5G networks: Types of isolation and their parameters in RAN and CN slices

In this paper, we present a systematic overview of existing isolation techniques in nodes and networks, especially in the Radio Access Network and the Core Network (RAN and CN) to give a background to standardized methods of calculating an isolation level leading to secure End-to-End (E2E) slices' isolation. We present specific isolation technologies used in layers of 5G RAN and CN. For RAN and CN slices we propose several isolation properties and parameters to enable qualitative and quantitative characterization of the isolation. Finally, we present our approach that makes it possible to establish the common level of isolation for an E2E slice in the 5G network. To illustrate how such an isolation model works in practice, we give numerical examples of calculating an isolation level for simple network slices. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.