Method, apparatus and computer readable medium

Abstract

An apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising components for: receiving, at a first network function, a subscription request for notification of at least one event from a second network function, wherein the subscription request includes at least one condition that triggers notification of the at least one event; and providing notification of the at least one event to the second network function based on the at least one condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a method, apparatus, system and computer program and particularly, but not exclusively, to managing data delivered to a client. Background Art

[0002] A communication system can be viewed as a facility for enabling communication sessions between two or more entities (such as user terminals, base stations, and / or other nodes) by providing carrier waves between various entities involved in a communication path. For example, a communication system can be provided by a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices (also referred to as stations or user equipment) and / or application servers. A communication session may include, for example, communications of data for carrying communications, such as voice, video, electronic mail (email), text messages, multimedia, content data, time-sensitive network (TSN) flows and / or data in industrial applications (such as critical system messages between actuators and controllers), critical sensor data toward control systems (such as measurements, video feeds, etc.), etc. Non-limiting examples of the services provided include two-way or multi-way calls, data communications or multimedia services, and access to data network systems such as the Internet.

[0003] In a wireless communication system, at least a part of a communication session, e.g. between at least two stations or between at least one station and at least one application server (e.g. for video), takes place over a wireless link. Examples of wireless systems include public land mobile networks (PLMNs) operating based on 3GPP radio standards (such as E-UTRA, New Radio), satellite-based communication systems, and different wireless local area networks, such as wireless local area networks (WLANs). Wireless systems can typically be divided into cells and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

[0004] A user can access the communication system through an appropriate communication device or terminal. The user's communication device can be called a user equipment (UE) or user equipment. The communication device is provided with appropriate signal receiving and sending means for realizing communication, such as realizing access to a communication network or direct communication with other users. The communication device can access one or more carriers provided by the network (such as a base station of a cell) and send and / or receive communications on one or more carriers. In carrier aggregation (CA), two or more carriers are combined into one channel. In dual connection (DC), two carriers from different sites are combined, that is, the user equipment can be dual (or multi) connected to two (or more) sites.

[0005] A communication system and associated equipment typically operate according to a given standard or specification that specifies what the various entities associated with the system are allowed to do and how it should be implemented. Communication protocols and / or parameters that should be used for the connection are also typically defined. An example of a communication system is UTRAN (3G radio). Other examples of communication systems are the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) based on E-UTRAN radio access technology, and the so-called 5G system (5GS), including 5G or Next Generation Core (NGC) and 5G access networks based on New Radio (NR) radio access technology. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is standardizing 5GS, including NR. Summary of the invention

[0006] In a first aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising means for: receiving, at a first network function, a request for notification of at least one event from a second network function, wherein the request comprises at least one condition that triggers notification of the at least one event; and providing, to the second network function, notification of at least one occurrence of the at least one event based on the at least one condition. The request for notification of the at least one event may be a subscription request.

[0007] The apparatus according to the first aspect may comprise means for determining at least one occurrence of at least one event.

[0008] The at least one condition may include one or more of: a time window, a number of occurrences of the at least one event, an occurrence of an event other than the at least one event, a request from the second network function for notification of the at least one event, and expiration of a time period.

[0009] The time period may be increased after each time period expires.

[0010] The device may include a component for providing a single notification for at least one occurrence of at least one event or a combined notification for multiple occurrences of at least one event upon satisfying a condition. For example, upon satisfying a condition, the device may provide a single notification for each occurrence of at least one event or a combined notification for all multiple occurrences of at least one event.

[0011] The second network function may be a network data analysis function or a consumer network function.

[0012] The first network function may include a proxy function.

[0013] The apparatus may include means for receiving, at the proxy function, the request from the second network function via the third network function.

[0014] Means for determining at least one occurrence of at least one event may include means for receiving, at the proxy function, an indication of the at least one occurrence from at least one data source.

[0015] The first network function may include at least one of: an access and mobility management function, a session management function, a policy control function, a unified data management, an application function or an operation, supervision and management entity.

[0016] The apparatus may include means for providing, from the first network function to the network resource function, an indication that the first network function supports conditional notification.

[0017] In a second aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising means for: providing, from a second network function, a request for notification of at least one event to a first network function, wherein the request comprises at least one condition that triggers notification of the at least one event; and receiving, at the second network function, notification of the at least one event from the first network function based on the at least one condition. The request for notification of the at least one event may be a subscription request.

[0018] The at least one condition may include one or more of: a time window, a number of occurrences of the at least one event, an occurrence of an event other than the at least one event, a request from the second network function for notification of the at least one event, and expiration of a time period.

[0019] The time period may be increased after each time period expires.

[0020] The second network function may be a network data analysis function or a consumer network function.

[0021] The first network function may include a proxy function.

[0022] The apparatus may include means for providing the request from the second network function to the proxy function via the third network function.

[0023] The first network function may include at least one of: an access and mobility management function, a session management function, a policy control function, a unified data management, an application function or an operation, supervision and management entity.

[0024] The apparatus may include means for receiving, at a second network function, from a network resource function, an indication that the first network function supports conditional notification.

[0025] In a third aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising, at a first network function, receiving a request for notification of at least one event from a second network function, wherein the request comprises at least one condition that triggers notification of the at least one event; and providing notification of at least one occurrence of the at least one event to the second network function based on the at least one condition. The request for notification of the at least one event may be a subscription request.

[0026] The method according to the third aspect may comprise means for determining at least one occurrence of at least one event.

[0027] The at least one condition may include one or more of: a time window, a number of occurrences of the at least one event, an occurrence of an event other than the at least one event, a request from the second network function for notification of the at least one event, and expiration of a time period.

[0028] The time period may be increased after each time period expires.

[0029] The method may include providing, upon satisfaction of a condition, a single notification for at least one occurrence of at least one event or a combined notification for multiple occurrences of at least one event. For example, upon satisfaction of a condition, the method may include providing a single notification for each occurrence of at least one event or providing a combined notification for all occurrences of at least one event.

[0030] The second network function may be a network data analysis function or a consumer network function.

[0031] The first network function may include a proxy function.

[0032] The method may include receiving, at a proxy function via a third network function, a request from a second network function.

[0033] Determining at least one occurrence of at least one event may include receiving, at the proxy function, an indication of the at least one occurrence from at least one data source.

[0034] The first network function may include at least one of: an access and mobility management function, a session management function, a policy control function, a unified data management, an application function or an operation, supervision and management entity.

[0035] The method may include providing, from the first network function to the network resource function, an indication that the first network function supports conditional notification.

[0036] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided, the method comprising providing, from a second network function, a request for notification of at least one event to a first network function, wherein the request comprises at least one condition for triggering notification of the at least one event; and receiving, at the second network function, notification of the at least one event from the first network function based on the at least one condition.

[0037] The at least one condition may include one or more of: a time window, a number of occurrences of the at least one event, an occurrence of an event other than the at least one event, a request from the second network function for notification of the at least one event, and expiration of a time period.

[0038] The time period may be increased after each time period expires.

[0039] The second network function may be a network data analysis function or a consumer network function.

[0040] The first network function may include a proxy function.

[0041] The method may include providing the request from the second network function to the proxy function via the third network function.

[0042] The first network function may include at least one of: an access and mobility management function, a session management function, a policy control function, a unified data management, an application function or an operation, supervision and management entity.

[0043] The method may include receiving, at the second network function, from a network resource function, an indication that the first network function supports conditional notification.

[0044] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory comprising 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: receive, at a first network function, a request for notification of at least one event from a second network function, wherein the request comprises at least one condition triggering notification of the at least one event; and provide, based on the at least one condition, notification of at least one occurrence of the at least one event to the second network function.

[0045] In the apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: determine at least one occurrence of at least one event.

[0046] The at least one condition may include one or more of: a time window, a number of occurrences of the at least one event, an occurrence of an event other than the at least one event, a request from the second network function for notification of the at least one event, and expiration of a time period.

[0047] The time period may be increased after each time period expires.

[0048] The device may be configured to provide, upon satisfaction of a condition, a single notification for at least one occurrence of at least one event or a combined notification for multiple occurrences of at least one event. For example, upon satisfaction of a condition, the device may be configured to provide, upon satisfaction of a condition, a single notification for each occurrence of at least one event or a combined notification for all occurrences of at least one event.

[0049] The second network function may be a network data analysis function or a consumer network function.

[0050] The first network function may include a proxy function.

[0051] The apparatus may be configured to receive the request from the second network function at the proxy function via the third network function.

[0052] The apparatus may be configured to receive, at the proxy function, an indication of at least one occurrence from at least one data source.

[0053] The first network function may include at least one of: an access and mobility management function, a session management function, a policy control function, a unified data management, an application function or an operation, supervision and management entity.

[0054] The apparatus may be configured to provide, from the first network function to the network resource function, an indication that the first network function supports conditional notification.

[0055] In a sixth aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory comprising 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 provide, from at least a second network function, a request for notification of at least one event to a first network function, wherein the request comprises at least one condition for triggering notification of the at least one event; and to receive, at the second network function, a notification of the at least one event from the first network function based on the at least one condition.

[0056] The at least one condition may include one or more of: a time window, a number of occurrences of the at least one event, an occurrence of an event other than the at least one event, a request from the second network function for notification of the at least one event, and expiration of a time period.

[0057] The time period may be increased after each time period expires.

[0058] The second network function may be a network data analysis function or a consumer network function.

[0059] The first network function may include a proxy function.

[0060] The apparatus may be configured to provide the subscription request from the second network function to the proxy function via the third network function.

[0061] The first network function may include at least one of: an access and mobility management function, a session management function, a policy control function, a unified data management, an application function or an operation, supervision and management entity.

[0062] The apparatus may be configured to receive, at the second network function, from the network resource function, an indication that the first network function supports conditional notification.

[0063] In a seventh aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, the computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: at a first network function, receiving a request for notification of at least one event from a second network function, wherein the request comprises at least one condition for triggering notification of the at least one event; and providing notification of at least one occurrence of the at least one event to the second network function based on the at least one condition.

[0064] The computer readable medium according to the seventh aspect may further include program instructions for causing the apparatus to further perform the following: determining at least one occurrence of at least one event.

[0065] The at least one condition may include one or more of: a time window, a number of occurrences of the at least one event, an occurrence of an event other than the at least one event, a request from the second network function for notification of the at least one event, and expiration of a time period.

[0066] The time period may be increased after each time period expires.

[0067] The computer-readable medium may also include program instructions for causing the device to perform the following items: upon satisfying a condition, providing a single notification for at least one occurrence of at least one event or a combined notification for multiple occurrences of at least one event. For example, upon satisfying a condition, the device may be caused to: upon satisfying a condition, perform providing a single notification for each occurrence of at least one event or providing a combined notification for all occurrences of at least one event.

[0068] The second network function may be a network data analysis function or a consumer network function.

[0069] The first network function may include a proxy function.

[0070] The apparatus may be caused to perform, at the proxy function, receiving, via the third network function, a request from the second network function.

[0071] Determining at least one occurrence of at least one event may include receiving, at the proxy function, an indication of the at least one occurrence from at least one data source.

[0072] The first network function may include at least one of: an access and mobility management function, a session management function, a policy control function, a unified data management, an application function or an operation, supervision and management entity.

[0073] The apparatus may be caused to perform providing, from the first network function to the network resource function, an indication that the first network function supports the conditional notification.

[0074] In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided, the computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: providing, from a second network function, a request for notification of at least one event to a first network function, wherein the request comprises at least one condition for triggering notification of the at least one event; and receiving, at the second network function, a notification of the at least one event from the first network function based on the at least one condition.

[0075] The at least one condition may include one or more of: a time window, a number of occurrences of the at least one event, an occurrence of an event other than the at least one event, a request from the second network function for notification of the at least one event, and expiration of a time period.

[0076] The time period may be increased after each time period expires.

[0077] The second network function may be a network data analysis function or a consumer network function.

[0078] The first network function may include a proxy function.

[0079] The apparatus may be caused to perform providing, via the third network function, a subscription request from the second network function to the proxy function.

[0080] The first network function may include at least one of: an access and mobility management function, a session management function, a policy control function, a unified data management, an application function or an operation, supervision and management entity.

[0081] The apparatus may be caused to perform, at a second network function, receiving, from a network resource function, an indication that the first network function supports conditional notification.

[0082] In a ninth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, the non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to at least execute the method according to the third aspect or the method according to the fourth aspect.

[0083] In the above aspects and the following description, providing notification of at least one occurrence of at least one event to the second network function based on at least one condition may include: providing notification of at least one occurrence of at least one event to the second network function if the at least one condition is met.

[0084] In the above, many different embodiments have been described. It should be understood that further embodiments can be provided by combining any two or more of the above embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0085] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0086] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example communication system including a base station and a plurality of communication devices is shown;

[0087] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an example mobile communication device is shown;

[0088] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an example control device is shown;

[0089] Figure 4 A flow chart showing a method according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0090] Figure 5 A flow chart showing a method according to an example embodiment is shown;

[0091] Figure 6 shows the signaling flow between a data source (NF), an NRF and an NWDAF or NF consumer according to an example embodiment;

[0092] Figure 7 The signaling flow between a data source, a data management framework, and a consumer according to an example embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] Before explaining the examples in detail, refer to Figures 1 to 3 Certain general principles of wireless communication systems and mobile communication devices are briefly explained to aid understanding of the technology underlying the described examples.

[0094] In such Figure 1In the wireless communication system 100 shown, mobile communication devices or user equipment (UE) 102, 104, 105 are provided with wireless access via at least one base station (e.g., next generation NB, gNB) or similar wireless transmission and / or reception node or point. The base station can be controlled or assisted by at least one appropriate controller device so that it can be operated and manage mobile communication devices communicating with the base station. The controller device can be located in a radio access network (e.g., wireless communication system 100) or a core network (CN) (not shown) and can be implemented as a central device or its functions can be distributed over several devices. The controller device can be part of the base station and / or provided by a separate entity such as a radio network controller. In Figure 1 In the embodiment, control means 108 and 109 are shown as controlling respective macro-level base stations 106 and 107. The control means of the base stations may be interconnected with other control entities. The control means are typically provided with memory capacity and at least one data processor. The control means and functions may be distributed among a plurality of control units. In some systems, the control means may additionally or alternatively be provided in a radio network controller.

[0095] exist Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , base stations 106 and 107 are shown connected to a wider communications network 113 via a gateway 112. A further gateway function may be provided to connect to another network.

[0096] Smaller base stations 116, 118, and 120 may also be connected to network 113, for example, through a separate gateway function and / or via a controller of a macro-level station. Base stations 116, 118, and 120 may be pico or femto-level base stations, etc. In this example, stations 116 and 118 are connected via gateway 111, while station 120 is connected via controller device 108. In some embodiments, smaller stations may not be provided. Smaller base stations 116, 118, and 120 may be part of a second network (e.g., WLAN) and may be WLAN APs.

[0097] The communication devices 102, 104, 105 may access the communication system based on various access technologies, such as code division multiple access (CDMA) or wideband CDMA (WCDMA). Other non-limiting examples include time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA) and its various schemes (such as interleaved frequency division multiple access (IFDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA)), space division multiple access (SDMA), etc.

[0098] An example of a wireless communication system is an architecture standardized by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The latest 3GPP-based development is generally referred to as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology. The various development stages of the 3GPP specification are referred to as releases. The latest development of LTE is generally referred to as Advanced LTE (LTE-A). LTE (LTE-A) adopts a radio mobile architecture called Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) and a core network called Evolved Packet Core (EPC). The base station of such a system is called an evolved or enhanced Node B (eNB) and provides E-UTRAN features, such as user plane packet data convergence / radio link control / media access control / physical layer protocol (PDCP / RLC / MAC / PHY) and control plane radio resource control (RRC) protocol termination towards the communication device. Other examples of radio access systems include those provided by base stations of systems based on technologies such as wireless local area networks (WLAN) and / or WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). The base station can provide coverage for an entire cell or similar radio service area. The core network elements include the Mobility Management Entity (MME), the Serving Gateway (S-GW) and the Packet Gateway (P-GW).

[0099] An example of a suitable communication system is the 5G or NR concept. The network architecture in NR can be similar to that of Advanced LTE. The base station of the NR system can be called the next generation Node B (gNB). Changes in the network architecture may depend on the need to support various radio technologies and more refined QoS support, as well as some on-demand requirements for QoS levels such as QoE supporting the user's point of view. In addition, network-aware services and applications, as well as service- and application-aware networks, may bring changes to the architecture. These are related to information-centric networks (ICNs) and user-centric content delivery networks (UC-CDN) approaches. NR may use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas, many more base stations or nodes than LTE (the so-called small cell concept), including macro sites that operate in cooperation with smaller base stations, and may also adopt various radio technologies to obtain better coverage and higher data rates.

[0100] Future networks may utilize network function virtualization (NFV), a network architecture concept that proposes virtualizing network node functions into "building blocks" or entities that can be operationally connected or linked together to provide services. A virtualized network function (VNF) may include one or more virtual machines that use standard or general-purpose types of servers rather than customized hardware to run computer program code. Cloud computing or data storage may also be used. In radio communications, this may mean that node operations are at least partially performed in a server, host, or node that is operably coupled to a remote radio head. Node operations may also be distributed among multiple servers, nodes, or hosts. It should also be understood that the distribution of work between core network operations and base station operations may be different from LTE or even non-existent.

[0101] An example 5G core network (CN) includes functional entities. The CN is connected to the UE via the radio access network (RAN). The UPF (User Plane Function) whose role is called PSA (PDU Session Anchor) can be responsible for forwarding frames back and forth between the DN (Data Network) and the tunnel that is established through the 5G network towards (multiple) UEs and used to exchange services with the DN.

[0102] The UPF is controlled by the SMF (Session Management Function) which receives policies from the PCF (Policy Control Function). The CN may also include an AMF (Access and Mobility Function).

[0103] Now refer to Figure 2 describing in more detail possible mobile communication devices, Figure 2 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of a communication device 200 is shown. Such a communication device is generally referred to as a user equipment (UE) or terminal. Suitable mobile communication devices can be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples include a mobile station (MS) or mobile device, such as a mobile phone or a so-called "smart phone", a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facilities (e.g., a USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet computer provided with a wireless communication function, or any combination of these devices, etc. For example, a mobile communication device can provide data communications for transmitting communications such as voice, e-mail (email), text messages, multimedia, etc. Therefore, a variety of services can be supplied and provided to users via their communication devices. Non-limiting examples of these services include two-way or multi-way calls, data communications or multimedia services, or simply access to data communication network systems such as the Internet. Broadcast or multicast data can also be provided to users. Non-limiting examples of content include downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alarms and other information.

[0104] The mobile device is typically provided with at least one data processing entity 201, at least one memory 202 and possibly other components 203 for use in the software and hardware assisted execution of the tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access and communication with access systems and other communication devices. Data processing, storage and other related control means may be provided on appropriate circuit boards and / or in chipsets. This feature is indicated by reference numeral 204. The user may control the operation of the mobile device by means of a suitable user interface such as a keypad 205, voice commands, a touch-sensitive screen or keyboard, a combination thereof, etc. A display 208, a speaker and a microphone may also be provided. In addition, the mobile communication device may include appropriate connectors (wired or wireless) to other devices and / or for connecting external accessories (e.g., a hands-free device) to it.

[0105] The mobile device 200 may receive signals over the air or radio interface 207 via appropriate means for receiving, and may transmit signals via appropriate means for transmitting radio signals. Figure 2 In the mobile device, the transceiver arrangement is schematically designated by block 206. The transceiver arrangement 206 may be provided, for example, by a radio part and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

[0106] Figure 3An example embodiment of a control device for a communication system is shown, which control device is also indicated as a device in the following, for example, coupled to and / or used to control a station of an access system, such as a RAN node, for example, a base station, an eNB or a gNB, a relay node or a core network node, such as an MME or an S-GW or a P-GW, or a core network function (NF), such as an AMF / SMF, or a server or a host. The method can be implanted in a single control device (referred to as a device) or across more than one control device. The control device can be integrated with a node or module of a core network or RAN or external to it. In some embodiments, the base station includes a separate control device unit or module. In other embodiments, the control device can be another network element, such as a radio network controller or a spectrum controller. In some embodiments, each base station can have such a control device and a control device provided in a radio network controller. The control device 300 can be arranged to provide control of communications in a service area of ​​the system. The control device 300 includes at least one memory 301, at least one data processing unit 302, 303, and an input / output interface 304. Via the interface, the control device can be coupled to a receiver and a transmitter of the base station. The receiver and / or the transmitter may be implemented as a radio front end or a remote radio head. Similarly, the control device may be or include a network function, such as a first network function or a second network function, or may be or include an entity or a node in the CN. Alternatively, the control device may be provided in a network function, such as a first network function or a second network function, or may be provided in an entity or a node in the CN.

[0107] The Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF) was first defined in 3GPP Release 15 and was extended in Release 16 after the completion of the SA2 study item documented in 3GPP TR 23.791. For 3GPP Release 17, studies are currently underway to further enhance the NWDAF, documented in 3GPP TR 23.700-91. The NWDAF computes analysis based on data collected from different data sources such as AMF, SMF, PCF, UDM, AF, and OAM. It provides analysis identified by 3GPP-defined analysis identifiers to consumers using a service-based architecture defined for 5GC.

[0108] NWDAF collects data from different NFs via a subscription / notification API framework, where data can be collected at NWDAF for a long time. Typically, notifications are provided to NWDAF when interesting events occur at the data source. Currently, NWDAF has no way to control how the data source / producer (NF) or the data management framework provides data according to NWDAF requirements.

[0109] Data collection load management is described in 3GPP Release 17 TS 23.700-91 Key Issue 11 “Improving Data Collection Efficiency”.

[0110] Data collection load management can also be applied to any NF-to-NF communication where the generating NF’s subscription wants to control notifications.

[0111] A data management framework has been proposed as a solution to several key issues, where the data management framework includes a message transmission framework, a data collection coordination function (DCCF), and a data repository.

[0112] The message transmission framework is used for data forwarding and replication, and has optional adapters (Consumer Adapter (3CA), Producer Adapter (3PA), and DCCF Adapter (DA)) to isolate the message transmission framework protocol from the data source and the data consumer.

[0113] DCCF is a control plane function that coordinates data collection and triggers data delivery to data consumers. DCCF can support multiple data sources, data consumers, and message frameworks. However, to prevent duplicate data collection, each data source is associated with only one DCCF.

[0114] Figure 4 A flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0115] In a first step S1 , the method comprises: receiving, at a first network function, a subscription request for notification of at least one event from a second network function, wherein the subscription request comprises at least one condition triggering notification of the at least one event.

[0116] In a second optional step S2, the method comprises: determining at least one occurrence of at least one event. In some embodiments, an indication of the occurrence of the at least one event may be obtained, e.g. received, at the first network function. The indication may be received, e.g., from at least one data source or generally from a network function in the CN.

[0117] In a third step S3, the method comprises providing a notification of at least one event to the second network function based on at least one condition, for example if the at least one condition is met.

[0118] Figure 5 A flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0119] In a first step T1 , the method comprises providing, from the second network function, to the first network function, a subscription request for notification of at least one event, wherein the subscription request comprises at least one condition triggering notification of the at least one event.

[0120] In a second step T2, the method comprises receiving, at the second network function, a notification of at least one event from the first network function based on at least one condition, for example if the at least one condition is met.

[0121] The first network function may include a data source NF, such as AMF, SMF, PCF, UDM, AF or OAM.

[0122] Alternatively or additionally, the first network function may include a proxy function, such as a message transmission framework of a data management framework. The proxy function (such as a message transmission framework) receives event notifications from a data source (such as an AMF, SMF, PCF, UDM, AF, or OAM) and forwards them to a data consumer. The method may include receiving a subscription request from a second network function at the proxy function via a third network function (e.g., DCCF).

[0123] Determining at least one occurrence of at least one event may include receiving, at the proxy function, an indication of the at least one occurrence from at least one data source.

[0124] DCCF services may provide additional functionality, such as to allow one request that requires multiple data sources (e.g., AMF and SMF).

[0125] The DCCF can determine whether the data has been collected by maintaining a record of previous requests that the DCCF has made for the data (e.g., via the Nnf_EventExposure service provided by the data source). If the parameters in the previous request for the data match the parameters required in the subsequent request, the DCCF can determine that the requested data has been collected and request that the message transmission framework distribute the data to the new consumer.

[0126] The second network function may be a NWDAF or a consumer NF.

[0127] In the case where the first network function is a data source NF, the method may include providing an indication from the first network function to the NRF that the first network function supports conditional notifications (i.e., notifications of events are provided if at least one condition is met, which may be referred to as enhanced subscriptions). The indication may be provided during a registration process between the data source NF and the NRF.

[0128] The method may include obtaining or receiving, at the second network function, from the NRF, an indication that the first network function supports conditional notifications. The indication may be provided during a discovery process between the second network function and the NRF.

[0129] The indication that the network function supports conditional notification may include a flag, such as a flag of EnhancedSubscritionSupported=True.

[0130] The method may enable a subscribing NF to provide a policy for managing notifications and to execute the policy in a producing NF or data management framework. The policy may define how and when a NF or data management framework should generate notifications.

[0131] The at least one condition may include a number of occurrences of the at least one event.

[0132] The indication of the number of times an event occurs may be referred to as EventClubRate. In an example embodiment, if EventClubRate=4, the NF service producer generates a notification and stores it locally. When the notification count reaches four, then all four clubbed reports may be sent as a single notification.

[0133] For example, when collecting data from the AF for the number of video calls (communication analysis), if four video calls were made, only a single notification is generated with the details of all four video calls.

[0134] Alternatively or additionally, the AMF reports a "connection lost" event via notification, providing a notification only when the connection is lost four times for a specific UE in a specific time window.

[0135] The indication of the number of occurrences of at least one event may include an indication that each nth notification is to be skipped along with subsequent notifications. For example, each third notification may be buffered and sent along with other notifications.

[0136] At least one condition may include a time window.

[0137] In an example embodiment, the time window includes a notification time window, where notifications must be generated within a specific time window (e.g., 2-3 a.m. every day). The time window can be specified so that the AMF reports communication failure notifications for all UEs (i.e., a group of UEs) during off-peak hours.

[0138] This parameter can be used together with eventClubRate so that a specific time window is used to group multiple notifications together.

[0139] At least one condition may include the occurrence of an event other than at least one event. This may be referred to as notification based on a cross-event reference. In an example embodiment, when a subscribing NF is subscribing to multiple events at the same producer (e.g., event X and event Y), notifications for event X may be buffered and reported only when event Y occurs.

[0140] At least one condition may include a request from the second network function for notification of at least one event. That is, the condition may include a notification triggered by a consumer, and the notification is buffered and reported only when the subscribing NF requests the notification.

[0141] In an example embodiment, the NWDAF has subscribed to the AF for video calls (communication analysis). The AF starts buffering notifications. When the consumer or the NWDAF needs notifications, the NWDAF sends a SubscriptionModify(PATCH) to update the subscription with the flag "SendNotificationNow=True". This parameter indicates that the notification is to be sent now (joined with all reports generated until the time the SubscriptionModify was received).

[0142] This flag can be included in the unsubscribe request. That is, once the NWDAF sends the unsubscribe request with this flag, the buffered notifications will be sent to the NWDAF. Then the data source will stop generating notifications.

[0143] At least one condition may include expiration of a time period. For example, data may be reported at a specific time (e.g., every 30 minutes) regardless of whether an event occurs. If an event does not occur at the notified time, a notification "indicating that the event did not occur" or a notification "indicating a previous status report" is generated.

[0144] The time period may increase after each time period expires. This may be referred to as an exponential time window. For example, the first notification is sent after 5 minutes, the next notification is sent after 10 minutes, and the third notification is sent after 15 minutes, and so on.

[0145] Figure 6 A signaling diagram between a NF service producer, NRF, and NWDAF or NF consumer according to an example embodiment is shown.

[0146] In step 1, the NF service producer supporting the enhanced framework of subscription / notification adds enhancedSubscriptionFlag=True in NFProfile when registering in NRF.

[0147] The producer may have persistent storage (UDSF / messaging platform / UDR) or memory storage where data may be temporarily stored for longer durations.

[0148] In step 2, the consumer NF or NWDAF performs the discovery process for the data source / NF producer from the NRF, and in step 2a, receives enhancedSubscriptionFlag=True from the NRF in the NFProfile of the data source NF. After the NWDAF or consumer NF discovers the data source that supports enhancedSubscription, the NWDAF or consumer NF plans the analysis scheduling tasks, for example, giving priority to certain analysis at a certain time interval.

[0149] In step 3, the NF consumer / NWDAF adds parameters in the subscription API to control notifications.

[0150] In this example embodiment, the first parameter is EventClubRate=4 and the second parameter is the notification time window: (2-3 am every day).

[0151] In step 4, the NF producer receives the subscription request with this set of parameters and provides notifications accordingly. Based on the request, the NF service producer starts storing notification reports locally and sends notifications based on the received criteria.

[0152] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The described method can be implemented by the data management framework described above.

[0153] Figure 7 An example signaling flow in the context of a data management framework that has been proposed for eNA is shown. In this embodiment, the data source does not need to be aware of the notification instructions requested by the consumer.

[0154] In step 1, the consumer (e.g., NWDAF) sends a request for data to the DCCF. The request contains a notification instruction. This is equivalent to Figure 6 Step 3 of the illustrated embodiment. The request may allow the consumer to use one or more DCCF services that provide additional functionality. For example, a request requiring multiple data sources (e.g., AMF and SMF) may be allowed. Additionally or alternatively, the DCCF service may allow notifications to be formatted according to one or more conditions. The one or more conditions may be specified by the consumer. Examples of one or more conditions are given below.

[0155] In steps 2 to 5, the DCCF determines a data source that can provide the requested data, and if the data has not yet been collected by the messaging framework, sends a subscription request and receives a response from the data source.

[0156] In step 6, the DCCF sends a subscription request for consumer 1 to the message transmission framework. The request may include notification instructions (e.g., notification join rate, notification time window, etc.). The DCCF adapter (DA) in the message transmission framework may send the notification instruction to the consumer adapter (3CA) in the message transmission framework. In particular, the notification instruction may include at least one condition or format (condition) requested by the consumer.

[0157] Formatting (conditions) can include:

[0158] Notification event coalescing (eg, buffering and sending several notifications in one message).

[0159] Notification time window. In this case, notifications can be buffered and sent between two predefined times (e.g., between 2 and 3 am).

[0160] Notification based on cross-event references. According to this condition, when a subscribing NF is subscribing to multiple events (eg, event X and event Y), when event Y occurs, a notification for event X can be buffered and reported.

[0161] Notifications triggered by consumers:

[0162] · Exact time-based notification without event. According to this condition, data is reported at an exact time regardless of whether an event occurs. For example, data can be sent or polled at every fixed time interval (e.g., every 30 minutes).

[0163] Notifications based on mathematical calculations. Based on this condition, notifications can be scheduled according to a non-linear time window (e.g., an exponential time window). Thus, the first notification may be sent after 5 minutes, the next notification may be sent after 10 minutes, the third notification may be sent after 15 minutes, and so on. Obviously, the above is an example, and

[0164] Other algorithms for defining the time window for notifications and, in general, for the processing of notifications may also be chosen.

[0165] For explanation purposes, refer to Figure 7 Given the above list of conditions, it should be clear that reference Figure 7 The mentioned conditions also apply to all embodiments described in this disclosure.

[0166] In step 7, the data source generates notifications when events occur and sends them to the producer adapter (3PA) in the message transmission framework.

[0167] In step 8, when the conditions in the notification instruction are met, 3CA sends one or more notifications to the consumer (eg, NWDAF).

[0168] Notifications may be buffered in the NF service producer or in the data management framework that is generating the notifications for a defined duration, notifications may be grouped together (e.g., notifications may be kept in the NF service producer or data management framework and when 5 events occur then one notification or all 5 notifications are sent in one message), notifications may be sent at a specific time with all events combined instead of each event being reported (e.g., notifications may be sent when network load is expected to be low, or may be sent in a manner that distributes the reception of notifications at the NWDAF in time).

[0169] If the source NF(s) or data management framework reports data according to NWDAF instructions as mentioned above, the NWDAF load can be managed and the NWDAF can have more granular control over data reporting.

[0170] This method can be found in the reference Figure 3 The control device described is implemented in the

[0171] An apparatus may include components for: receiving, at a first network function, a subscription request for notification of at least one event from a second network function, wherein the subscription request includes at least one condition that triggers notification of the at least one event; and providing, to the second network function, notification of at least one occurrence of the at least one event based on the at least one condition.

[0172] Alternatively or additionally, an apparatus may include components for: providing, from a second network function, a subscription request for notification of at least one event to a first network function, wherein the subscription request includes at least one condition that triggers notification of the at least one event; and receiving, at the second network function, a notification of the at least one event from the first network function based on the at least one condition.

[0173] It should be understood that the apparatus may include or be coupled to other units or modules, etc., such as a radio component or a radio head for transmission and / or reception. Although these apparatus have been described as one entity, different modules and memories may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0174] It should be noted that although embodiments have been described with respect to LTE and 5GS, similar principles may be applied to other networks and communication systems. Thus, although certain embodiments are described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures for wireless networks, technologies and standards, the embodiments may be applied to any other suitable form of communication system in addition to those illustrated and described herein.

[0175] It is also noted herein that while the above describes exemplifying embodiments, there are several variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0176] In general, the various example embodiments may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the invention may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but the invention is not limited thereto. Although various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representation, it is well understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0177] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by computer software that can be executed by a data processor of a mobile device, such as in a processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or programs (also referred to as program products, including software routines, applets and / or macros) may be stored in any device-readable data storage medium, and they include program instructions for performing specific tasks. A computer program product may include one or more computer executable components that are configured to perform an embodiment when the program is run. One or more computer executable components may be at least one software code or a portion thereof.

[0178] Furthermore, it should be noted at this point that any block of the logic flow in the figure may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on physical media such as memory chips or memory blocks implemented within a processor, magnetic media such as hard disks or floppy disks, and optical media such as DVDs and their data variants CDs. Physical media is a non-transient medium.

[0179] The memory may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. The data processor may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may include, as non-limiting examples, one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an FPGA, a gate-level circuit, and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture.

[0180] Example embodiments of the present invention may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is generally a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

[0181] The foregoing description provides a complete and informative description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention by way of non-limiting examples. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant art in view of the foregoing description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of the present invention will still fall within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Indeed, there are other embodiments that may include a combination of one or more embodiments with any other embodiment discussed above.

Claims

1. An apparatus for communication, the apparatus comprising means for: receiving, at the first network function, a request for notification of at least one event from the second network function, wherein the request comprises at least one condition triggering notification of the at least one event, wherein the at least one condition comprises expiration of a time period, the time period increasing after each expiration of the time period; and Based on the at least one condition, notification of at least one occurrence of the at least one event is provided to the second network function.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one condition further comprises one or more of: a time window, a number of occurrences of the at least one event, an occurrence of an event other than the at least one event, or a request from the second network function for notification of the at least one event.

3. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, include: Means for providing, upon satisfaction of the condition, a single notification for at least one occurrence of the at least one event or a combined notification for multiple occurrences of the at least one event. 4 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second network function is a network data analysis function or a consumer network function. 5 . The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first network function comprises a proxy function.

6. The device according to claim 5, include: Means for receiving, at the proxy function, the request from the second network function via a third network function.

7. The device according to claim 5, include: Means for receiving, at the proxy function, an indication of the at least one occurrence from at least one data source.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first network function comprises at least one of the following: an access and mobility management function, a session management function, a policy control function, a unified data management, an application function or an operation, supervision and management entity.

9. The device according to claim 8, include: Means for providing, from the first network function, to a network resource function, an indication that the first network function supports conditional notification.

10. An apparatus for communication, comprising means for: providing, from the second network function, a request for notification of at least one event to the first network function, wherein the request comprises at least one condition triggering notification of the at least one event, wherein the at least one condition comprises expiration of a time period, the time period increasing after each expiration of the time period; and Based on the at least one condition, a notification of the at least one event is received at the second network function from the first network function.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one condition further comprises one or more of: a time window, a number of occurrences of the at least one event, an occurrence of an event other than the at least one event, or a request from the second network function for notification of the at least one event. 12 . The apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the second network function is a network data analysis function or a consumer network function.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the first network function comprises a proxy function.

14. The device according to claim 13, include: Means for providing a subscription request from the second network function to the proxy function via a third network function.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the first network function comprises at least one of the following: an access and mobility management function, a session management function, a policy control function, a unified data management, an application function or an operation, supervision and management entity.

16. The device according to claim 15, include: Means for receiving, at the second network function, from a network resource function, an indication that the first network function supports conditional notification.

17. A method of communication, include: receiving, at the first network function, a request for notification of at least one event from the second network function, wherein the request includes at least one condition triggering notification of the at least one event, wherein the at least one condition includes expiration of a time period, the time period increasing after each expiration of the time period; Based on the at least one condition, notification of at least one occurrence of the at least one event is provided to the second network function.

18. A method of communication, include: providing, from the second network function, a request for notification of at least one event to the first network function, wherein the request comprises at least one condition triggering notification of the at least one event, wherein the at least one condition comprises expiration of a time period, the time period increasing after each expiration of the time period; and Based on the at least one condition, a notification of the at least one event is received at the second network function from the first network function.

19. A device for communication, include: at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving, at the first network function, a request for notification of at least one event from the second network function, wherein the request includes at least one condition triggering notification of the at least one event, wherein the at least one condition includes expiration of a time period, the time period increasing after each expiration of the time period; Based on the at least one condition, notification of at least one occurrence of the at least one event is provided to the second network function.

20. An apparatus for communication, include: at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: providing, from the second network function, a request for notification of at least one event to the first network function, wherein the request comprises at least one condition triggering notification of the at least one event, wherein the at least one condition comprises expiration of a time period, the time period increasing after each expiration of the time period; and Based on the at least one condition, a notification of the at least one event is received at the second network function from the first network function.

21. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions, which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving, at the first network function, a request for notification of at least one event from the second network function, wherein the request comprises at least one condition triggering notification of the at least one event, wherein the at least one condition comprises expiration of a time period, the time period increasing after each expiration of the time period; and Based on the at least one condition, notification of at least one occurrence of the at least one event is provided to the second network function.

22. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions, which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: providing, from the second network function, a request for notification of at least one event to the first network function, wherein the request comprises at least one condition triggering notification of the at least one event, wherein the at least one condition comprises expiration of a time period, the time period increasing after each expiration of the time period; and Based on the at least one condition, a notification of the at least one event is received at the second network function from the first network function.

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