Advanced Capabilities of 5G Standalone (5G SA): Network Slicing, Edge Computing, and Monetization

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This is a sequel to our last blog. In that post, we explained the difference between 5G Standalone (5G SA) and other 5G types. If you’d like a quick refresher or want to build a solid foundation before diving in, you can read that post here.

In this section, we delve deeper into capabilities of 5G SA. Leading the way is network slicing, alongside other features such as cloud-native architecture, edge computing integration, and new automation and monetization opportunities. These capabilities go beyond the fundamentals, enabling highly personalized networks and services that were unimaginable in earlier generations. Let’s take a closer look at how 5G SA’s advanced features work and why they matter.

Network Slicing: Custom Networks on a Shared Infrastructure

Network slicing in 5G SA is a major advancement. It allows operators to run multiple virtual networks on the same physical infrastructure. Each slice is an isolated, end-to-end network with dedicated resources and policies, tailored to specific needs.

In 5G SA, each network slice is like its own mini-network, with dedicated functions and radio resources. Which are all running on the same shared infrastructure. Think of it as “network-as-a-service” built right into the 5G system.

The 5G core has a special function for slice selection. This function ensures each device connects to the right slice. It does this based on the device's subscription or the service it needs.

Devices and their SIM profiles can be set up with a slice. This is officially called S-NSSAI, or Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information. This ID tells the network which slice or slices the device can use.

S-NSSAI has two parts:

Slice Service Type (SST) – a standard code for the type of service. For example:
SST 1 = enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)
SST 2 = Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC)
SST 3 = massive IoT (mMTC)
SST 4 = Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X)
Slice Differentiator (SD) – used to tell apart multiple slices of the same service type.

This ID works across the entire network, from the radio access layer through the core. This means that your device stays on the correct slice from the moment it connects.

Standard Slice Categories (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC, and More)

To make network slicing practical, the industry has standardized a few common slice types. These cover most use cases, so operators can start with them instead of building every slice from scratch.

Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)

High-speed slices for data-heavy tasks and an excellent user experience.

Supports high bandwidth streaming, AR/VR, etc.
Currently the most common slice type in use, since existing 5G networks and devices already support it.
Other slice types are still emerging.

Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC)

Slices for mission-critical communications that need:

Ultra-low latency (under ~10 ms)
Extreme reliability (up to 99.999% uptime)

These make real-time control possible for things like:

Industrial robots and automation
Remote surgery
Vehicle safety systems

URLLC slices keep delays low and ensure stable connections. This is true even for fast moving devices, up to 500 km/h (311 mph).

Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC)

Slices designed to connect huge numbers of devices that send small amounts of data.

Can handle millions of devices per square kilometer.
Ideal for IoT applications like smart city sensors, agriculture, wearables, and other mass deployments.
Evolves older IoT tech like NB-IoT and LTE-M.

Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X)

A developing slice type aimed at connected vehicles.

Enables direct communication between cars, infrastructure, and even pedestrians.
Requires extremely low latency for autonomous driving and traffic safety.

Why These Categories Matter

Most current 5G deployments rely on eMBB slices because they work with most existing devices. As networks and devices improve, URLLC, mMTC, and V2X will expand their reach.

Operators often start with broad slice categories and refine them over time. They do not need to create a unique slice for every use case. For example, they might offer an eMBB slice for general consumers a URLLC slice for critical industrial applications. They might also provide an mMTC slice for IoT devices.

The shift moves the industry beyond the one-size-fits-all network. Most traffic continues to flow through a general-purpose slice, while other slices deliver the guaranteed performance needed different tasks.

Cloud-Native Core: The Foundation of Flexibility and Automation

5G Standalone supports advanced features like slicing thanks to its cloud-native, service-based architecture. Unlike earlier generations with fixed, hardware-based cores, 5G SA runs modular software functions on cloud infrastructure.

This design makes the network easier to program and faster to update, allowing new services to launch in hours rather than weeks. Because the core is fully virtualized, resources can scale on demand, and each slice can have its own configuration without the need for dedicated hardware.

Automation is central to this approach. Orchestration tools can spin up a new slice or service automatically by initiating the required virtual network functions and configuring them end-to-end. Core components use open APIs, enabling control and integration with external systems.

The Network Slice Selection Function ensures each device connects to the correct slice, while other core functions enforce policies and performance targets. This level of automation is key to managing multiple slices and moving from trials to large-scale commercial deployments.

In summary, the cloud-native core is what makes slicing, automation, and rapid service creation possible in 5G Standalone.

Quality of Service and Ultra-Low Latency Guarantees

One of the biggest advantages of 5G Standalone (SA) is its ability to deliver ultra-low latency and guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS) for critical applications. QoS is the network’s way of making sure the most important data gets priority. It controls things like speed, capacity, and reliability so that critical applications always perform well, even when the network is busy.

For operators, this means they can offer different service levels to customers. For example, QoS can ensure that an autonomous vehicle’s control signals are delivered on time or that a video call stays clear and smooth during peak usage.

This level of performance opens the door for massive IoT projects that demand scale and reliability, such as nationwide healthcare networks connecting millions of medical devices, fully automated factory floors with thousands and synchronized machines or city-wide smart traffic systems that react instantly to changing conditions.

Under ideal conditions, 5G SA can achieve latencies below 10 ms. In comparison, 4G was usually in the tens of milliseconds or more. 5G SA can deliver “communication with zero lag” by reducing handover interruptions and other delays.

How does 5G SA achieve these guarantees?

5G Standalone (SA) improves performance by using a direct network path. All traffic goes through the 5G core. With full 5G Radio transmission time intervals are shorter while frame structures become more flexible. It has a simpler signaling design in the 5G core to reduce delays.

Network slicing adds another advantage. A URLLC slice can be set to prioritize latency above everything else, ensuring important data is transmitted first. In busy conditions, these slices can reserve resources to keep latency within strict limits, while less urgent traffic is delayed or buffered. For example, a remote surgery would be prioritized over non-critical activities such as general video streaming.

This approach creates a “fast lane” for mission-critical services while still improving performance for all other network traffic.

What is Edge Slicing?

Edge slicing is where 5G’s network slicing capabilities meet edge computing. It creates a dedicated network slice with computing power placed close to where the data is generated.

In an edge slice, data is processed on nearby edge servers instead of traveling back to a central core. This keeps delays very low and makes sure important applications run smoothly.

Edge slices can be set up for specific needs, such as automating a factory, delivering AR in a stadium, or handling medical imaging in a hospital. all slices are built with its own performance goals and security rules, this makes it possible to be deployed exactly where and when it is needed.

The result is a fast, reliable service that gives enterprises a private lane in the network and quick access to local computing power.

How 5G Transforms Network APIs into Powerful Tools for Applications

5G Standalone improves not only the network itself but also how applications can use it. A key part of this is network exposure. It allows approved external applications to access some network features through secure APIs.

In 4G, APIs were available but limited. They were mostly used for simple tasks like location services or SMS triggers. There was no standard way to access more advanced network features. 5G SA improves this with the Network Exposure Function (NEF). This is a standard framework that allows applications to access advanced features. These features include slicing, QoS control, and edge computing in a secure and flexible way.

With these APIs, a business can ask for more bandwidth for a video call. They can also send IoT device data through a fast connection when needed. APIs can also be used to create temporary slices, change quality settings, or access network analytics.

Real-World Adoption and Use Cases

5G Standalone is moving from trials to real use. By late 2024, more than 50 operators had launched 5G SA networks, creating the base for commercial network slicing.

The first real-world use cases are already in action:

Media and broadcasting use slices to guarantee uplink bandwidth and low latency for live video. This keeps streams stable even in crowded areas.

Cloud gaming and AR/VR benefit from slices that maintain low latency and smooth performance, even during peak traffic.

Large events like festivals use slices to keep payment systems working reliably when networks are congested.

Emergency services get slices with the highest priority, ensuring police, firefighters, and medical teams stay connected during network overloads.

Enterprises use slices as virtual private networks. These provide control, security, and guaranteed performance without building separate infrastructure. Manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare are testing slices for real-time control and critical device uptime.

Many operators are still piloting slice services. The ecosystem is growing to support more advanced slices like URLLC and V2X. Early results show slicing can deliver specialized connectivity without separate physical networks, making it a powerful new capability.

Monetization of Network Slices

Network slicing creates new ways for service providers to make money. Instead of only selling mobile data, they can sell connectivity with guaranteed performance tailored to specific needs.

Slices can be offered as premium products. Gamers might pay for a low-latency slice. Manufacturers could use a high-reliability slice for controlling equipment. Event organizers might buy a slice to keep video streams or payment systems running smoothly during peak traffic.

For enterprises, slicing works like a custom network on demand. It gives the control and security of a private network without the cost of building one. Operators can combine slice-based connectivity with other services like cloud or IT management, creating complete business solutions.

To monetize slicing, operators need systems that track performance and usage for each slice in real time and bill accordingly. Platforms like MAVOCO’s Connectivity Management Platform are designed for this, allowing operators to define slice products, set pricing for different performance levels, and bill accurately based on actual use.

As slicing matures, we will see a growing range of slice-based services. These could include consumer upgrades such as an AR/VR performance boost, or industry-grade slices with strict service levels for applications like industrial automation or healthcare. Partnerships with app developers and cloud providers will also play a role, as companies pay to ensure their services run at guaranteed quality.

Challenges and further outlook

While 5G SA and network slicing offer exciting possibilities, the transition comes with challenges. By late 2024, only a few dozen operators had launched standalone networks, while many others were still in planning. Upgrading to SA requires major investment in the new core and careful coordination to migrate existing devices and services smoothly. Not all devices in use today support 5G SA or slice aware features, as many early 5G phones worked only in NSA mode. The device ecosystem is catching up quickly. Most new 5G phones and IoT modules now support SA, and software updates are adding features like URSP, which lets devices use multiple slices at the same time for different applications.

Managing large numbers of slices is another hurdle. Slicing pushes operators toward an IT service provider model, requiring SLA management, dynamic provisioning, and strict security isolation. Automation and intelligent management tools are essential. Orchestration systems must handle the slice life cycle and ensure each slice meets its targets. Manual configuration will not scale. Operators need AI driven network management and strong OSS/BSS integration, including slice aware billing, customer portals, and centralized visibility. Many in the industry are already building solutions such as self service portals and APIs to let customers create and adjust slices while giving operators full control.

Security is also a critical concern. Slices are designed to be isolated, so a breach or overload in one should not affect others. However, operators must ensure that isolation works in practice. Critical slices may require extra safeguards, tighter monitoring, and rapid anomaly detection. AI powered threat detection will likely be key for monitoring slices in real time.

Looking ahead, new 5G releases will continue to improve advanced features. Enhancements for URLLC and time sensitive networking will make ultra low latency slices even more reliable. RedCap, which stands for Reduced Capability, will extend 5G to simpler IoT devices, helping mMTC slices become more widespread. Work on 6G has already started, and many 5G SA principles such as cloud native design, slicing, and edge integration will carry forward and become even stronger.

In short, 5G Standalone is much more than faster speeds. Its advanced features such as network slicing, edge computing, and programmable core networks allow one physical network to operate as many specialized networks at once. This creates flexibility to support almost any application, efficiency through better resource use. it opens new opportunities for services and revenue.

With the right tools and expertise, operators can support everything from immersive media to critical infrastructure on one platform. For enterprises, 5G SA offers tailored connectivity that can accelerate digital transformation across industries. The path forward is clear. Networks are becoming smarter, more adaptable, and more service oriented. As we build 5G SA and beyond, the boundaries between connectivity, cloud, and applications will fade, unlocking experiences we are only beginning to imagine.

MAVOCO’s Role in Enabling 5G SA

As advanced 5G Standalone capabilities roll out, a strong management platform is essential to deliver and monetize them. MAVOCO’s Connectivity Management Platform (CMP) supports operators and enterprises in deploying 5G SA efficiently.

5G SA services
The platform supports native 5G SA features like SA-ready SIM profiles, network slices, DNNs, and QoS templates. This lets operators quickly set up offerings such as low-latency slices or high-bandwidth IoT plans and deliver them consistently.

Self-service APIs and portals
Enterprises can manage their 5G devices and resources through easy portals or APIs. They can monitor SIM status, track data usage in real time, request new slices, change QoS, and automate connectivity management.

Slice-aware resource and billing management
Operators can create pricing models for different slice types or SLAs. The CMP tracks usage per slice, enabling accurate billing and fair cost allocation. This helps carriers generate new revenue from 5G services while ensuring customers pay only for what they use.

By using MAVOCO’s platform, operators and enterprises can speed up 5G SA rollouts while maintaining service quality, operational efficiency, and commercial scalability.