Apparatus and method for network automation in wireless communication system

Abstract

A fifth generation (5G) or quasi-5G communication system is disclosed, which is provided to support a higher data transmission rate than a post-fourth generation (4G) communication system (such as, Long Term Evolution (LTE)). A method of operating a network node in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes receiving network data from a plurality of first network nodes, generating first recommended operation information for a second network node based on the network data, and sending a first analysis result message including the first recommended operation information to the second network node.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for network automation in a wireless communication system. Background Art

[0002] In order to meet the demand for wireless data traffic that has increased since the deployment of the 4th generation (4G) communication system, efforts have been made to develop improved 5th generation (5G) or quasi-5G communication systems. Therefore, 5G or quasi-5G communication systems are also referred to as "beyond 4G networks" or "post-long term evolution (LTE) systems".

[0003] 5G communication systems are considered to be implemented in higher frequency millimeter wave (mmWave) bands (e.g., 60 GHz bands) to achieve higher data rates. In order to reduce the propagation loss of radio waves and increase the transmission distance, beamforming, massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, and massive antenna technologies are discussed in 5G communication systems.

[0004] In addition, in the 5G communication system, system network improvements are being developed based on advanced small cells, cloud radio access network (RAN), ultra-dense networks, device-to-device (D2D) communication, wireless backhaul, mobile networks, collaborative communications, coordinated multi-point (CoMP), receiving-end interference cancellation, etc.

[0005] In 5G systems, hybrid frequency shift keying (FSK) with quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) (FQAM) and sliding window superposition coding (SWSC) have also been developed as advanced coding modulation (ACM), as well as filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC), non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) and sparse code multiple access (SCMA) as advanced access technologies.

[0006] Meanwhile, there has recently emerged a need for methods of automated management of 5G mobile communication networks.

[0007] The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0008] Solution to the problem

[0009] Aspects of the present disclosure will address at least the above-mentioned problems and / or disadvantages and provide at least the advantages described below. Therefore, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method for network automation in a wireless communication system.

[0010] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating a network node in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes receiving network data from a plurality of first network nodes, generating first recommended operation information for a second network node based on the network data, and sending a first analysis result message including the first recommended operation information to the second network node.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a device of a network node in a wireless communication system is provided. The device includes a transceiver and at least one processor coupled to the transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to receive network data from a plurality of first network nodes, generate first recommended operation information for a second network node based on the network data, and send a first analysis result message including the first recommended operation information to the second network node.

[0013] According to various embodiments, an apparatus and method for network automation in a wireless communication system may be provided.

[0014] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses various embodiments of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 A fifth generation (5G) system architecture expressed using reference points in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0017] Figure 2 The configuration of a network entity in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 3 A process for performing network automation of a wireless network in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0019] Figure 4 A process of performing network automation in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0020] Figure 5 A process in which a consumer network function makes a request for an operation proposal to a network analysis function in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 6 The invention shows a process in which a network analysis function sends an operation proposal to a consumer network function and receives feedback in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 7 A process of optimizing a user plane function (UPF) in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0023] Figure 8 A process of optimizing a quality of service (QoS) profile of each user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0024] Fig. 9 A process of optimizing a registration area of ​​each terminal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] The same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote the same elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in understanding, but these are to be regarded as exemplary only. Therefore, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0027] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographic meanings, but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure is provided for illustration purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0028] It should be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component surface" includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0029] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on a hardware approach. However, various embodiments of the present disclosure include techniques using both hardware and software, and thus various embodiments of the present disclosure may not exclude the perspective of software.

[0030] Hereinafter, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for providing subscription data to a non-subscriber User Equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system.

[0031] The terms used in the following description to refer to signals, channels, control information, network entities, and elements of devices are only used for convenience of description. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to these terms, and other terms with the same technical meaning may be used.

[0032] In addition, the present disclosure uses terms used in some communication standards (eg, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)) to describe various embodiments, but this is only an example. The various embodiments can be easily modified and applied to other communication systems.

[0033] Figure 1 A 5G system architecture expressed using reference points in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] refer to Figure 1 , the 5G system architecture may include various elements (i.e., network functions (NFs), and Figure 1 Some functions corresponding to the authentication server function (AUSF), (core) access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), policy control function (PCF), application function (AF), unified data management (UDM), data network (DN), user plane function (UPF), (radio) access network ((R)AN), and terminal (i.e. user equipment (UE)) are shown.

[0035] The corresponding NF supports the following functions.

[0036] -AUSF stores data used to authenticate the UE.

[0037] -AMF can provide the function of providing access and managing mobility on a UE basis, and each UE can basically be connected to one AMF.

[0038] Specifically, AMF supports functions such as signaling between code network (CN) nodes to move between 3GPP access networks, termination of the radio access network (RAN) communication processor (CP) interface (i.e., NG2 interface), termination of non-access stratum (NAS) signaling (NG1), NAS signaling security (NAS encryption and integrity protection), AS security control, registration management (registration area management), connection management, idle mode UE reachability (including control and performance of paging retransmission), mobility management control (subscription and policy), support for intra-system mobility and inter-system mobility, support for network slicing, SMF selection, lawful interception) (for AMF events and interfaces to LI systems), providing transmission of session management (SM) messages between UE and SMF, transparent proxy for SM message routing, access authentication, access authorization including roaming authority check, providing SMS message transmission between UE and SMS function (SMSF), security anchor function (SAF) and / or security context management (SCM).

[0039] Some or all of the functionality of AMF may be supported within a single instance of AMF.

[0040] -DN is, for example, an operator service, Internet access or a third-party service. DN sends downlink protocol data units (PDUs) to UPF or receives PDUs sent from UE from UPF.

[0041] -PCF receives information about packet flows from application servers and provides functions for determining policies for mobility management and session management. Specifically, PCF supports the following functions: supporting a unified policy framework for controlling network operations, providing policy rules to allow CP functions (e.g., AMF, SMF, etc.) to try the policy rules, and implementing a front end for accessing relevant subscription information to determine policies within a user data repository (UDR).

[0042] -SMF can provide session management functions, and if the UE has multiple sessions, the corresponding sessions can be managed by different SMFs.

[0043] Specifically, SMF supports the following functions: managing sessions (for example, establishing, modifying and releasing sessions, including maintaining tunnels between UPF and AN nodes), allocating and managing (including selective authentication) UE IP addresses, selecting and controlling user plane (UP) functions, configuring traffic steering to route traffic from UPF to an appropriate destination, terminating interfaces for policy control functions, attempting quality of service (QoS) and policy control parts, lawful interception (interfaces for SM events and LI systems), terminating the SM part of NAS messages, downlink data notification, initiator of AN-specific SM information (sending N2 to AN via AMF), determining the session and service continuity (SSC) mode of the session, and roaming.

[0044] Some or all of the functionality of an SMF may be supported within a single instance of an SMF.

[0045] -UDM stores the user's subscription data and policy data. UDM consists of two parts, namely, the application front end (FE) and the user data repository (UDR).

[0046] FE includes UDM FE for handling location management, subscription management and credentials and PCF for controlling policies. UDR stores data required by the functions provided by UDM-FE and policy profiles required by PCF. The data stored in UDR includes user subscription data and policy data, including subscription identifier (ID), security credentials, access and mobility-related subscription data, and session-related subscription data. UDM-FD supports the functions of accessing subscription information stored in UDR, handling authentication credentials, handling user identification, authentication, registering access / managing mobility, managing subscriptions, and managing SMS.

[0047] - The UPF sends the downlink PDU received from the DN to the UE via the (R)AN, and sends the uplink PDU received from the UE to the DN via the (R)AN.

[0048] Specifically, UPF supports the following functions: an anchor point for intra / inter-radio access technology (RAT) mobility, an external PDU session point interconnected to a data network, packet routing and forwarding, user plane portion of attempted packet inspection and policy rules, lawful interception, reporting of traffic usage, an uplink classifier for supporting routing of traffic flows to data networks, a branch point for supporting multi-homed PDU sessions, processing QoS for the user plane (e.g., packet filtering, gate, uplink / downlink rates), uplink traffic verification (SDF mapping between service data flows (SDF) and QoS flows), marking transport-level packets within uplink and downlink, buffering downlink packets, and triggering downlink data notifications. Some or all of the functions of the UPF may be supported within a single instance of a UPF.

[0049] - The AF interoperates with the 3GPP core network to provide services (e.g., support functions that affect application routing of traffic, access network capability exposure, interaction with the policy framework for controlling policies).

[0050] -(R)AN is referred to as a new radio access network that supports all Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) (E-UTRA), which is an evolved version of 4G radio access technology and New Radio (NR) access technology (e.g., Next Generation Node B (gNB)).

[0051] The gNB supports the following functions: functions for managing radio resources (i.e., radio bearer control, radio admission control, connection mobility control, dynamic allocation of resources to UEs in uplink / downlink (i.e., scheduling), compressing Internet Protocol (IP) headers, encrypting user data flows and performing integrity protection, selecting AMF during UE attachment when routing to AMF is not determined based on information provided to the UE, user plane data routing to UPF, control plane information routing to AMF, setting up and releasing connections, scheduling and sending paging messages (generated from AMF), scheduling and sending system broadcast information (generated from Operation and Maintenance (O&M)), performing mobility measurements and scheduling and configuring measurement reports, marked transport level packets in uplink, managing sessions, supporting network slicing, managing QoS flows and performing mapping to data radio bearers, supporting UEs in inactive mode, distributing NAS messages, selecting NAS nodes, shared radio access network, dual connectivity, and tight interworking between NR and E-UTRA.

[0052] -UE refers to user equipment. User equipment may be referred to as a terminal, mobile equipment (ME), mobile station (MS), etc. In addition, the user equipment may be a portable device such as a laptop, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, or a multimedia device, or may be a non-portable device such as a personal computer (PC) or a vehicle-mounted device.

[0053] For the sake of clarity, Figure 1 The Unstructured Data Storage Network Function (UDSF), Structured Data Storage Network Function (SDSF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), and NF Repository Function (NRF) are not shown, but are shown in Figure 5 All NFs shown in can interoperate with UDSF, NEF and NRF when needed.

[0054] -NEF provides third-party, internal exposure / re-exposure, application functions and means for securely exposing services and capabilities for edge computing provided by 3GPP network functions. NEF receives information from other network functions (based on the exposed capabilities of other network functions). NEF can store the received information as structured data through interfaces standardized to data storage network functions. The stored information can be re-exposed by NEF to other network functions and application functions and can be used for another purpose such as analysis.

[0055] -NRF supports service discovery functionality. NRF receives NF discovery requests from NF instances and provides information about discovered NF instances to NF instances. In addition, NRF maintains available NF instances and the services supported by them.

[0056] - SDSF is an optional feature used to support the ability to store and retrieve information as data structured by any NEF.

[0057] -UDSF is an optional function to support the function of storing and retrieving information as data unstructured by any NF.

[0058] At the same time, for the convenience of description, Figure 1 A reference model is shown in the case where a UE accesses one DN through one PDU session, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0059] The UE can access two (i.e., local and central) data networks simultaneously through multiple PDU sessions. At this time, two SMFs can be selected for different PDU sessions. However, each SMF can have the ability to control both the local UPF and the central UPF within the PDU session.

[0060] Furthermore, the UE may access two (ie, local and central) data networks simultaneously within a single PDU session.

[0061] In the 3GPP system, the conceptual link connecting the NFs within the 5G system is defined as a reference point. Figure 1 Reference points included in the 5G system architecture.

[0062] -NG1: Reference point between UE and AMF

[0063] -NG2: Reference point between (R)AN and AMF

[0064] -NG3: Reference point between (R)AN and UPF

[0065] -NG4: Reference point between SMF and UPF

[0066] -NG5: Reference point between PCF and AF

[0067] -NG6: Reference point between UPF and data network

[0068] -NG7: Reference point between SMF and PCF

[0069] -NG8: Reference point between UDM and AMF

[0070] -NG9: Reference point between two core UPFs

[0071] -NG10: Reference point between UDM and SMF

[0072] -NG11: Reference point between AMF and SMF

[0073] -NG12: Reference point between AMF and AUSF

[0074] -NG13: Reference point between UDM and Authentication Server Function (AUSF)

[0075] -NG14: Reference point between two AMFs

[0076] -NG15: Reference point between PCF and AMF in non-roaming scenarios and between PCF in visited network and AMF in roaming scenarios

[0077] Figure 2 The configuration of a network entity in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0078] The network entity according to the present disclosure is a concept including network functions implemented according to the system. The term "~ unit" or "~ device" used below may refer to a unit for processing at least one function or operation, and may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0079] refer to Figure 2 , the network entity according to various embodiments may include a communication unit or transceiver 210 , a storage unit 220 , and a controller 230 for controlling the overall operation of the network entity 200 .

[0080] The communication unit 210 transmits and receives signals to and from other network entities. Therefore, all or part of the communication unit 210 may be referred to as a "transmitter 211", a "receiver 213" or a "transceiver 210".

[0081] The storage unit 220 stores data such as basic programs, applications, and configuration information for the operation of the network entity 200. The storage unit 220 may include a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory, or a combination of a volatile memory and a volatile memory. The storage unit 220 provides the stored data in response to a request from the controller 240.

[0082] The controller 230 controls the overall operation of the network entity 200. For example, the controller 230 sends and receives signals through the communication unit 210. The controller 230 records data in the storage unit 220 and reads the data. The controller 230 can perform the functions of the protocol stack required by the communication standard. To this end, the controller 230 may include a circuit, a dedicated circuit, at least one processor or microprocessor, or may be a part of a processor. In addition, the controller 230 or a part of the communication unit 210 may be referred to as a communication processor (CP). According to various embodiments, the controller 230 may control the network entity 200 to perform an operation.

[0083] The communication unit 210 and the controller 230 should not necessarily be implemented as separate modules, but can be implemented as one element, such as a single chip or a software block. The communication unit 210, the storage unit 220 and the controller 230 can be electrically connected. The operation of the network entity 200 can be implemented by including a storage unit 220 for storing corresponding program codes in the network entity 200.

[0084] The network entity 200 may include a network node and may be one of a base station (RAN), an AMF, an SMF, an UPF, a NF, a NEF, an NRF, a CF, an NSSF, an UDM, an AF, an AUSF, a service control point (SCP), an UDSF, a context storage, an operation, administration and maintenance (OAM), an EMS, a configuration server and an identifier (ID) management server.

[0085] Various embodiments provide methods and apparatus for automating the management of a mobile communication network.

[0086] Various embodiments provide methods and apparatus for communicating recommendations for best practices between network data analysis functions and network functions in order to automate and provide feedback for network management.

[0087] Additionally, various embodiments provide methods of determining additional actions based on received feedback, generating recommendations, and sending recommendations.

[0088] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the automation performance can be improved and the time spent on optimization can be reduced by allowing the network analysis function to directly control the system. In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the accuracy of network function control and the performance of the entire system can be improved by using feedback to improve learning performance.

[0089] Figure 3 The process of performing network automation of a wireless network by a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0090] Figure 3 A method for network automation in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated.

[0091] Each element function 330 of the network (such as access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), operation, administration and maintenance (OAM), and radio access network (RAN) included in the wireless network) can be a consumer network function (consumer NF) 310 that makes a request for the analysis result of the network data analysis function (NWDAF) 320.

[0092] refer to Figure 3 , in operation 301 , the consumer network function 310 makes a request for analysis to the network data analysis function 320 .

[0093] In operation 302 , the network data analysis function 320 may collect data from each network function 330 in order to generate analysis results requested from the consumer network function 310 and analyze the data collected to the consumer network function 310 .

[0094] In operation 303, the network data analysis function 320 transmits the analysis result to the consumer network function 310 that transmitted the request for the analysis. The consumer network function 310 that received the analysis result uses the analysis result received from the network data analysis function 320 during the process of determining the control parameters and operations.

[0095] Figure 4 A process of performing network automation in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0096] Specifically, Figure 4A network automation method in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments is schematically illustrated.

[0097] refer to Figure 4 The network automation method is as follows: the network data analysis function 420 directly proposes an operation for each function to the consumer network function 410 to remove the use Figure 3 The present invention also provides a method for improving the network automation performance of the network data analysis function 320 and receiving feedback from the consumer network function 410 on the application results of the proposed operations in order to improve the performance of the network automation.

[0098] refer to Figure 4 In operation 401, the consumer network function 410 sends a request message for analysis results to the network data analysis function 420. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when sending the request message of operation 401, the consumer network function 410 may specify and indicate a preferred analysis type among the analysis forms supported by the consumer network function 410.

[0099] In operation 402, the network data analysis function 420 may choose to provide an operation recommendation instead of analysis data as an analysis result. In addition, the consumer network function 410 may include information indicating whether the consumer network function supports feedback in the request message.

[0100] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the indication parameter of the specified analysis type may be omitted by pre-configuring a default value of the analysis type. In this case, when the network data analysis function 420 receives the request of operation 401 from the consumer network function 410, the network data analysis function 420 sends the analysis result of the pre-specified analysis type to the consumer network function 410 in operation 402. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by pre-specifying the corresponding default value, the indication information indicating whether feedback is supported may not be included in the request message of operation 401.

[0101] The network data analysis function 420 may send an operation recommendation as an analysis result to the consumer network function 410, in which case the consumer network function 410 may be specified by an indication whether feedback is required. The network data analysis function 420 may or may not configure a feedback request indication and may or may not send the feedback request indication to the consumer network function 410, thereby reducing additional signal load caused by feedback and controlling the transmission of feedback as needed.

[0102] In operation 403, the consumer network function 410 applies the received operation recommendation and transmits the application result including the updated parameter value to the network data analysis function 420. The network data analysis function 420 may update the network state information stored as the application result received from the consumer network function 410, analyze the received application result, and determine whether to transmit the operation recommendation to the consumer network function 410 as required in addition.

[0103] Figure 5 A process of a consumer network function making a request for an operation recommendation to a network analysis function in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0104] Specifically, Figure 5 An example of a process for applying the method according to various embodiments is shown.

[0105] exist Figure 5 In an embodiment of the present invention, the type of analysis data required by the consumer network function 510 and information indicating whether the consumer network function 510 supports feedback of the analysis results in operation 501 (in operation 501, the consumer network function 510 makes a request for analysis data to the network data analysis function 520).

[0106] refer to Figure 5 In operation 501, the consumer network function 510 sends a request message for analysis data to the network data analysis function 520. The request message for analysis data includes an analysis ID for specifying the analysis data content, a requested analysis type for specifying the type of analysis data, and feedback support information indicating whether a function of applying the received analysis result and then providing feedback on the result is supported. At this time, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the requested analysis type is pre-configured in the system information, a parameter of the requested analysis type may be omitted from the analysis request message of operation 501. Similarly, when information indicating whether the network function is supported is registered in the network analysis function or pre-configured by another method, the feedback support parameter may be omitted from the analysis request message of operation 501.

[0107] In operation 502 , the network data analysis function 520 identifies the content and type of analysis data specified by the analysis ID and the requested analysis type included in the analysis request message received from the consumer network function 510 , and determines the input data required to be collected to generate appropriate analysis results.

[0108] In operations 503 to 507, the network data analysis function 520 sends a data collection request message making a request for sending data to the relevant network functions 530 (531, 532, 533, 534, and 535) to collect the required input data, and collects the relevant data from each network function 530 through a data collection response message. The example shown is only for generally expressing the process, and each collection process is performed with the required network function 530, but does not necessarily have to be performed with all the network functions 530. In addition, the data collection request and response signal transmission / reception can be repeatedly performed several times as needed.

[0109] In operation 508, the network data analysis function 520 sends a data analysis response message to the consumer network function 510 in response to the data analysis request signal message. The data analysis response message of operation 508 does not necessarily need to be performed after operations 503 to 507, and according to the selection in the process of this embodiment, it can be performed immediately after operation 502. The data analysis response message of operation 508 may include the analysis ID requested by the consumer network function 510, the accepted subscription analysis type indicating the type of the analysis result, and a parameter for enabling feedback, which indicates whether feedback is required for the analysis result provided by the network data analysis function 520. When the parameter for enabling feedback is configured as "on (1)", the consumer network function 510 sends feedback for each analysis result received from the network analysis function 520 to the network analysis function 520. When the parameter for enabling feedback is configured as "off (0)", if there is no separate indication from the network analysis function 520, the consumer network function 510 does not send feedback for the received analysis result.

[0110] Figure 6 The invention shows a process in which a network analysis function sends an operation recommendation to a consumer network function and receives feedback in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] Specifically, Figure 6 An example of a process by which the network data analysis function 620 sends operational recommendations and feedback by applying a recommendation scheme and thereby improves the optimization process according to various embodiments is shown.

[0112] refer to Figure 6 In operation 601, the network data analysis function 620 analyzes the network data collected from the network functions 630 (631, 632, 633, 634 and 635), determines the operations required by the consumer network function 610 (e.g., control parameter update, state change, and control message sending / receiving) based on the analysis results, and configures the corresponding operation recommendation information.

[0113] In operation 602, the network data analysis function 620 sends an analysis result including recommendation information to the consumer network function 610, and the recommendation information is a parameter including an operation recommendation. At this time, the analysis result control message for sending the analysis result may include indication information requiring feedback (information indicating whether feedback is required). The consumer network function 610, which receives the control message in which the indication requiring feedback is configured, performs the required function according to the received recommended operation information, and then sends the control message for feedback results to the network data analysis function 620. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the consumer network function 610 is reconfigured in the system to always provide feedback, or is configured to always provide feedback by the network data analysis function 620 in a previous data request operation through a parameter enabling feedback, the indication information requiring feedback of the analysis result control message can be omitted. In addition, according to another embodiment, the network data analysis function 620 can control the network load generated by the additional message for sending feedback by configuring (or including) the indication requiring feedback of the analysis result control message only when feedback is required.

[0114] In operation 603 , the consumer network function 610 determines and executes relevant parameters and processes based on the received operation recommendation information.

[0115] In operation 604, the consumer network function 610 sends the updated network parameters and status information as an execution result to the network data analysis function 620 through an update report message. The update report message of operation 604 may include the operation control information received from the network data analysis function 620 and the corresponding updated control parameters and status information.

[0116] In operation 605 , the network data analysis function 620 stores the updated control parameters and network status information received from the consumer network function 610 .

[0117] In operation 606, the network data analysis function 620 determines whether to additionally require a control operation for the consumer network function 610 based on the received control parameter and network status information. At this time, the selected consumer network function 610 does not necessarily have to be the same as the previously selected consumer network function, and may be selected as the required function from all consumer network functions 610 that previously made a request for an analysis result to the network data analysis function 620.

[0118] In operation 607, the network data analysis function 620 additionally transmits an analysis result control message including an operation recommendation to the consumer network function 610 selected through operation 606 as needed. The consumer network function 610 receiving the analysis result message performs the processes of operations 603 and 604 and additionally performs the processes of operations 605 and 606, and the network data analysis function 620 performs the process of operation 607 again and repeats the processes of operations 603 to 606 as many times as needed. Through such a process, when the state and control parameters of the consumer network function 610 change, the network data analysis function 620 can control the required optimized performance of all network functions 630 (631, 632, 633, 634, and 635) through immediate feedback, and provide overall performance improvement compared to the existing scheme of periodically collecting and applying network state changes.

[0119] Figure 7 A process of optimizing a user plane function (UPF) in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0120] Specifically, Figure 7 An example of a process in which the network analysis function 760 optimizes the data plane functions 741 and 742 is shown according to various embodiments.

[0121] refer to Figure 7 In operation 701, the network data analysis function 760 performs the following operations according to Figure 4 The process of an embodiment collects the required network data from the required network function 770.

[0122] In operation 702, the network data analysis function 760 analyzes the collected network data and detects whether the UPF 741 is in an overload state or in an underload state.

[0123] When it is detected in operation 702 that UPF 741 is overloaded or underloaded, in operation 703, the network data analysis function 760 sends an analysis result message including information of making a request for reallocation of UPF 742 to SMF 750, so as to reallocate UPF 742. The analysis result message of operation 703 may include an analysis ID and an analysis type. The analysis type may include an operation recommendation and recommendation information. The recommendation information may include an indication of UPF reordering, candidate UEs, candidate UPFs, and feedback requirements.

[0124] Through the processes of operations 704 to 708, the SMF 750 may perform a series of processes for reallocating the UPF 742 for the candidate UE 720 using information of the candidate UE 720 located near the radio access network (730) and information of the candidate UPF 742 received from the network data analysis function 760.

[0125] In operation 704, the SMF 750 sends a UE status request message to the UPF 741. The UE status request message may include a UE ID and a PDU session ID.

[0126] In operation 705, the SMF 750 receives a UE status response message from the UPF 741. The UE status response message may include a UE ID, a PDU session ID, and a UE IP address, and a buffer status.

[0127] In operation 706, the SMF 750 and the UE 720 send a message of a PDU session modification command.

[0128] In operation 707, the SMF 750 and the UE 720 send a UE-initiated PDU session establishment message for the new UPF 742.

[0129] In operation 708, the SMF 750 and the UE 720 send a UE-initiated PDU session release message for the previous UPF 741.

[0130] In operation 709, the SMF 750 sends an update report message to the network data analysis function 720, and thus sends information about the result of the UPF reallocation. Through the update report message of operation 709, the network data analysis function 760 can immediately obtain information indicating the reallocated UPF 742 and the UE 720 to which the UPF 742 is reallocated and the PDU session of the corresponding UE 720 that is reconfigured. The update report message of operation 709 may include a report ID, recommendation information, and updated parameter information. The updated parameter information may include UE ID, PDU session ID, and new UPF ID.

[0131] In operation 710, the network analysis function 760 stores the updated parameter information.

[0132] In operation 711, the network data analysis function 760 determines whether there are additional required operation recommendations. Specifically, in operation 711, the network analysis function 760 may determine whether additional updates are required.

[0133] The network data analysis function 760 may perform additional required control by sending an analysis result message in operation 712. The analysis result message of operation 712 may include an analysis ID, recommendation information, and updated parameter information.

[0134] Figure 8 A process of optimizing a Quality of Service (QoS) profile of each UE in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0135] Specifically, Figure 8The process of the network analysis function 870 updating the QoS policy of the UE 820 located near the RAN 830 is shown.

[0136] refer to Figure 8 , in operation 801 , the network data analysis function 870 collects network status data from the required network function 880 .

[0137] In operation 802, the network data analysis function 870 determines the quality of experience of services of a series of UEs 820 by analyzing the network status data collected in operation 801. Specifically, in operation 802, the network data analysis function 870 detects congestion and whether the quality of experience (QoE) of the UE 820 is deteriorated by analyzing the network status data collected in operation 801.

[0138] In operation 803, the network data analysis function 870 sends an analysis result message to the policy control function (PCF) 860 (i.e., the policy server), and the analysis result message includes an operation recommendation for updating the QoS profile of the corresponding PDU session of the corresponding UE 820. The analysis result message of operation 803 may include an analysis ID and an analysis type. The analysis type may include an operation recommendation and recommendation information. The recommendation information may include a UE ID, a recommended QoS profile, a PDU session, and a QoS flow ID.

[0139] In operation 804, the PCF 860 selects the UE 820 to change the QoS profile based on the received operation recommendation. Specifically, in operation 804, the PCF 860 may generate a new QoS rule for the PDU session of the UE based on the received operation recommendation.

[0140] In operation 805, the PCF 860 may allow the QoS control information of the corresponding PDU session of the corresponding UE 820 to be updated by sending the updated QoS profile to the SMF 850 ​​located near the AMF 890. Specifically, in operation 805, the PCF 860 and the SMF 850 ​​send a policy update message. The policy update message may include a UE ID, a PDU session ID, and a policy and charging control (PCC) rule.

[0141] In operation 806, the SMF 850 ​​performs the required PDU session change procedure together with the UE 820 and the UPF 840 by reflecting the QoS profile change information received from the PCF 860. Specifically, in operation 806, the PCF 860 and the UE 820 send a NW initiated PDU session modification message.

[0142] In operation 807, SMF 850 ​​reports the result of the PDU session modification to PCF 860. Specifically, in operation 807, PCF 860 and UE 820 send a UE configuration update message, that is, new UE policy information.

[0143] In operation 808, the PCF 860 sends the result of applying the QoS profile change of the corresponding PDU session of the corresponding UE 820 to the network data analysis function 870. Specifically, in operation 808, the PCF 860 sends an update report message to the network data analysis function 870. The update report message of operation 808 may include a report ID, recommendation information, and updated parameter information. The updated parameter information may include a UE ID, a new QoS rule, a PDU session ID, and a QoS flow ID.

[0144] In operation 809 , the network data analysis function 870 stores the updated parameter information received in operation 808 .

[0145] In operation 810, the network data analysis function 870 determines whether additional analysis is required based on the received results. Specifically, in operation 810, the network data analysis function 870 may determine whether additional updates are required.

[0146] When the network data analysis function 870 determines in operation 809 that additional analysis is required, the network data analysis function 870 additionally sends an analysis report (analysis result) message including additional operation recommendations to the PCF 860 in operation 811. The analysis report message of operation 811 may include an analysis ID, recommendation information, and updated parameter information.

[0147] Fig. 9 A process of optimizing a registration area of ​​each UE in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0148] Specifically, Fig. 9 An example of a process in which the network analysis function 950 updates the registration area of ​​a UE 920 located near the RAN 930 is shown according to various embodiments.

[0149] refer to Fig. 9 , in operation 901 , the network data analysis function 950 collects network status data from the required network function 960 .

[0150] In operation 902, the network data analysis function 950 determines that the registration area of ​​the UE 920 needs to be updated by analyzing the network status data collected in operation 901. Specifically, in operation 902, the network data analysis function 950 detects a change in the UE trajectory of the UE 920 by analyzing the network status data collected in operation 901.

[0151] In operation 903, the network data analysis function 950 sends the operation recommendation information including the candidate UE 920 and the candidate registration area value to be updated to the AMF 940 through the analysis result message. Specifically, in operation 903, the network data analysis function 950 sends the analysis result message to the AMF 940. The analysis result message may include an analysis ID, an analysis type, and an indication indicating whether feedback is required. The analysis type may include an operation recommendation and recommendation information. The recommendation information may include a new registration area (RA) and a UE ID.

[0152] In operation 904, the AMF 940 selects the UE 920 to update the registration area based on the received operation recommendation. Specifically, in operation 904, the AMF 940 may configure an updated registration area for the UE.

[0153] When the AMF 940 receives the registration request message from the corresponding UE 920 in operation 905, the AMF 940 uses the received registration area information and updates the registration area information of the UE 920 corresponding to the registration request message of operation 905 in operation 906. Specifically, in operation 906, the AMF 940 may send a registration accept message including information about a new registration area to the UE 920.

[0154] In operation 907, the AMF 940 sends the result of applying the change of the registration area of ​​the corresponding UE 920 to the network data analysis function 950. Specifically, in operation 907, the AMF 940 may send an update report message to the network data analysis function 950. The update report message may include a report ID, recommendation information, and updated parameter information. The updated parameter information may include UE ID, registration area, and update time.

[0155] In operation 908 , the network data analysis function 950 stores the updated parameter information.

[0156] In operation 909, the network data analysis function 950 determines whether additional analysis is required based on the received results. Specifically, in operation 909, the network data analysis function 950 may determine whether an update is additionally required.

[0157] When the network data analysis function 950 determines in operation 909 that additional analysis is required, the network data analysis function 950 additionally sends an analysis report (analysis result) message including additional operation recommendations to the AMF 940 in operation 910. The analysis report message of operation 910 may include an analysis ID, recommendation information, and updated parameter information.

[0158] The methods disclosed in the claims and / or the methods according to the various embodiments described in the specification of the present disclosure may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0159] When the method is implemented by software, a computer-readable storage medium for storing one or more programs (software modules) may be provided. One or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium may be configured to be executed by one or more processors in an electronic device. The at least one program may include instructions for causing an electronic device to perform a method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and / or disclosed herein.

[0160] The program (software module or software) can be stored in a non-volatile memory, including random access memory and flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disk storage device, compact disk ROM (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD) or other types of optical storage devices or tapes. Alternatively, any combination of some or all of them can form a memory in which the program is stored. In addition, multiple such memories may be included in the electronic device.

[0161] In addition, the program can be stored in an attachable storage device that can access the electronic device through a communication network such as the Internet, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WLAN), and a storage area network (SAN) or a combination thereof. Such a storage device can access the electronic device via an external port. In addition, a separate storage device on a communication network can access the portable electronic device.

[0162] In the above detailed embodiments of the present disclosure, the elements included in the present disclosure are expressed in singular or plural form according to the detailed embodiments presented. However, for the convenience of description, the singular form or plural form is appropriately selected for the presented situation, and the present disclosure is not limited by the elements expressed in singular or plural form. Therefore, the elements expressed in plural form may also include a single element, or the elements expressed in singular form may also include multiple elements.

[0163] While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method performed by a network node in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: receiving network data from a plurality of first network nodes; Determine based on network data whether the network is in an overload state or underload state of a user plane function UPF node, whether the network is congested, whether the quality of experience QoE of a user equipment UE is degraded, or whether the UE trajectory of the UE is changed; In the case where the network is in an overload state or an underload state of the user plane function UPF node, the network is congested, and the quality of experience QoE of the user equipment UE is degraded, or the UE trajectory of the UE changes, determining an operation for a second network node different from the first network node based on the network data; generating, for the second network node, first recommended operation information corresponding to the determined operation; Sending a first analysis result message including first recommended operation information and feedback requirement indicator information to the second network node; receiving an update report message including updated network parameter information and network status information from a second network node; as well as The updated network parameter information and network status information are stored based on the update report message.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining whether additional operations are required for the second network node based on the updated network parameter information; generating second recommended operation information for the second network node if additional operation is required for the second network node; as well as A second analysis result message including second recommended operation information is sent to the second network node.

3. The method according to claim 1, in, The method further comprises: Determine whether a UPF node is in an overload state or an underload state based on network data, and In which, when the UPF node is in an overload state or an underload state, a first analysis result message is sent.

4. The method according to claim 3, in, The first analysis result message also includes a UPF relocation indicator, information about at least one candidate user equipment UE, and at least one of information about at least one candidate UPF node and a feedback requirement indicator.

5. The method according to claim 4, in, The method further comprises: receiving an update report message including updated network parameter information from the second network node, and The updated network parameter information includes at least one of a UE identifier ID, a protocol data unit PDU session ID and a new UPF ID.

6. A device for a network node in a wireless communication system, the device comprising: Transceiver; as well as At least one processor is coupled to the transceiver and configured to: receiving network data from a plurality of first network nodes, Determine based on network data whether the network is in an overload state or underload state of a user plane function UPF node, whether the network is congested, whether the quality of experience QoE of a user equipment UE is degraded, or whether the UE trajectory of the UE is changed; In the case where the network is in an overload state or an underload state of the user plane function UPF node, the network is congested, and the quality of experience QoE of the user equipment UE is degraded, or the UE trajectory of the UE changes, determining an operation for a second network node different from the first network node based on the network data; generating first recommended operation information corresponding to the determined operation for the second network node, sending a first analysis result message including first recommended operation information and feedback requirement indicator information to the second network node, receiving an update report message including updated network parameter information and network status information from the second network node, and The updated network parameter information and network status information are stored based on the update report message.

7. The device according to claim 6, in, The at least one processor is further configured to: determining whether further operations are required for the second network node based on the updated network parameter information, generating second recommended operation information for the second network node if additional operation is required for the second network node, and A second analysis result message including second recommended operation information is sent to the second network node.

8. The device according to claim 6, in, The at least one processor is further configured to: Determine whether a UPF node is in an overload state or an underload state based on network data, and In which, when the UPF node is in an overload state or an underload state, a first analysis result message is sent.

9. The device as claimed in claim 8, in, The first analysis result message also includes a UPF relocation indicator, information about at least one candidate user equipment UE, and at least one of information about at least one candidate UPF node and a feedback requirement indicator.

10. The device according to claim 9, in, The at least one processor is further configured to: receiving an update report message including updated network parameter information from the second network node, and The updated network parameter information includes at least one of a UE identifier ID, a protocol data unit PDU session ID and a new UPF ID.

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