Latency

Isolation Bandwidth

Number of terminals Reliability

Figure 2-9 KPI requirements of distributed power supplies for communications networks

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 5G Network Slicing Enabling the Smart Grid

3 5G Network Slicing

5G network slicing is designed to handle specific service

requirements, meets differentiated service level agreements
(SLAs), and automatically builds isolated network instances
on demand. 5G network slicing provides end-to-end (E2E)
network assurance for SLAs, service isolation, customizable
on-demand network function, and automation. It enables
communication service operators to dynamically allocate
network resources and provide network as a service (NaaS).
It also provides more agile services, stronger security
isolation, and more flexible business models for industry
customers.

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3 5G Network Slicing

3 5G Network Slicing

3.1 Concepts and Features of 5G Network Slicing

5G network slicing has rich features. Generally, a networks. To meet diversified network requirements
network slice is a tenant-oriented virtual network, meets of different industries, on-demand orchestration
differentiated SLA requirements, and can be managed capabilities on 5G networks provide different network
independently in terms of the life cycle. 5G network slicing capabilities specific to each application. Additionally,
is designed to handle specific service requirements, meets 5G networks allow services to be deployed in different
differentiated SLA requirements, and automatically builds locations to meet different latency requirements.
isolated network instances on demand. • Automatic O&M and multi-tenant O&M: Automation
is the goal of network development. A traditional large
5G network slicing provides E2E network assurance for network meets all requirements. 5G uses slicing to split
SLAs, service isolation, on-demand network function one network into multiple networks. Theoretically, 5G
customization, and automation. proliferation will increase O&M difficulty. Therefore,
automation is an inevitable requirement for 5G
• E2E SLA assurance: A 5G network slice consists of networks.
multiple sub-domains, such as the core network, It is very difficult to implement full automation at once.
wireless network, and transport network. The SLA of the Operations of each phase in the life cycle of a network
network slice is ensured by the E2E network consisting slice can be performed manually, semi-automatically,
of multiple sub-domains. The network slice implements and then automatically, step by step. Full automation
collaboration among multiple sub-domains, including is achieved gradually along with the development of
network requirement breakdown, SLA breakdown, and network planning capabilities and the flattening and
deployment and networking collaboration. simplification of networks.
• Service isolation: Network slices are used to construct Network slicing allows specific tenants, such as industry
different network entities for various applications. users, to use customized network services. Each tenant
Logically isolated dedicated networks ensure that has their own capacity for operating and maintaining
services of different slices do not affect one another. their networks, but the level of expertise of tenant O&M
• On-demand function customization and dynamic personnel is different from those of traditional operator
orchestration: Service-based architecture (SBA) and O&M personnel. Therefore, O&M GUIs that are easy to
service-based restructuring of the software architecture observe, operate, and manage are generally required for
enable network orchestration capabilities on 5G tenants to self-manage their networks.

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 5G Network Slicing Enabling the Smart Grid

3 5G Network Slicing

E2E SLA assurance

Service isolation
An end-to-end slice network
Security isolation of different Cloud includes the terminal, access
levels network, transport network,
Independent life cycle Core network core network, and cloud.
management SLA breakdown and
collaboration

Transport network

Automatic O&M On-demand function

Automatic network slice customization
deployment SBA-based network function
Automatic O&M Access customization
Multi-tenant O&M network Dynamic orchestration

eMBB
eMBB
URLLC eMBB URLLC mMTC URLLC

mMTC

3.2 E2E Architecture of 5G Network Slicing

A network slice consists of multiple sub-domains and The CSMF is the first step to slice design. It fulfills
involves the management plane, control plane, and user service system requirements, converts the requirements
plane. The following figure shows the E2E architecture of into E2E network slicing requirements, and transfers
5G network slicing. the converted requirements to the Network Slice
Management Function (NSMF) for network design.
The E2E slice life cycle management architecture consists • NSMF
of the following key components: The NSMF is responsible for E2E slice management and
• Communication Service Management Function (CSMF) design. After obtaining E2E network slicing requirements,

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 5G Network Slicing Enabling the Smart Grid

3 5G Network Slicing

the NSMF generates a slice instance, combines and subnets. The core network, transport network, and
divides the requirements based on sub-domain/ wireless network have their own NSSMFs.
subnet capabilities, and then transfers the deployment • The NSSMF reports sub-domain/subnet capabilities
requirements for sub-domains/subnets to the Network to the NSMF and obtains deployment requirements
Slice Subnet Management Function (NSSMF). specific to the sub-domain/subnet from the NSMF. Then
Additionally, the NSMF collaborates with multiple the NSSMF implements autonomous deployment and
sub-domains/subnets of the core network, transport enabling in the sub-domain/subnet and manages and
network, and wireless network during the life cycle of a monitors the slice network of the sub-domain/subnet
network slice. during operation.
• NSSMF The CSMF, NSMF, and NSSMF collaborate to complete
The NSSMF manages and designs slices of sub-domains/ E2E slice network design, instantiation, and deployment.

Third-party (tenant)

Shared CP NF
Shared NF
CSMF Shared UP NF

Slice 1
Slice 2
NSMF
Slice N

NSSMF NSSMF NSSMF

(access network) (transport network) (core network)

AP

Edge DC Core DC

Terminal Access network Transport network Core network App

Figure 3-1 E2E architecture of 5G network slicing

3.3 Benefits of 5G Network Slicing

5G slicing can bring the following benefits to end users, quickly meet service deployment, upgrade, and evolution
tenants, and operators: requirements. (4) Capability exposure of slice networks
• End users can enjoy the best service experience enables simple O&M and network capability availability.
through guaranteed SLAs provided by device-pipe- • Operators have the following benefits: (1) Maximized
cloud collaboration on E2E slice networks. use of network infrastructures helps operators develop
• Tenants have the following benefits: (1) Resource a large number of vertical industry user groups. (2)
sharing reduces network costs. (2) Isolation and Resource sharing and dynamic deployment enable
on-demand deployment ensure E2E network SLA efficient and fast network construction. (3) Fast service
achievement. (3) On-demand function customization can rollout and innovation promote a new industry ecosystem.

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5G Network Slicing Enabling the Smart Grid

4 Discussion on 5G Slicing Solution of the Smart Grid

As a typical example of the vertical industry, smart

grid poses new challenges to communications
networks. The diversity of power grid services
requires a flexible and orchestrated network,
high reliability requires isolated networks, and
millisecond-level ultra-low latency requires
networks with optimal capabilities. 5G network
slicing can address and meet all these diversified
network connection requirements from different
vertical industries.

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 5G Network Slicing Enabling the Smart Grid

4 Discussion on 5G Slicing Solution of the Smart Grid

4 Discussion on 5G Slicing Solution of the Smart Grid

4.1 Smart Grid Enabled by 5G Network Slicing

As a typical example of the vertical industry, smart grid poses services. Besides, all services on the 4G network are running on
new challenges to communications networks. The diversity the same network, and services may directly affect one another,
of power grid services requires a flexible and orchestrated which does not meet the service isolation requirements
network, high reliability requires isolated networks, and of the power grid. In addition, the 4G network provides the
millisecond-level ultra-low latency requires networks with same network functions for all services, which does not meet
optimal capabilities. Even when a 4G network is lightly loaded, diversified service requirements of the power grid. 5G network
its ideal latency can only be about 40 ms, which does not meet slicing addresses these problems and can meet the diversified
the millisecond-level latency requirements of power grid control network connection requirements of vertical industries.

5G network slicing enabling the smart grid

Diversification of Security High performance High costs

services isolation requirements of dedicated
New energy, new users, and Communication isolation and Remote control of the power grid networks
new requirements bring new independence are required for services requires millisecond- Ten millions of power
challenges of load balancing key services. level latency for communication distribution terminals do not
for the power grid. with each single terminal. have network access means.

On-demand Isolation
deployment Logically isolated dedicated
Network functions are customized networks are constructed on the
according to service requirements. shared telecom infrastructures.

E2E SLA assurance Automation

5G network slicing provides E2E Shared infrastructures, automatic
millisecond-level low-latency deployment, and automatic O&M
guarantee. Network slicing reduce costs.

Distribution Power consumption Distributed power

New energy vehicle Precise load control
automation data collection supply

Figure 4-1 Smart grid enabled by 5G network slicing

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 5G Network Slicing Enabling the Smart Grid

4 Discussion on 5G Slicing Solution of the Smart Grid

4.1.1 Technical Perspective smart grid service scenarios discussed in this document
From the technical perspective, 5G network slicing can are classified into two types:
meet connection requirements of core industrial control • Industrial control services: Typical examples are
services of power grids. intelligent distributed feeder automation and
• 5G is a new-generation wireless communications millisecond-level precise load control. Ultra-reliable
technology. Its design considers the scenarios of not and low-latency communication (URLLC) is a typical
only the human-human communication but also the slice designed for this type of services.
thing-thing and human-thing communication. The • Information collection services: Typical examples are
ultra-low latency (1 ms) and massive access (10 million information acquirement of low voltage distribution
connections/square kilometer) network capabilities can systems and distributed power supplies. Massive
well meet the connection requirements of core industrial machine type communication (mMTC) is a typical slice
control services on the power grid. designed for this type of services.
• The network slicing technology, which is first introduced
by 5G networks, can achieve security and isolation In addition to the two typical slice types, the power grid
at the same level as dedicated networks with greatly industry may also require eMBB (typical service scenario:
decreased construction costs compared with dedicated remote inspection using drones) and voice slicing (typical
fiber networks built by enterprises. service scenario: manual maintenance and inspection).
• The 5G edge computing technology enables distributed
gateway deployment to implement local traffic processing 4.1.3 Deployment Perspective
and logical computing, which saves bandwidths and From the perspective of service deployment, 5G not only
reduces latency. This further meets the ultra-low latency enables new power grid industrial control services but also
requirements of industrial control services on the power inherits the information collection services supported by
grid. the current 2G/3G/4G public networks. In this way, multiple
slices of the power grid can be deployed, managed, and
4.1.2 Service Perspective maintained in a unified manner, which helps customers of
From the perspective of service characteristics, typical the power grid industry reduce costs effectively.

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 5G Network Slicing Enabling the Smart Grid

4 Discussion on 5G Slicing Solution of the Smart Grid

Communication Terminal Service

Reliability Bandwidth Service
Service Scenario Latency Quantity Isolation Slice Type
Requirement Requirement Priority
Requirement Requirement Requirement

Intelligent distributed
High High Low Medium High High URLLC
feeder automation

Millisecond-level precise Medium/

High High Medium/low Medium High URLLC
load control high

Information acquirement
of low voltage distribution Low Medium Medium High Low Medium mMTC
systems

Distributed power Medium/ mMTC (uplink) +

Medium/high High Low High Medium
supplies low URLLC (downlink)

Table 4-1 5G network slices meeting various requirements of different Smart Grid scenarios

4.2 Smart Grid's Multi-Slice Architecture

Based on the application scenarios of smart grids and the millisecond-level precise load control are used to meet the
architecture of 5G network slicing, the overall architecture technical specification requirements of different service
of 5G smart grid design and management is as follows. scenarios. Domain-specific slice management and
integrated E2E slice management are used to meet service
The slices of information acquirement of low voltage requirements in these scenarios.
distribution systems, intelligent distributed feeder automation,

BSS

E2E slice management

Access network slice management Transport network slice management Core network slice management

Information acquirement of low voltage distribution systems

Big connection
Forwarding Routing
scheduling
Mobility Security
Policy
management management
IoT access Session
Authentication
management management

NR Transport network Edge DC Local DC Central DC

Intelligent distributed feeder automation

Power
Ultra-low
distribution
latency Encryption
network Mobility Security
scheduling Policy
management management management
NR access Session
Forwarding Charging Routing Authentication
management management

NR Transport network Edge DC Local DC Central DC

Millisecond-level precise load control

Ultra-low
Power grid
latency Encryption Mobility Security
load control Policy
scheduling management management
NR access Session
Forwarding Charging Routing Authentication
management management

NR Transport network Edge DC Local DC Central DC

Figure 4-2 5G Network slicing architecture of smart grids

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 5G Network Slicing Enabling the Smart Grid

4 Discussion on 5G Slicing Solution of the Smart Grid

4.3 Life Cycle Management of the Smart Grid

Life cycle management of 5G network slices includes slice loop optimization, O&M, and capability exposure.
design, deployment and enabling, slice operation, closed-

Slice design
Subscription
and design Design
/ Re-design
O&M
Deployment monitoring
Enabling

Running
A/B test
Capability
exposure
DevOps
Service
development Close loop
Service Closed-loop
release optimization

Figure 4-3 Life cycle management of 5G network slices

4.3.1 Slice Design on the Smart Grid Enabling means that basic configurations can be
Slices can be customized to ensure agility and service performed after a slice is deployed to enable it to provide
uniqueness. Slice design includes template design and network services. Typical configurations include basic
instantiation design. In the template design phase, the CSMF, networking configuration, global parameters, and preset
NSMF, and NSSMF collaborate in capability notification, environment variables.
breakdown, and matching, assemble an E2E slice template,
and verify the template on the test bed to ensure that the The key objective of slicing deployment and enabling
template can provide the expected network capabilities. The is automation, which reduces the capital expenditure
slice instantiation design phase is triggered by specific order (CAPEX), increases the speed of network opening, and
requirements. When a tenant needs to use a network slice, a enables tenants' self-services and automatic network
preset slice template or a customized template can be used deployment.
by the CSMF, NSMF, and NSSMF to confirm deployment
information layer by layer, and instantiation deployment is 4.3.3 Operation of Smart Grid Slices
performed to generate an available slice network. The wireless side of the smart grid needs to select an
appropriate access and mobility management function
4.3.2 Slice Deployment and Enabling on the Smart Grid (AMF) based on user attributes. The AMF needs to select
Smart grid slice deployment means deploying slicing a proper session management function (SMF) and user
network function (NF) instances on resources of the plane function (UPF) according to user service attributes.
virtualized infrastructure layer. In the network functions These selection procedures are required regardless of
virtualization (NFV) scenario, the MANO is used to apply whether an exclusive NF or a shared NF is used.
for virtual resources. Network slices may be deployed
in distributed mode. Therefore, network slices need to The entire SBA is considered in slice selection. During the
interact with the MANOs of multiple DCs. NF registration phase, slice information is imported to the

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 5G Network Slicing Enabling the Smart Grid

4 Discussion on 5G Slicing Solution of the Smart Grid

network repository function (NRF), and policies are added of smart grid slices. Two types of O&M need to be designed
to instruct the network slice selection function (NSSF) to because industry users have different levels of expertise
select a slice. and O&M processes and maintenance requirements from
operators.
4.3.4 Slice O&M Monitoring on the Smart Grid
Both operators and power companies are involved in O&M The differences are as follows.

Item For Operators For Power Companies

GUI Same habits based on the traditional EMS Easy to use

Purpose Comprehensive network perception SLA confirmation

Presented data Comprehensive status and statistics, fixed Customized key information, variable

Control scope Comprehensive service and resource configurations Restricted service configurations

Slice range Cross slices Inside a slice

Table 4-2 Two types of O&M modes for 5G network slices on the smart grid

For operators, the fault, configuration, accounting, resource efficiency in a complex network environment,
performance, security (FCAPS) capabilities are required so closed-loop optimization of slices must be implemented.
that operators' O&M personnel can improve both overall
service capability and network efficiency. For tenants, a Closed-loop management means monitoring the network
simple and easy-to-use O&M GUI is required to help tenants and service status. When a target deviation occurs, the
achieve the fastest speed, the most natural experience, and network and services are adjusted to ensure the expected
value through both networks and applications. performance levels.

4.3.5 Closed-Loop Optimization of Smart Grid Slices Closed-loop optimization of network slices is classified
To achieve optimal user experience and maximum network into two types.

Item Local Closed-Loop Remote Closed-Loop

Trigger source SLA awareness Network efficiency and SLA awareness

Purpose Rapid SLA improvement Network-wide optimal efficiency and best SLA

Input Partial information Global information

Real-time requirements Real-time/Quasi-real-time Non-real-time, slow

Running mode Best effort under certain rules Optimal solution based on data analysis

Table 4-3 Two closed-loop optimization modes of 5G network slices on the smart grid

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 5G Network Slicing Enabling the Smart Grid

4 Discussion on 5G Slicing Solution of the Smart Grid

Local closed-loop and remote closed-loop are combined 4.3.6 Slice Capability Exposure on the Smart Grid
to ensure real-time service assurance and overall network Slice capability exposure is a key means to achieve the
efficiency improvement. combination of applications and networks to enable
network capabilities to be easily applied to the electric
Local closed-loop is implemented by presetting policies power industry. The detailed requirements are as follows:
and adjusting logic on the control plane and user plane. • Network capability orchestration: Based on the service-
When the service capability reaches the threshold and oriented concept, network capabilities are atomized.
will be or has been damaged, the network deployment Each atomic capability can become a part of the industry
and network parameters can be quickly adjusted to service process and can be flexibly assembled according
improve user experience of current and subsequent to different user requirements.
services. For example, for a smart grid slice, when a new • Flexible network capability exposure: The network
power device is deployed in a region or a new distributed exposure function (NEF) provides secure and manageable
power supply is connected to the network, the network open capabilities, including services and data, for the
can automatically scale in or out the function nodes in electric power industry. The power industry can invoke
the edge area and deploy the power grid load adjustment the RESTful interface to obtain certain types of user
function locally to improve the SLA assurance capability parameters and service parameters as required.
of the region. • Application integration: In addition to network capability
exposure to the electric power industry, certain
In remote closed-loop, the system collects and analyzes applications can be integrated to the networks based
long-term network operator data, searches for regularities, on the requirements of the electric power industry. The
obtains optimization directions, and automatically adjusts electric power industry provides a certain type of atomic
networks periodically or triggers network redesign to network service capability (such as security) to become a
improve network service capabilities. part of end user service processes.

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 5G Network Slicing Enabling the Smart Grid

5 Conclusion and Outlook

Network slicing is not only a technology but also a new

business model. In addition to the smart grid industry,
network slicing is also available in automatic driving,
industrial control, and smart city, which help form a
win-win relationship between operators and vertical
industries and create a smart digital society.

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 5G Network Slicing Enabling the Smart Grid

5 Conclusion and Outlook

5 Conclusion and Outlook

5G network slicing fully integrates the software-defined The application scenario analysis of the smart grid shows that
networking (SDN)/NFV technology to flexibly match service the service requirements based on technical specifications
requirements with network resources, meeting the specific vary greatly according to scenarios. Operation enterprises
function requirements of different vertical industries and network equipment vendors should further quantify
in the 5G era. For operators, 5G network slices will help network technical specifications and architecture design
build agile and flexible networks and extend services to based on the technical specification requirements of these
vertical markets. Operators' infrastructures are shared, industries, including:
which greatly improves the network resource utilization. In • Further quantifying slice security requirements,
addition, operators provide different slicing capabilities to service isolation requirements, and E2E service latency
meet the technical requirements of differentiated services requirements
in vertical industries. The flexible and open network • Negotiating network capability exposure requirements
architecture can provide independent operation capabilities and network management GUIs
for vertical industries to ensure flexible and personalized • Discussing business collaboration modes and future
service provisioning. For vertical industry users, 5G ecological environment
network slices will help operators gain on-demand service • Providing a complete solution that meets differentiated
assurance without constructing mobile private networks. requirements of multiple scenarios in the electric
In this way, vertical industry users can improve their power industry
capabilities of quickly developing personalized services and • Performing technical verification and demonstration of
expand service markets as soon as possible. the solution

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Written by:
CHINA TELECOM BEIJING RESEARCH INSTITUTE
CHINA TELECOM CORPORATION LIMITED TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION CENTER
STATE GRID JIANGSU ELECTRIC POWER CO., LTD.
STATE GRID NANJING POWER SUPPLY COMPANY
CLOUD CORE NETWORK PRODUCT LINE, HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.