Network slicing is a key feature for the next generation network. It is about transforming the network/system from a static "one size fits all" paradigm, to a new paradigm where logical networks/partitions are created, with appropriate isolation, resources and optimized topology to serve a particular purpose or service category (e.g. use case/traffic category, or for internal reasons) or even individual customers (logical system created "on demand"). It can be enriched by use of NFV and SDN. The network slicing concept consists of 3 layers:

1. Service Instance Layer,
2. Network Slice Instance Layer, and
3. Resource layer where each layer requires management functions, see reference TR 23.799. This document specifies use cases for management of network slicing, potential requirements, potential solutions and recommendations.

The present document investigates and makes recommendations on management and orchestration for network slicing on the Network Slice Instance Layer [2] and for non-virtualised NE's also the Resource layer:

1. Use cases and requirements for management and orchestration of network slicing
2. Management and orchestration terminology and concepts for slices. The relationship between network slice management and orchestration concepts developed in the present document and the management and orchestration concepts defined by ETSI NFV.
3. Management of network function sharing in the context of network slicing (e.g. network function sharing support, and lifecycle management functions of the mobile network resources for network slices).
4. Impacts to management when a slice instance is shared between multiple parties (e.g. multiple partners and multiple domains etc.) based on the slice sharing, see reference TR 23.799.
5. Isolation of management data between different parties within a slice instance if needed.
6. Impacts derived from Management of 3GPP Network Slices on the ETSI MANO architecture and procedures.
7. Automation of management and orchestration of network slice instances and the related policy configurations.
8. Management and orchestration mechanisms to support the isolation/separation of mobile network resources used by different network slice instances and the corresponding configuration of isolation/separation.
9. Solution for management and orchestration of network slicing and how it affects the specifications (e.g. Interface IRPs, Network Resource models and trace specifications).

Furthermore, the 3GPP role for Service Instance Layer has been investigated. The Resource layer for VNFs is excluded from the present document.

The following documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of the present document.

• References are either specific (identified by date of publication, edition number, version number, etc.) or non specific.
• For a specific reference, subsequent revisions do not apply.
• For a non-specific reference, the latest version applies. In the case of a reference to a 3GPP document (including a GSM document), a non-specific reference implicitly refers to the latest version of that document in the same Release as the present document.