System and method for enabling representative user device sampling for analytics services regarding user devices

Abstract

Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided that enable representative user equipment (UE) sampling for analytics services regarding user equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Some example embodiments may generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology, or other communication systems. For example, certain embodiments may relate to systems and / or methods for enabling representative user equipment (UE) sampling for analysis services regarding UEs. Background Art

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), MulteFire, LTE-A Pro and / or fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or new radio (NR) access technology. 5G wireless systems refer to next generation (NG) radio systems and network architectures. 5G systems are primarily built on 5G New Radio (NR), but 5G (or NG) networks may also be built on E-UTRA radio. It is estimated that NR provides bit rates of about 10-20Gbit / s or higher and can support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC) and massive machine type communications (mMTC) service categories. NR is expected to provide ultra-wideband, ultra-robust, low latency connectivity and large-scale networking to support the Internet of Things (IoT). As IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications become more prevalent, the demand for networks that meet low power, low data rate and long battery life requirements will continue to grow. Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) represents the RAN for 5G, which can provide NR and LTE (and LTE-Advanced) radio access. Note that in 5G, a node capable of providing radio access functions to user equipment (i.e., similar to Node B, NB in ​​UTRAN or evolved NB, eNB in ​​LTE) can be named Next Generation NB gNB when built on NR radio, and can be named Next Generation eNB (NG-eNB) when built on E-UTRA radio. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] For a proper understanding of the example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0004] Figure 1 illustrates an example architecture of a data collection framework according to an embodiment;

[0005] Figure 2 illustrates an example signaling flow diagram according to an embodiment;

[0006] Figure 3illustrates an example signaling flow diagram according to an embodiment;

[0007] Figure 4 illustrates an example flow chart of a method according to an embodiment;

[0008] Figure 5 illustrates an example flow chart of a method according to an embodiment;

[0009] Figure 6 illustrates an example flow chart of a method according to an embodiment;

[0010] Figure 7a illustrates an example block diagram of an apparatus according to an example embodiment;

[0011] Figure 7b illustrates an example block diagram of an apparatus according to an example embodiment; and

[0012] Figure 7c An example block diagram of an apparatus according to an example embodiment is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] It is readily understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products is not intended to limit the scope of certain embodiments, but rather represents selected example embodiments that enable representative user equipment (UE) sampling for UE-related analysis services.

[0014] The features, structures or characteristics of the example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the phrases "certain embodiments," "some embodiments," or other similar language used in this specification refer to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "certain embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," or other similar language appearing throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same set of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments.

[0015] Additionally, if desired, the different functions or processes discussed below may be performed in different orders and / or concurrently. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the functions or procedures may be optional or may be combined. Therefore, the following description should be viewed as an illustration of the principles and teachings of certain example embodiments, rather than a limitation thereof.

[0016] Certain example embodiments may relate to data collection from one or more UEs, such as performed by a network data analysis function (NWDAF) from a network function (NF) (e.g., an access and mobility management function (AMF) for UE mobility analysis or a session management function (SMF) for abnormal behavior related network analysis) if selected as an analysis report target. For example, a NWDAF service consumer may subscribe to NWDAF analysis information using Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription. The analysis consumer may indicate the target of the analysis report in the request, which may include a specific UE, a group of UEs, or any UE (i.e., all UEs managed by the target network).

[0017] When targeting a group of UEs or any UE, the NWDAF can specify the sampling ratio in the event report information to reduce the signaling and data collection load. When the NWDAF subscribes to the event report from the network center and provides the sampling ratio, the pointed NF can select a random subset of UEs among all UEs managed by the NF according to the sampling ratio. Events related to this subset of UEs are reported to the NWDAF. The UE can remain selected until it is no longer managed by the event provider NF. UEs newly managed by the event provider NF can also become selected.

[0018] The NWDAF may decide to reduce the signaling and data collection load by prioritizing requests received from analytics consumers, reducing the scope of data collection (eg, duration or range), and / or modifying sampling ratios.

[0019] As described above, the NWDAF service consumer (e.g., NF or Operation, Administration and Maintenance (OAM)) can specify a specific UE, a group of UEs, or any UE (i.e., all UEs) as the target of the requested analysis. In this case, the NWDAF subscribes at the service producer (NF) to collect events related to a group (multiple) of UEs or all UEs. To alleviate the potentially heavy signaling and data collection load, a sampling ratio can be applied as an analysis filter. When a sampling ratio is provided, the pointed NF randomly selects a subset from the target UE group or all managed UEs according to the sampling ratio, and only events related to the subset are reported to the NWDAF.

[0020] Simple random sampling is a probability sampling technique for retrieving statistics from a subset of individuals selected by a total population. According to this sampling technique, each individual is selected completely at random, and each member of the population has the same chance of being included in the sample. Each possible sample of a given size has the same chance of selection. Importantly, the selected group represents the population and is not biased in a systematic manner. However, there may be factors that divide the population into subgroups or strata, and the data statistics in the desired different strata may vary. When selecting a sample from a population, this should be considered so that a sample representing the population is obtained. For this reason, a stratified sample can be obtained by sampling from each stratum or subgroup of the population. When a population with several strata is sampled, preferably, the ratio of each stratum in the sample is the same as the ratio in the population. Stratified sampling techniques are usually used when the population is alienated or dissimilar, and some homogeneous subgroups can be isolated (stratified). Simple random sampling is the most suitable when the entire population of the sample is homogeneous, i.e. when the population is not divided into a plurality of strata.

[0021] Therefore, simple random sampling does not guarantee that the specific subset selected is a perfect representative of the entire population. In a machine learning (ML) environment, this may lead to problems related to misclassification and / or biased ML algorithms. For example, errors in misclassification or inference leading to incorrect conclusions about the UE may occur (as an example, the NWDAF may detect erroneous abnormal behavior or erroneous network performance analysis or observed service experience information). In addition, training ML models with non-representative subsets can lead to biased ML algorithms that learn incorrect statistics and then provide biased analysis. Therefore, selecting a representative UE subset is not a trivial issue because the NWDAF does not have prior knowledge about the UE statistics.

[0022] In the context of telecommunication networks (e.g., 3GPP networks), the NWDAF currently has no a priori information about the distribution of the group of UEs or any UEs targeted by the analysis (i.e., all UEs). Therefore, if the analysis consumer specifies a sampling ratio in the analysis subscription, the NWDAF may employ a simple random sampling technique, i.e., the NWDAF may be forced to work under the (usually incorrect) assumption that the UE population does not have any hierarchy regarding the data to be collected. Therefore, other sampling techniques (such as stratified sampling) and methods of grouping UEs based on their characteristics are not available in the 3GPP standard. As outlined above, this may result in statistical data or analysis results being distorted or even incorrect due to the lack of representativeness of the sampled UE group.

[0023] Figure 1An example functional architecture of a programmable data collection framework 100 according to an embodiment is illustrated. The data collection framework 100 supports data collection and distribution (e.g., operations, tracking, events, C-plane, M-plane, etc.) from sources to consumers. Data sources can be dynamically discovered by the framework based on requests from data consumers. The messaging framework can be used to effectively distribute data from data sources to data consumers, so that the data source does not need to copy data to its potential multiple data consumers. The data collection and coordination function (DCCF) can control data sources and data consumers, but does not process data. The DCCF is configured to expose available data to potential data consumers, receive data requests from data consumers, trigger data generation at the data source, and dynamically configure the messaging framework to routes, and copy data from the data source to the data consumer.

[0024] The data collection framework 100 may include adapters on (multiple) data sources and data consumers. The third-party producer adapter (3PA) interface and the third-party consumer adapter (3CA) interface have the function of adapting the interfaces of the data source and the data consumer to the interface of the messaging framework.

[0025] In the data collection framework 100, the NWDAF may act as a data consumer and may also act as a data source. In the case where the NWDAF subscribes to the NF to collect data from a group of UEs or any UE, as described above, the NWDAF will act as a data consumer. The components of the data collection framework (e.g., DCCF, data source) responsible for collecting and distributing data from the NF to the NWDAF do not have a priori information about the UE distribution, nor do they have the ability to inform the data source (i.e., NF) how to group UEs based on their characteristics.

[0026] An example embodiment provides a system and method for avoiding non-representative sampling of a subset of UEs when a sampling ratio is applied by a NWDAF request. Certain embodiments are configured to avoid collecting data from a non-representative subset of UEs. According to an example embodiment, an additional attribute that may be referred to as a "division criterion" may be included in the event report information. This attribute may be employed by the data provided by the NF within the process for grouping and representative sampling of UEs in these subgroups.

[0027] Therefore, according to certain embodiments, the NWDAF may add a new attribute to the event reporting information, referred to herein as a "partitioning criterion". When calling an event exposure / subscription service for the data providing NF, the NWDAF may provide extended event reporting information including the partitioning criterion. In an embodiment, the data providing NF may use the extended event reporting information to group the managed UEs into subgroups or tiers, and may apply sampling in each of the subgroups or tiers according to the requested sampling ratio. The data of a representative random sample of UEs may then be provided to the NWDAF by the data providing NF.

[0028] As introduced above, certain embodiments include the introduction of a partitioning criterion as a new event report information parameter, and the process for UE grouping and sampling can be adopted by the targeted NF. In one embodiment, by utilizing the partitioning criterion, the NWDAF can notify the target NF to create a hierarchy from the UEs, grouping them based on a priori service or network data information (such as application ID, type allocation code (TAC), UE communication and mobility information). In this way, a representative sample of the entire population can be obtained.

[0029] As discussed in more detail below, Figure 2 and Figure 3 Two example signaling flow diagrams according to some embodiments are shown. More specifically, Figure 2 The diagram shows Figure 1 An example in the context of the data collection framework 100 depicted in FIG. Figure 3 An example in the context of the 3GPP 5G Core Network (5GC) architecture is illustrated.

[0030] As in Figure 2 As shown in the example of , at 1, a NWDAF service consumer may subscribe to and / or request analysis information, for example, by calling Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe / Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Request service operations. In one embodiment, the request from the NWDAF service consumer may include, among other things, input parameters such as a target of the analysis report, indicating the object for which the analysis information is requested. The object may include, for example, a specific UE, a group (multiple) of UEs, or any UE (i.e., all UEs).

[0031] According to one embodiment, as in Figure 2As further shown in the example, when a subscription / request for analysis information targeting a group (multiple) of UEs or any UE is received at 2, the NWDAF may send a request for data to the DCCF. In order to reduce the load of signaling and data collection, based on the analysis results required by the NWDAF service consumer, the NWDAF may set the value of the partitioning criterion to the service or network information related to the UE (such as type allocation code (TAC), application ID, UE communication) or UE mobility information (collected from OAM), and may specify a sampling ratio. The partitioning criterion may be set to one or more indicators to group UEs (i.e., allowing grouping based on multiple parameters).

[0032] In one embodiment, at 3, the DCCF may determine the NF(s) that manage the UE, for example by querying the Network Resource Repository Function (NRF) / Unified Data Management (UDM) / Binding Support Function (BSF). According to some embodiments, at 4, to subscribe to the NWDAF, the DCCF may control the message bus and adapter so that notifications pass through the messaging framework. In one embodiment, the 3CA may be provided with a notification endpoint of the NWDAF. Also as Figure 2 As shown in the example of , at 5, the DCCF can send a data subscription / request to the data source (e.g., NF as AMF or SMF), adding a partitioning standard parameter to inform the data source how to group the UE. At 6, the data source can confirm the request.

[0033] According to certain embodiments, at 7, the data source may group the target UEs based on a division criterion (e.g., create subgroups / layers). From each subgroup, at 8, the NF may select a subset of UEs by randomly sampling from each subgroup / layer according to a sampling ratio. This means that, regardless of the size of the subgroup / layer, each subgroup / layer has the same adoption rate. Therefore, the number of UEs selected from each subgroup / layer is proportional to the size of the subgroup / layer. In one embodiment, at 9, (multiple) event notifications regarding the selected UEs may be sent to the messaging framework after an event is triggered at the data source. Then, at 10, the messaging framework may send (multiple) event notifications to the NWDAF.

[0034] In the following, an example use case of UE mobility analysis is applied to Figure 2Example. According to this example, the NWDAF service consumer needs to perform UE mobility analysis on a group of UEs that are the targets of analysis. NWDAF requests data from DCCF, sets the partitioning criterion equal to TAC (because UEs with the same TAC may have similar mobility behaviors), and selects an ideal sampling ratio. After receiving the request from NWDAF, DCCF can determine the (multiple) NFs that manage the UE, and can control the message bus and adapter so that the notification passes through the messaging framework. DCCF can then send a data subscription / request to the data source, which in this example is AMF, adding a "partitioning criterion = TAC" parameter to inform AMF how to group the UE. AMF can confirm the request and can group the target UEs based on the partitioning criterion (i.e., create subgroups / tiers), so in this example, based on TAC, AMF can also randomly select a subset of UE samples from each tier according to the adoption rate. This means that each group / tier has the same sampling portion (regardless of the size of the group / tier, which is equal to the sampling ratio), so the number of UEs selected from each group is proportional to the size of the group. Then, after the AMF event is triggered, only notifications about the selected UE are sent to the messaging framework. The messaging framework can then send notifications to the NWDAF.

[0035] As mentioned above, Figure 3 An example signaling flow diagram in the context of a 3GPP 5G Core Network (5GC) architecture is shown according to one embodiment. Figure 3 As shown in the example of FIG. 1 , at 1 , a NWDAF service consumer may subscribe to and / or request analysis information, for example, by calling Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe / Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Request service operations. In one embodiment, the request from the NWDAF service consumer may include, among other things, input parameters, such as a target of an analysis report indicating the object of the requested analysis information. The object may include, for example, a specific UE, a group (multiple) of UEs, or any UE (i.e., all UEs).

[0036] According to one embodiment, as in Figure 3As further shown in the example, when a subscription / request for analysis information for a group (multiple) UEs or any UE is received at 2, the NWDAF may send a request to the NRF / UDM / BSF to determine which (multiple) NFs are managing the UEs and receive indications of the (multiple) NFs. In one embodiment, at 3, by adding (e.g., to reduce signaling and data collection load) partitioning criteria parameters and sampling ratios to the event reporting information in the event exposure service, the NWDAF may subscribe at the managing NF (e.g., a NF as an AMF or SMF) to inform the NF how to group the UEs. Based on the analysis required by the NWDAF service consumer, the NWDAF may set the value of the partitioning criteria to the service or network information related to the UE (such as TAC, application ID, UE communication) or UE mobility information (collected from OAM), and may specify a sampling ratio. The partitioning criteria may be set to one or more indicators for grouping UEs (i.e., allowing grouping based on multiple parameters).

[0037] As in Figure 3 As shown in the example of , at 4, the NF can group the target UEs based on the division criteria (i.e., create subgroups / layers). In each subgroup, at 5, the NF can select a subset of UEs by randomly sampling from each subgroup according to the sampling ratio. This means that regardless of the size of the subgroup / layer, each subgroup / layer may have the same sampling ratio. Therefore, the number of UEs selected from each subgroup / layer is proportional to the size of the subgroup / layer. Then, at 6, the NF can send a notification to the NWDAF about the selected UEs.

[0038] Because the exemplary embodiments provide partitioning criteria parameters and grouping and sampling procedures, the selected subset of UEs is representative of all UEs. Therefore, this avoids distortion (or even incorrectness) of statistical data or analysis results due to lack of representativeness of the sampled UE group.

[0039] In the following, an example use case of UE mobility analysis is applied to Figure 3Example. According to the example, by calling the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe / Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Request service operation, the NWDAF service consumer selects a group (multiple) UEs as the target of the analysis report to subscribe / request UE mobility analysis. For example, the NWDAF can send a request to the NRF / UDM / BSF to determine which (multiple) NFs are managing the UE. After receiving the indication of managing (multiple) NFs, the NWDAF can subscribe at the NF (AMF in this case) and add the partitioning criteria parameter as event report information in the event exposure service to inform the NF how to group the UE. For example, the NWDAF can set the value of the partitioning criteria to TAC and specify the sampling ratio. The NF can then group the target UEs based on the partitioning criteria (i.e., create subgroups / tiers), and in this example, the partitioning criteria is based on TAC. In addition, the NF can randomly select a subset of UE samples from each subgroup / tier according to the sampling ratio. This means that each group / tier has the same sampling ratio (regardless of the size of the group / tier, which is equal to the sampling ratio). The NF may then send notifications only about the selected UEs to the NWDAF.

[0040] Figure 4 An example flow chart of a method for sampling (multiple) UEs and collecting UE data according to an example embodiment is illustrated. In some example embodiments, Figure 4 The flowchart may be executed by a network entity or a network node in a communication system (such as LTE or 5G NR). In some example embodiments, the execution Figure 4 The network entity of the method may include a service consumer and / or NWDAF, etc. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, Figure 4 The method can be Figure 2 Or the NWDAF and / or NWDAF service consumer depicted in the example signaling flow diagram of 3.

[0041] In an example embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown in the example of , a method may include receiving a request for analysis information at 400, which may include an indication of one or more objects or UEs for which analysis information is requested. For example, analysis information may be requested for a specific UE, a group of UEs, or all UEs. In one embodiment, receiving 400 may include receiving a request that may be received from a service consumer (e.g., a Nwfdaf service consumer) that calls Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe / Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Request service operations.

[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment, a method may include determining a data source or a (multiple) NF (e.g., AMF or SMF) managing (multiple) UEs for which analysis information is requested. For example, in this embodiment, determining (multiple) NFs may include sending a request to an NRF / UDM / BSF to determine which (multiple) NFs are managing (multiple) UEs.

[0043] like Figure 4 As illustrated in the example of , at 410, the method may include sending a subscription request to a DCCF or a (multiple) NF managing (multiple) UEs, wherein the subscription request may include event report information, and the event report information includes a partitioning criterion parameter. In an embodiment, according to the analysis information requested by the service consumer, the value of the partitioning criterion parameter may be set to the service or network information related to the (multiple) UEs or UE mobility information. In an example embodiment, the partitioning criterion parameter may include a type allocation code (TAC), an application identifier (ID) and / or UE communication. According to one embodiment, the subscription request may also specify a sampling ratio and a partitioning criterion parameter. For example, in one embodiment, when specifying a sampling ratio, a partitioning criterion parameter may be set to ensure that a representative sample of an object / user is selected. In some embodiments, the partitioning criterion parameter may be set to one or more indicators to group UEs. According to one embodiment, the method may include, at 420, receiving a notification for the indicated (multiple) objects or (multiple) UEs from a messaging framework or (multiple) NFs. The notification may include the requested information.

[0044] Figure 5 An example flow chart of a method for sampling (multiple) UEs and collecting UE data according to an example embodiment is illustrated. In some example embodiments, Figure 5 The flowchart may be executed by a network entity or a network node in a communication system (such as LTE or 5G NR). In some example embodiments, the execution Figure 5 The network entities of the method may include data collection nodes, such as DCCF, NRF, UDM, BSF, etc. For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 5 The method can be Figure 2 The DCCF or Figure 3 The example is performed by NRF / UDM / BSF as depicted in the example.

[0045] In an example embodiment, if Figure 5As shown in the example of , the method may include receiving a subscription request from a network node (e.g., NWDAF) at 500, which may include event report information including a partitioning criterion parameter. In one embodiment, depending on the analysis information requested by the service consumer, the value of the partitioning criterion parameter may be set to service or network information related to one or more (multiple) UEs or UE mobility information. In an example embodiment, the partitioning criterion parameter may include a type allocation code (TAC), an application identifier (ID), and / or UE communication. According to one embodiment, the subscription request may also specify a sampling ratio as well as the partitioning criterion parameter. In some embodiments, the partitioning criterion parameter may be set to one or more indicators for a group of UEs.

[0046] According to some embodiments, Figure 5 The method may include determining a data source or managing NF(s) of UE(s) associated with the received subscription request at 510. Figure 5 In an embodiment where the method is performed by a DCCF, the method may include controlling a message bus and an adapter so that notifications pass through a message transceiver framework. In an embodiment, a 3CA may be provided with a notification endpoint of a NWDAF. Also as in Figure 5 As shown in the example of , the method may include sending a data request (e.g., AMF or SMF) including a partitioning criterion parameter to a data source or (multiple) NFs at 520 to inform the data source or (multiple) NFs how to group the UEs. In one embodiment, the method may include receiving an acknowledgment of the data request from the data source or (multiple) NFs.

[0047] Figure 6 An example flow chart of a method for sampling (multiple) UEs and collecting UE data according to an example embodiment is shown. In some example embodiments, Figure 6 The flowchart may be executed by a network entity or a network node in a communication system (such as LTE or 5G NR). In some example embodiments, the execution Figure 6 The network entities of the method may include network nodes, such as data sources, NFs, AMFs, SMFs, etc. For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 6 The method can be Figure 2 The data source depicted in the example signaling flow diagram of Figure 3 The NF depicted in the example is executed.

[0048] In an example embodiment, if Figure 6As shown in the example of , the method may include receiving a data request at 600, the data request including a partitioning criterion parameter indicating how to group (multiple) UEs managed by the network node. According to some embodiments, receiving 600 may also include receiving a sampling ratio and a partitioning criterion parameter. In one embodiment, the method may include providing a confirmation of the data request.

[0049] According to an embodiment, Figure 6 The method may include, at 610, grouping the target UEs based on a division criterion to create subgroups of (multiple) UEs. At 620, the method may include selecting a subset of UEs from each subgroup of (multiple) UEs by randomly sampling from each subgroup according to a sampling ratio. In this way, regardless of the size of the subgroup, each subgroup has the same sampling ratio, and the number of UEs selected from each subgroup is proportional to the size of the subgroup. In one embodiment, the method may include, at 630, upon event triggering, transmitting (multiple) event notifications about the selected UEs to a messaging framework or NWDAF.

[0050] Figure 7a An example of an apparatus 10 according to an example embodiment is shown. In an example embodiment, the apparatus 10 may be a node, a host, or a server in a communication network, or serve the network. For example, the apparatus 10 may be a satellite, a base station, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), a 5G Node B or access point, a next generation Node B (NG-NB or gNB), and / or a WLAN access point associated with a radio access network such as an LTE network, 5G, or NR. In an example embodiment, the apparatus 10 may be an NG-RAN node, an eNB in ​​LTE, a transmission / reception point (TRP), or a gNB in ​​5G. According to some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may represent a service consumer and / or a NWDAF.

[0051] It should be understood that in some example embodiments, the device 10 may include an edge cloud server acting as a distributed computing system, where the server and the radio nodes may be independent devices that communicate with each other via a radio path or via a wired connection, or they may be located in the same entity that communicates via a wired connection. For example, in certain example embodiments where the device 10 represents a gNB, it may be configured in a central unit (CU) and distributed unit (DU) architecture that partitions gNB functionality. In this architecture, the CU may be a logical node that includes gNB functionality, such as user data transmission, mobility control, radio access network sharing, positioning and / or session management, etc. The CU may control the operation of (multiple) DUs via a fronthaul interface. Depending on the functional splitting option, the DU may be a logical node that contains a subset of gNB functionality. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the device 10 may include Figure 7aComponents or features not shown.

[0052] like Figure 7a As shown in the example of , the device 10 may include a processor 12 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. The processor 12 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. In fact, the processor 12 may include one or more general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures. Although Figure 7a A single processor 12 is shown in FIG. 1 , but according to other example embodiments, multiple processors may be utilized. For example, it should be understood that in some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include two or more processors, which may form a multiprocessor system that may support multiprocessing (e.g., in which case the processor 12 may represent a multiprocessor). In some example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., forming a computer cluster).

[0053] Processor 12 may perform functions associated with the operation of device 10, including, for example, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of device 10, including processes related to communication resource management. In some examples, processor 12 may be configured as a processing device or control device for executing any of the programs described herein.

[0054] The device 10 may also include or be coupled to a memory 14 (internal or external), which may be coupled to the processor 12 for storing information and instructions that may be executed by the processor 12. The memory 14 may be one or more memories and may be of any type suitable for the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based storage devices, magnetic storage devices and systems, optical storage devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, the memory 14 may be composed of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static memory (such as a magnetic disk or optical disk), hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transient machine or computer readable medium. The instructions stored in the memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor 12, enables the device 10 to perform the tasks described herein. In some example embodiments, the memory 14 may be configured as a storage component for storing any information or instructions for execution, as discussed elsewhere herein.

[0055] In an example embodiment, the device 10 may also include or be coupled to a (internal or external) drive or port configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program or software executed by the processor 12 and / or the device 10.

[0056] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for transmitting signals to the apparatus 10 and / or receiving signals and / or data from the apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 may also include or be coupled to a transceiver 18 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver 18 may include, for example, a plurality of radio interfaces that may be coupled to the (multiple) antennas 15. The radio interfaces may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies, including one or more of GSM, NB-IoT, LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID), Ultra-Wideband (UWB), MulteFire, etc. The radio interfaces may include components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital / analog converters, etc.), mappers, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) modules, etc., to generate symbols for transmission via one or more downlinks, and receive symbols (e.g., via an uplink).

[0057] Thus, the transceiver 18 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 15, and to demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 15 for further processing by other elements of the apparatus 10. In other example embodiments, the transceiver 18 may be capable of directly transmitting and receiving signals or data. In certain example embodiments, the transceiver 18 may be configured as a transceiver device for transmitting or receiving information, as discussed elsewhere herein. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices) or means.

[0058] In an example embodiment, the memory 14 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by the processor 12. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for the device 10. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality for the device 10. The components of the device 10 may be implemented in hardware or any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0059] According to some example embodiments, the processor 12 and the memory 14 may be included in a processing circuit system or a control circuit system, or may form part of a processing circuit or a control circuit system. Additionally, in some example embodiments, the transceiver 18 may be included in a transceiver circuit system, or may form part of a transceiver circuit system.

[0060] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to a pure hardware circuitry implementation (e.g., analog and / or digital circuitry), a combination of hardware circuitry and software, a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, a combination of any portion of a (multiple) hardware processor and software (including a digital signal processor) that work together to enable a device (e.g., device 10) to perform various functions, and / or (multiple) hardware circuitry and / or (multiple) processors or portions thereof that use software for operation, but when the operation is not required, the software may not be present. As a further example, as used herein, the term "circuitry" may also cover only an implementation of a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portions of a hardware circuit or processor and their accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry may also cover, for example, a baseband integrated circuit in a server, cellular network node or device, or other computing or network device.

[0061] As introduced above, in some example embodiments, the device 10 may be a network node or RAN node, such as a base station, an access point, a Node B, an eNB, a gNB, a WLAN access point, etc. According to some example embodiments, the device 10 may represent a service consumer and / or a NWDAF. For example, in some example embodiments, the device 10 may be configured to perform one or more processes described in any flowchart or signaling diagram described herein. In some example embodiments, as introduced herein, the device 10 may be configured to perform, for example, processes related to UE sampling and data collection.

[0062] According to certain example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to receive a request for analysis information, which may include an indication of one or more objects or UEs for which the analysis information is requested. For example, analysis information may be requested for a specific UE, a group of UEs, or all UEs. In one embodiment, the apparatus 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to receive a request from a service consumer (e.g., a NWDAF service consumer) that calls the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe / Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Request service operation.

[0063] According to an example embodiment, the apparatus 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to determine the data source or (multiple) NFs (e.g., AMF or SMF) that manage the (multiple) UEs for which the analysis information is requested. For example, in this embodiment, the apparatus 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to send a request to the NRF / UDM / BSF to determine which (multiple) NFs are managing (multiple) UEs.

[0064] In one embodiment, the device 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to send a subscription request to the DCCF or (multiple) NF managing (multiple) UEs, wherein the subscription request may include event report information including a partitioning criterion parameter. In one embodiment, depending on the analysis information requested by the service consumer, the value of the partitioning criterion parameter may be set to service or network information related to (multiple) UEs or UE mobility information. In an example embodiment, the partitioning criterion parameter may include a type allocation code (TAC), an application identifier (ID) and / or UE communication. According to one embodiment, the subscription request may also specify a sampling ratio and a partitioning criterion parameter. In some embodiments, the partitioning criterion parameter may be set to one or more indicators of a group of UEs. According to one embodiment, the device 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to receive a notification for the indicated (multiple) objects or (multiple) UEs from a messaging framework or (multiple) NFs. The notification may include an event notification about the indicated (multiple) objects or (multiple) UEs.

[0065] Figure 7b An example of an apparatus 20 according to another example embodiment is shown. In an example embodiment, the apparatus 20 may be a satellite, a base station, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), a 5G Node B or access point, a next generation Node B (NG-NB or gNB), and / or a WLAN access point associated with a radio access network such as an LTE network, 5G, or NR. In an example embodiment, the apparatus 20 may be an NG-RAN node, an eNB in ​​LTE, or a gNB in ​​5G. According to some example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may represent a data collection node, such as, for example, a DCCF, an NRF, an UDM, a BSF.

[0066] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory, storage, etc.), one or more radio access components (e.g., modems, transceivers, etc.), and / or a user interface. In some example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM3 LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other radio access technology. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the apparatus 20 may include Figure 7b Components or features not shown.

[0067] like Figure 7a As shown in the example of , the device 20 may include or be coupled to a processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. The processor 22 may be any type of general or special purpose processor. In fact, the processor 22 may include one or more general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures. Although Figure 7a A single processor 22 is shown in FIG. 1 , but according to other example embodiments, multiple processors may be utilized. For example, it should be understood that in some example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may include two or more processors, which may form a multiprocessor system that may support multiprocessing (e.g., in this case, the processor 22 may represent a multiprocessor). In some example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., forming a computer cluster).

[0068] Processor 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of device 20 including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits that form communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of device 20, including processes associated with communication resource management.

[0069] The device 20 may also include or be coupled to a memory 24 (internal or external), which may be coupled to the processor 22 for storing information and instructions that may be executed by the processor 22. The memory 24 may be one or more memories and may be of any type suitable for the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based storage devices, magnetic storage devices and systems, optical storage devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, the memory 24 may be composed of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static memory (such as a magnetic disk or optical disk), hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable medium. The instructions stored in the memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor 22, enables the device 20 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0070] In an example embodiment, the device 20 may also include or be coupled to a (internal or external) drive or port configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program or software executed by the processor 22 and / or the device 20.

[0071] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 25 for receiving downlink signals and transmitting from the apparatus 20 via an uplink. The apparatus 20 may also include a transceiver 28 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver 28 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antenna 25. The radio interface may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies, including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, etc. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) modules, etc., to process symbols carried by the downlink or uplink, such as OFDMA symbols.

[0072] For example, the transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by (multiple) antennas 25, and to demodulate information received via (multiple) antennas 25 for further processing by other elements of the apparatus 20. In other example embodiments, the transceiver 28 may be capable of directly transmitting and receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices) or devices. In certain example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may also include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or a touch screen.

[0073] In an example embodiment, the memory 24 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by the processor 22. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for the device 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality for the device 20. The components of the device 20 may be implemented in hardware or any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to an example embodiment, the device 20 may optionally be configured to communicate with the device 10 or the device 30 via a wireless or wired communication link or interface 70 according to any radio access technology (such as NR).

[0074] According to some example embodiments, processor 22 and memory 24 may be included in a processing circuit system / component or a control circuit system / component, or may constitute part of a processing circuit system / component or a control circuit system / component. In some embodiments, in addition, transceiver 28 may be included in a receiving circuit system or a transceiving component, or may constitute part of a receiving circuit system or a transceiving component.

[0075] As described above, according to some example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be a network node, an access node, or a control node, such as a PCF. According to some example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to perform functions associated with the example embodiments described herein. For example, in some example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be configured to perform one or more processes described in any flowchart or signaling diagram described herein, such as Figure 2 or Figure 4 In some example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may include or represent a data collection node, such as a DCCF, NRF, UDM, BSF. In an example embodiment, the apparatus 20 may represent Figure 2 DCCF as shown in the example or Figure 3 NRF / UDM / BSF shown in the example. According to an example embodiment, the apparatus 20 may be configured to perform, for example, procedures related to UE sampling and data collection.

[0076] In certain example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to receive a subscription request from a network node (e.g., NWDAF), the subscription request may include event report information, the event report information including a partitioning criterion parameter. In one embodiment, depending on the analysis information requested by the service consumer, the value of the partitioning criterion parameter may be set to service or network information related to one or more (multiple) UEs or to UE mobility information. In an example embodiment, the partitioning criterion parameter may include a type allocation code (TAC), an application identifier (ID), and / or UE communication. According to one embodiment, the subscription request may also specify a sampling ratio as well as a partitioning criterion parameter. In some embodiments, the partitioning criterion parameter may be set to one or more indicators for a group of UEs.

[0077] According to certain embodiments, the device 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to determine a data source or manage (multiple) NFs of (multiple) UEs associated with a received subscription request. In an embodiment where the device 20 includes a DCCF, the device 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to control the message bus and the adapter so that notification passes through the message transceiving framework. In one embodiment, the 3CA may be provided with a notification endpoint of the NWDAF. According to one embodiment, the device 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to send a data request to a data source or (multiple) NFs (e.g., AMF or SMF), including a division standard parameter to notify the data source or (multiple) NFs how to group the UEs. In one embodiment, the device 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to receive a confirmation of the data request from the data source or (multiple) NFs.

[0078] Figure 7c An example of an apparatus 30 according to another example embodiment is shown. In an example embodiment, the apparatus 30 may be a node, a host or a server in a communication network, or serve the network. For example, the apparatus 30 may be a satellite, a base station, a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), a 5G Node B or access point, a next generation Node B (NG-NB or gNB), an access node, a control node and / or a WLAN access point, which is associated with a radio access network such as an LTE network, 5G or NR. In an example embodiment, the apparatus 30 may be an NG-RAN node, an eNB in ​​LTE, a transmission / reception point (TRP), or a gNB in ​​5G. According to some example embodiments, the apparatus 30 may represent a data source, such as an SMF, an AMF, an NFC.

[0079] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 30 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory, storage, etc.), one or more radio access components (e.g., modems, transceivers, etc.), and / or a user interface. In some example embodiments, the apparatus 30 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, MulteFire, and / or any other radio access technology. It should be noted that one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the apparatus 30 may include Figure 7c Components or features not shown.

[0080] like Figure 7c As shown in the example of , the device 30 may include or be coupled to a processor 32 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. The processor 32 may be any type of general or special purpose processor. In fact, the processor 32 may include one or more general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures. Although Figure 7c A single processor 32 is shown in FIG. 1 , but according to other example embodiments, multiple processors may be utilized. For example, it should be understood that in some example embodiments, the apparatus 30 may include two or more processors, which may form a multiprocessor system that may support multiprocessing (e.g., in this case, the processor 32 may represent a multiprocessor). In some example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., forming a computer cluster).

[0081] Processor 32 may perform functions associated with the operation of device 30 including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits that form communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of device 30, including processes associated with communication resource management.

[0082] The device 30 may also include or be coupled to a memory 34 (internal or external), which may be coupled to the processor 32 for storing information and instructions that may be executed by the processor 32. The memory 34 may be one or more memories and may be of any type suitable for the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based storage devices, magnetic storage devices and systems, optical storage devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory. For example, the memory 34 may be composed of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static memory (such as a magnetic disk or optical disk), hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable medium. The instructions stored in the memory 34 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor 32, enables the device 30 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0083] In an example embodiment, the device 30 may also include or be coupled to a (internal or external) drive or port configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program or software executed by the processor 32 and / or the device 30.

[0084] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 30 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 35 for receiving downlink signals and transmitting from the apparatus 30 via an uplink. The apparatus 30 may also include a transceiver 38 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver 38 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antenna 35. The radio interface may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies, including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, BT-LE, RFID, UWB, etc. The radio interface may include other components, such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) modules, etc., to process symbols carried by the downlink or uplink, such as OFDMA symbols.

[0085] For example, the transceiver 38 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by (multiple) antennas 35, and to demodulate information received via (multiple) antennas 35 for further processing by other elements of the apparatus 30. In other example embodiments, the transceiver 38 may be capable of directly transmitting and receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, the apparatus 30 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices) or devices. In some example embodiments, the apparatus 30 may also include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or a touch screen.

[0086] In an example embodiment, the memory 34 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by the processor 32. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for the device 30. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality for the device 30. The components of the device 30 may be implemented in hardware or any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to an example embodiment, the device 30 may optionally be configured to communicate with the device 10 via a wireless or wired communication link 71 and / or communicate with the device 20 via a wireless or wired communication link 72 according to any radio access technology (such as NR).

[0087] According to some example embodiments, the processor 32 and the memory 34 may be included in the processing circuit system or the control circuit system, or may constitute part of the processing circuit system / component or the control circuit system / component. In some example embodiments, in addition, the transceiver 38 may be included in the receiving circuit system or the transceiving component, or may constitute part of the receiving circuit system.

[0088] As described above, according to some example embodiments, the apparatus 30 may be a network node, such as a PCF. According to some example embodiments, the apparatus 30 may be controlled by the memory 34 and the processor 32 to perform functions associated with the example embodiments described herein. For example, in some example embodiments, the apparatus 30 may be configured to perform one or more processes described in any of the diagrams or signaling diagrams described herein. As an example, the apparatus 30 may correspond to or represent Figure 2 The data source shown in the example or Figure 3 According to some example embodiments, the apparatus 30 may be configured to perform processes related to, for example, UE sampling and data collection.

[0089] According to an example embodiment, the apparatus 30 may be controlled by the memory 34 and the processor 32 to receive a data request including a partitioning criterion parameter indicating how to group (multiple) UEs managed by the apparatus 30. According to certain embodiments, the apparatus 30 may be controlled by the memory 34 and the processor 32 to receive the sampling ratio and the partitioning criterion parameter. In one embodiment, the apparatus 30 may be controlled by the memory 34 and the processor 32 to provide an acknowledgement of the data request.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the device 30 can be controlled by the memory 34 and the processor 32 to group the target users based on the division criteria to create subgroups of (multiple) UEs. In one embodiment, the device 30 can be controlled by the memory 34 and the processor 32 to select a subset of UEs from each subgroup of (multiple) UEs by randomly sampling from each subgroup according to a sampling ratio. Therefore, regardless of the size of the subgroup, each subgroup has the same sampling ratio, and the number of UEs selected from each subgroup is proportional to the size of the subgroup. In one embodiment, the device 30 can be controlled by the memory 34 and the processor 32 to transmit (multiple) event notifications about the selected UEs to the messaging framework or NWDAF when the event is triggered.

[0091] Furthermore, it should be noted that, according to certain example embodiments, an apparatus may include means or functionality for performing any of the processes described herein.

[0092] Therefore, certain example embodiments provide several technical improvements, enhancements and / or advantages over prior art processes and constitute at least an improvement in the field of wireless network control and management technology. For example, as discussed in detail above, certain example embodiments provide a method for avoiding non-representative sampling of a subset of UEs when an NWDAF requests the application of a sampling ratio. Accordingly, the example embodiments can avoid collecting data from a non-representative subset of all UEs and thereby provide accurate network performance analysis or observed service experience. In addition, certain embodiments can reduce the amount of signaling and data collection load, for example by using a sampling ratio. Therefore, the use of certain example embodiments results in improved functionality of communication networks and their nodes (such as base stations, eNBs, gNBs and / or IoT devices, UEs or mobile stations).

[0093] In some example embodiments, the functionality of any method, process, signaling diagram, algorithm, or flowchart described herein may be implemented by software and / or computer program code or code portions stored in a memory or other computer-readable or tangible medium, and may be executed by a processor.

[0094] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may include or be associated with at least one software application, module, unit, or entity configured as (multiple) arithmetic operations, or as a program or program portion (including added or updated software routines) that can be executed by at least one operating processor or controller. Programs, also referred to as program products or computer programs, including software programs, applets, and macros, may be stored in any apparatus-readable data storage medium and may include program instructions for performing specific tasks.

[0095] The computer program product may include one or more computer executable components that are configured to perform some example embodiments when the program is run. One or more computer executable components may be at least one software code or part of a code. Modifications and configurations required to implement the functions of the example embodiments may be performed as (multiple) routines, which may be performed as added or updated (multiple) software routines. In one example, the software (multiple) routines may be downloaded to a device.

[0096] As an example, the software or computer program code or part of the code may be in source code form, object code form or some intermediate form, and may be stored in some carrier, distributed medium or computer readable medium, which may be capable of carrying the program. The carrier may include a recording medium, a computer memory, a read-only memory, an optoelectronic and / or electrical carrier signal, a telecommunication signal and / or a software distributed packet. Depending on the required processing power, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or distributed in multiple computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transient medium.

[0097] In other example embodiments, the functions of the example embodiments may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in a device, such as by using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet another example embodiment, the functions of the example embodiments may be implemented as signals, such as non-tangible components that may be carried by electromagnetic signals downloaded from the Internet or other networks.

[0098] According to example embodiments, an apparatus, such as a node, a device or a corresponding component may be configured as a circuit system, a computer or a microprocessor (such as a single-chip computer element) or a chipset, which may include at least a memory for providing storage capacity for (multiple) arithmetic operations and / or an operation processor for performing (multiple) arithmetic operations.

[0099] Further examples are described below.

[0100] Example 1: A method is provided, comprising: receiving a data request, the data request including a sampling ratio and a partitioning criterion parameter indicating how to group at least one user device; grouping at least one user device based on the partitioning criterion to create a subgroup of user devices; selecting a subset of user devices from each subgroup of the subgroups of user devices by randomly sampling from each subgroup in the subgroups according to the sampling ratio; and when an event trigger occurs, sending one or more event notifications about the selected at least one user device to a messaging framework or a network function.

[0101] Example 2: In the method according to example 1, receiving comprises receiving the data request at a network node, and wherein the at least one user equipment is managed by the network node.

[0102] Example 3: In the method according to Example 1 or 2, receiving includes receiving a request from a service consumer by calling an Nnf_EventExposure_Subscribe service operation.

[0103] Example 4: A method is provided, comprising: receiving a request for analysis information from a service consumer, the request including an indication of at least one user device for which the analysis information is requested; sending a subscription request to a data collection node or one or more network functions that manage at least one user device, wherein the subscription request includes event reporting information, the event reporting information including a sampling ratio and a partitioning criteria parameter; and receiving an event notification regarding analysis information for at least one user device from a message box or a network function.

[0104] Example 5: The method according to Example 4, wherein the value of the partitioning criterion parameter is set to service or network information related to at least one user equipment or is set to user equipment mobility information depending on analysis information requested by the service consumer.

[0105] Example 6: A method according to Example 4 or 5, wherein the partitioning criteria parameter includes at least one of the following: a type allocation code (TAC), an application identifier (ID), and / or UE communication.

[0106] Example 7: The method of any one of Examples 4 to 6, wherein analysis information is requested for: a specific user device, a group of user devices, or all user devices.

[0107] Example 8: The method of any one of Examples 4 to 7, wherein receiving comprises receiving a request from a service consumer calling a Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe or Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Request service operation.

[0108] Example 9: The method according to any one of Examples 4 to 8 further includes determining a data source or managing a network function of at least one user device for the requested analysis information.

[0109] Example 10: An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory, the memory containing computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least perform a method according to any one of Examples 1 to 9.

[0110] Example 11: An apparatus comprising components for performing the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 9.

[0111] Example 12: An apparatus comprising a circuit system configured to perform the method according to any of Examples 1 to 9.

[0112] Example 13: A computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 9.

[0113] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the above exemplary embodiments may be practiced using processes in different orders and / or hardware elements that are different from the disclosed configurations. Therefore, although some embodiments have been described based on these exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative structures will be apparent while remaining within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. A communication method, comprising: receiving a data request, the data request comprising a sampling ratio and a partitioning criterion parameter indicating how to group at least one user equipment; grouping the at least one user device based on the division criteria to create a subgroup of the at least one user device; selecting a subset of user devices from each of the sub-populations by randomly sampling from each of the sub-populations according to the sampling ratio; as well as Based on the event trigger occurring, one or more event notifications regarding the selected subset of at least one user equipment are sent to the network function. 2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the receiving comprises receiving the data request at a network node, and wherein the at least one user equipment is managed by the network node.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiving comprises receiving the request from a service consumer by calling an Nnf_EventExposure_Subscribe service operation.

4. A communication method, comprising: receiving a request for analytics information from a service consumer, the request including an indication of at least one user device for which the analytics information is requested; sending a subscription request to a data collection node or one or more network functions managing the at least one user device, wherein the subscription request includes event report information, the event report information including a sampling ratio and a partitioning criterion parameter for grouping the at least one user device into a subgroup of the at least one user device; as well as An event notification is received from the network function regarding the analysis information for the at least one user equipment.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the value of the partitioning criterion parameter is set to service or network information related to the at least one user equipment or to user equipment mobility information depending on the analysis information requested by the service consumer.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the partitioning criterion parameter comprises at least one of: a type allocation code (TAC), an application identifier (ID), and / or UE communication and mobility information.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein the analysis information is requested for: a specific user device, a group of user devices, or all user devices, wherein the at least one user device includes the specific user device, the group of user devices, or all user devices.

8. The method of claim 4, wherein the receiving comprises receiving the request from a service consumer that calls a Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe service operation or a Nnwdaf_AnalyticsInfo_Request service operation.

9. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, further comprising determining the data source or a network function managing the at least one user equipment for which the analysis information is requested.

10. An apparatus for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to at least perform: receiving a data request, the data request comprising a sampling ratio and a partitioning criterion parameter indicating how to group at least one user equipment, the partitioning criterion parameter comprising at least one of the following: a type allocation code (TAC), an application identifier (ID), and / or UE communication and mobility information; grouping the at least one user device based on the division criteria to create a subgroup of the at least one user device; selecting a subset of user devices from each of the sub-populations by randomly sampling from each of the sub-populations according to the sampling ratio; as well as Based on the event trigger occurring, one or more event notifications regarding the selected subset of at least one user equipment are sent to the network function.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the receiving comprises receiving the data request at a network node, and wherein the at least one user equipment is managed by the network node.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the receiving comprises receiving the data request from a service consumer by calling an Nnf_EventExposure_Subscribe service operation.

13. An apparatus for communication, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to at least perform: receiving a request for analytics information from a service consumer, the request including an indication of at least one user device for which the analytics information is requested; sending a subscription request to a data collection node or one or more network functions managing the at least one user device, wherein the subscription request includes event report information, the event report information including a sampling ratio and a partitioning criterion parameter for grouping the at least one user device into a subgroup of the at least one user device; as well as An event notification is received from the network function regarding the analysis information for the at least one user equipment.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the value of the partitioning criterion parameter is set to service or network information related to the at least one user equipment or is set to user equipment mobility information depending on the analysis information requested by the service consumer.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the partitioning criterion parameter comprises at least one of: a type allocation code (TAC), an application identifier (ID), and / or UE communication and mobility information.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein analysis information for the following items is requested: a specific user equipment, a group of user equipment, or all user equipment, wherein the at least one user equipment includes the specific user equipment, the group of user equipment, or all user equipment.

17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the receiving comprises receiving the request from a service consumer that calls a Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe service operation or a Nnwdaf_Analytics Info_Request service operation.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 17, further comprising determining the data source or managing a network function of the at least one user equipment for which the analysis information is requested.

19. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon, the instructions being used to perform at least a method comprising: receiving a data request, the data request comprising a sampling ratio and a partitioning criterion parameter indicating how to group at least one user equipment; grouping the at least one user device based on the division criteria to create a subgroup of the at least one user device; selecting a subset of user devices from each of the subpopulations by randomly sampling from each of the subpopulations according to the sampling ratio; as well as Based on the event trigger occurring, one or more event notifications regarding the selected subset of at least one user equipment are sent to the network function.

20. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon, the instructions being used to at least perform a method comprising: receiving a request for analytics information from a service consumer, the request including an indication of at least one user device for which the analytics information is requested; sending a subscription request to a data collection node or one or more network functions managing the at least one user device, wherein the subscription request includes event report information, the event report information including a sampling ratio and a partitioning criterion parameter for grouping the at least one user device into a subgroup of the at least one user device; as well as An event notification is received from the network function regarding the analysis information for the at least one user equipment.

Images