The Qualcomm Edgewise Suite is a solution designed to manage network slicing in 5G networks. Network slicing is a network architecture concept that allows for the creation of multiple virtualized networks on a shared infrastructure. Each of these networks, or “slices,” can be tailored to specific user or enterprise needs and can be monetized accordingly.
However, implementing network slicing in 5G networks comes with certain challenges. These challenges include dealing with the complexity of operating in a multi-vendor and multi-technology environment, handling dynamic slice requests, and managing the configuration and resource allocation for slices in large-scale deployments.
The Qualcomm Edgewise Suite addresses these challenges through its Radio Access Network (RAN) Slice Controller. This controller acts as an independent and vendor-agnostic solution that interfaces with any Network Slice Management Function (NSMF) and underlying RAN vendors using standardized open APIs.
The suite covers the entire lifecycle of network slicing management, including slice creation, activation, monitoring, modification, and termination. It employs various predefined “rApps” (recipe applications) that execute orchestration tasks based on the slice characteristics and operator’s business logic.
The Qualcomm Edgewise Suite advantage lies in its support for multi-vendor networks, compatibility with different RAN technologies (including Open RAN), a flexible Slice Designer for meeting various configuration requirements, predictive slice admission driven by AI and machine learning, slice reconfiguration for existing slices, root cause analysis for SLA regulation, and slice optimization for improving performance and maintaining multiple slices in the same cluster.
Real-world scenarios where the Qualcomm Edgewise Suite can be beneficial include
Residential fixed wireless service
In areas where fiber-based internet access is not feasible, fixed wireless access (FWA) can be an alternative. However, FWA can strain the cellular network. By leveraging network slicing with the Qualcomm Edgewise Suite, operators can distribute the load and provide high-quality service to residential areas.
The mobile edge
With the increasing use of autonomous vehicles and IoT devices like drones, there is a growing need for low-latency broadband services at the mobile edge. Network slicing with the Qualcomm Edgewise Suite enables operators to address these challenges and deliver continuous connectivity with minimized latency.
The Qualcomm Edgewise Suite simplifies the implementation of network slicing in 5G networks, allowing operators to create slices for any RAN vendor and connect to any slicing orchestrator. This helps accelerate time-to-market and capitalize on the revenue opportunities presented by 5G.
