NFV enabling network slicing for 5G

Network slicing is one of the most discussed concepts for designing 5G networks. It is intended to enable operators to slice a single physical network into multiple virtual networks optimized according to specific services and business goals. Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), a technology developed by the European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI), will play a prominent role in implementing this concept. This paper reviews the options that the NFV technology offers to enable network slicing and highlights areas that may require further studies and standardization work.