k transformation. Based on the latency and data residency issues, the hybrid cloud offerings provide great flexibility while taking advantage of the OPEX model from a financial perspective. Given that 5G NSA infrastructure can cost in the range of $1 million for 50,000 subscribers, the flexibility of the financing model is key here (see: https://www.lightreading.com/open-ran/heres how-much-5g-wireless-network-really-costs/d/d-id/769114): Feature / RAN C-RAN O-RAN Deployment Type Centralized Deployed on Flexible deployment and often uses commercial propriety hardware off-the-shelf servers Vendor A single vendor Uses VMs or Multi-vendor or provides hardware containers, and mix-and-match and software single-vendor software vendors for RAN Medium The preceding table summarizes the comparison between C-RAN, vRAN, and O-RAN, using deployment type, vendor, and cost. Summary Summary In this chapter, we learned about the infrastructure required to support 5G networks. We looked at NFV, C-RAN, vRAN, and O-RAN, as well as the use of hybrid clouds for 5G networks. A thorough understanding of the infrastructure allows the development of a composable network over the life cycle of 5G. In the next chapter, we will introduce the concept and architecture of network slicing for 5G. We will understand how network slicing acts as a differentiator for 5G. We will look at several use cases for slicing to better understand its applications. 5G Network Slicing This chapter will focus on the purpose and architecture of 5G network slicing. Traditional methods of mobile network management cannot unleash the full potential of 5G. Network slicing helps to make an infrastructure intelligent and reduces the dependence on applications for efficiency and latency. Network slicing allows the connectivity to be fine-tuned to end-customer devices and use cases, both for enterprise and retail customers. Overall, network slicing is a key differentiator between 5G and prior generations of mobile technologies. In this chapter, we will cover the followin