Network slicing has become one of the major concepts in 5G. What has driven the development of the slicing concept is the ambition to better utilise future networks. While some are excited about the opportunities slicing provides, others doubt that slicing is really that new and revolutionary.

In this issue of Eurescom message, we will shed light on network slicing and present insights from leading European researchers in this area.

The cover theme of the magazine features the following contributions:

In the first article of the cover theme, Eurescom message editor Anastasius Gavras presents an overview on network slicing with a focus on the motivation and concepts of slicing.
End-to-end cognitive network slicing – The SliceNet framework for slice control, management and orchestration
This article presents the framework for slice control, management and orchestration developed by 5G PPP project SliceNet.
Slicing and network intelligence – How AI serves future sliced networks
In this article from Orange France, the authors present their results on how Artificial Intelligence can serve future sliced networks.
Slicing and orchestration in a service-oriented RAN architecture
In the final cover theme article, researchers from Eurecom present their insights on slicing and orchestration in a service-oriented RAN architecture.