## 1 Introduction  
The ongoing rollout of 5G networks and the anticipatory designs of 6G infrastructures represent monumental leaps in telecommunications technology. These advances herald a new era characterised by unprecedented data speeds, massive connectivity, and highly customizable network environments. Central to these innovations is network slicing, a transformative approach that allows multiple virtual networks to operate on the same physical hardware, each tailored to meet specific service requirements. Network operators are beginning to adopt advanced 5G technologies, including the Stand-Alone (SA) version, which boasts enhanced features [1]. The SA version is a fully independent 5G network that operates without relying on existing 4G LTE infrastructure. It uses a new 5G core (5 GC) architecture, which allows it to leverage the full capabilities of 5G technology, including lower latency, higher efficiency, and better support for advanced applications. Unlike the Non-Standalone (NSA) version, which uses a combination of 4G and 5G infrastructure, SA 5G offers enhanced features such as improved network performance, greater flexibility, and the ability to provide dedicated resources for specific use cases [2; 3]. Known for its faster speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity, 5G technology significantly outperforms its predecessors. A key feature of 5G is network slicing, illustrated in Figure 1, which allows the network to be segmented into multiple virtual networks, each customizable for different services and applications. Network slicing provides the flexibility to meet a wide range of dynamic user needs by leveraging three main network properties that can be seen in Figure 1 with the correspondent colour associated with each type of slice: Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) the blue slice, Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) the green slice, and Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC), often referred to collectively as IoT (Internet of Things) the red slice. These prominent categories can be summarized:  
* **Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)**: eMBB applications, such as high-definition video streaming, virtual reality experiences, and cloud gaming, demand high data rates and significant bandwidth to deliver a seamless user experience. There is an increasing need for massive MIMO and millimetre wave technology integration within cellular networks to cater to the ever-increasing data demands of eMBB users [4]. * **Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC)**: URLLC applications, critical for industries like autonomous vehicles, remote surgery, and industrial automation, prioritise reliability and ultra-low latency over high data rates. Some challenges are faced by traditional network architectures in meeting the stringent latency requirements (less than 1 millisecond) and ultra-high reliability (packet loss probability close to zero) demanded by URLLC applications [5]. These applications have stricter Quality-of-Service (QoS) requirements compared to traditional mobile broadband traffic. * **Massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC)**: mMTC, a core component of the Internet of Things (IoT), encompasses a vast number of low-power, low-data-rate devices requiring efficient communication for functionalities like sensor data collection and remote monitoring. While data rates for individual devices are minimal, the sheer volume of devices connected within an mMTC network can create significant network management challenges [6]. Additionally, network slicing improves resource efficiency and offers greater flexibility, scalability, security, and isolation [7]. Network slicing is poised to revolutionise how services are delivered across various industries, from enabling lower latencies in telemedicine [5] to managing the Quality of Experience (QoE) of the massive throughput needed for ultra-high-definition streaming services [8].