Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for ranking processing for network function selection

Abstract

Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for ranking processing in network function selection. One method includes periodically receiving, at a network function discovery node, a current load value specifying the computational load carried by each of a plurality of producer network functions. The network function discovery node is configured to perform service discovery among network functions in a telecommunications core network. The method includes determining, for each producer network function, the available capacity of that producer network function based on its current load value and published capacity. The method includes responding to network function discovery requests from consumer network functions using the available capacity of each producer network function.

Description

[0001] Priority Statement

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 082,871, filed October 28, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This document describes methods and systems for selecting network functions in telecommunications networks. More specifically, it describes methods, systems, and computer-readable media for ranking processes used in network function selection. Background Technology

[0004] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is a collaboration among telecommunications standards associations. 3GPP defines mobile phone system specifications for telecommunications networks, including 3G, 4G, and LTE networks.

[0005] The next generation of networks under 3GPP is 5G. The goals of the 5G specification are high data rates, reduced latency, energy savings, lower costs, higher system capacity, and an increased number of connected devices.

[0006] 3GPP has defined a service-based architecture for its next-generation 5G core network. In a service-based architecture, services are typically provided from application components to software components via communication protocols over the data communication network. Services can be, for example, discrete functions that can be remotely accessed, consumed, and updated independently of other services in the system.

[0007] Different services can be used together to provide functionality for larger systems, such as software applications. Service-based architectures can integrate distributed and individually maintained software components.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for methods, systems, and computer-readable media for ranking processing used in network function selection. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for ranking processing in network function selection. An example system includes at least one processor and memory storing instructions for the at least one processor. The system includes a network function discovery node implemented on the at least one processor.

[0010] Network function discovery nodes are configured to perform service discovery among network functions in the telecommunications core network. A network function discovery node is also configured to periodically receive, from each of a plurality of producer network functions, a current load value specifying the compute load carried by that producer network function.

[0011] Network function discovery nodes are configured to determine the available capacity of each producer network function based on its current load and published capacity. Network function discovery nodes are also configured to respond to network function discovery requests from consumer network functions using the available capacity of each producer network function.

[0012] In some examples, the network function discovery node is configured to determine the current priority of a producer network function based on its available capacity for each producer network function. In other examples, the network function discovery node is configured to determine the available capacity of each of multiple network function instances, sort the network function instances by their available capacity, and assign a current priority to each instance based on its sort position.

[0013] In some examples, the network function discovery node is configured to determine the available capacity of an instance for each of multiple network function instances, determine the average capacity of the available capacity of the instances, and classify each instance as a high-priority instance if the available capacity of the instance is greater than the average capacity, and classify it as a low-priority instance if the available capacity of the instance is less than or equal to the average capacity.

[0014] In some examples, the network function discovery node is configured to determine, for each producer network function, whether the current load of the producer network function exceeds an allowable load threshold, and if the current load exceeds the allowable load threshold, remove the producer network function without consideration in response to at least one network function discovery request. In some examples, the network function discovery node is configured to reconsider the removed producer network function in response to determining that the current load of the removed producer network function has fallen below an abatement load threshold.

[0015] In some examples, the network function discovery node is configured to register each of the producer network functions and receive the published capacity and published priority of the producer network function during registration. In some examples, the network function discovery node is configured to register each of the producer network functions and receive a load reporting interval specifying the rate of load reporting for the producer network function during registration.

[0016] In some examples, the network function discovery node is a network function (NF) repository function (NRF) or a service communication broker (SCP). In some examples, the network function discovery node is configured to determine the available capacity of a producer network function at the service level of the telecommunications network core network.

[0017] An example method for ranking processing in network function selection involves periodically receiving, from each of a plurality of producer network functions, a current load value specifying the computational load carried by that producer network function at a network function discovery node implemented on at least one processor. The network function discovery node is configured to perform service discovery among multiple network functions in a telecommunications core network.

[0018] The method includes determining the available capacity of a producer network function at the network function discovery node, based on the current load value and published capacity of that producer network function. The method also includes responding to network function discovery requests from consumer network functions at the network function discovery node using the available capacity of each producer network function.

[0019] In some examples, the method includes determining the current priority of a producer network function based on its available capacity for each producer network function. In some examples, the method includes determining the available capacity of each instance among multiple network function instances, sorting the network function instances by their available capacity, and assigning a current priority to each instance based on its sort position.

[0020] In some examples, the method includes determining the available capacity of each of a plurality of network function instances, determining the average capacity of the available capacity, and classifying each instance as a high-priority instance if its available capacity is greater than the average capacity, and classifying it as a low-priority instance if its available capacity is less than or equal to the average capacity. In some examples, the method includes, for each producer network function, determining whether the current load of the producer network function exceeds an allowable load threshold, and if the current load exceeds the allowable load threshold, removing the producer network function without consideration in response to at least one network function discovery request.

[0021] In some examples, the method includes reconsidering the removed producer network function in response to determining that the current load of the removed producer network function has fallen below the emission reduction load threshold. In some examples, the method includes registering each of the producer network functions and receiving the published capacity and published priority of the producer network function during registration.

[0022] In some examples, the method includes registering each of the producer network functions and receiving load reporting intervals at a rate specified for the producer network function during registration. In some examples, the network function discovery node is a network function (NF) repository function (NRF) or a service communication broker (SCP). In some examples, the method includes determining the available capacity of the producer network function at the service level of the telecommunications network core network.

[0023] In some examples, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having executable instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer's processor, control the computer to perform the following steps: periodically receiving, at a network function discovery node implemented on at least one processor, a current load value specifying the computational load carried by each of a plurality of producer network functions, wherein the network function discovery node is configured to perform service discovery among the plurality of network functions in a telecommunications core network; determining, at the network function discovery node and for each producer network function, the available capacity of the producer network function based on the current load value and advertised capacity; and at the network function discovery node, responding to a network function discovery request from a consumer network function using the available capacity of each producer network function.

[0024] The subjects described herein can be implemented in software in conjunction with hardware and / or firmware. For example, the subjects described herein can be implemented in software executed by a processor. In one example implementation, the subjects described herein can be implemented using a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, which control computer execution steps when executed by a computer's processor.

[0025] Example computer-readable media suitable for implementing the subject matter described herein include non-transitory devices, such as disk storage devices, chip memory devices, programmable logic devices, and application-specific integrated circuits. Furthermore, computer-readable media implementing the subject matter described herein may reside on a single device or computing platform, or may be distributed across multiple devices or computing platforms. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the core of an example telecommunications network that uses a service-based architecture;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an example telecommunications core network;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the network function discovery process; and

[0029] Figure 4This is a flowchart of an example method for ranking processing in network function selection. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for ranking processing in network function selection within a telecommunications network core. In particular, the disclosed subject matter includes a network function discovery node configured to perform service discovery among network functions within the telecommunications network core.

[0031] The 3GPP 5G specification defines how components in the core of a telecommunications network communicate with each other. The core network in 5G follows a service-based architecture, where network elements advertise and provide services that can be consumed by other network elements in the core, such as using REST APIs. This allows for the adoption of web-scale technologies and software in telecommunications networks.

[0032] In 5G architecture, the focus is on loosely coupled services, rather than tightly coupled functions and point-to-point interfaces. For example, HTTP / 2 is used as a service-based application layer protocol. 5G architecture supports native control and user plane separation. It also supports a unified data management framework, an extended and unified policy framework, and expanded network exposure functionality.

[0033] Network functions in the core of a telecommunications network can be considered as producer network functions and consumer network functions. Producer network functions provide services to consumer network functions that consume services. Some network functions sometimes act as consumer network functions and at other times as producer network functions.

[0034] The 3GPP specification provides several parameters for selecting preferred producer network functions. From the perspective of producer network functions:

[0035] • The Network Function (NF) Repository Function (NRF) provides consumer network functions with information about the priority, load, and capacity of producer network functions during the network function discovery process.

[0036] Priority and capacity information is typically provided during the registration process; however, this information may not be updated.

[0037] • Load information is inherently dynamic.

[0038] Consumer network functions can select producer network functions based on priorities reported by the NRF. However, network function priority information can be static. Static information may be less useful than dynamic information when selecting appropriate producer functions.

[0039] The system described in this specification can be configured to calculate available capacity and thus provide dynamic priority information.

[0040] In some examples, producer network functions report their capacity and priority during registration. Producer network functions may optionally update their capacity and priority after registration.

[0041] The producer network function then periodically reports load information to the NRF. The NRF can then combine this load information with capacity and priority information stored during the network function discovery process.

[0042] NRF can be calculated using ranking algorithms:

[0043] • Available capacity through capacity and load

[0044] • Dynamic prioritization based on available capacity

[0045] NRF updates the discovery response based on available capacity and dynamically calculated priorities. This process conforms to the discovery query procedure specified by the 3GPP standard.

[0046] The ranking algorithm enables NRF to prioritize network functions based on their available capacity. In some examples, NRF allows the following configurations:

[0047] • Allowable load threshold: When the current load exceeds this threshold, the network function instance is considered overloaded.

[0048] • Load Reduction Threshold: A threshold used for the current load. When the current load is below this threshold, the network function instance is no longer considered overloaded.

[0049] NRF can be configured to remove any producer network function whose current load is above an allowable load threshold from the network function discovery response. When the current load is below the emission reduction load threshold, NRF can consider removing any producer network function.

[0050] In some examples, the NRF processing discovery process outputs and assigns available capacity based on the current load of the producer network function as follows:

[0051] C A = P C –(P L * P C )

[0052] in,

[0053] • C A = Available capacity of network function instances;

[0054] • P C = Public capacity of network function instances; and

[0055] • P L = Public load of network function instances (in percentage).

[0056] In some examples, NRF categorizes producer network function instances based on available capacity as follows:

[0057] • Calculate the arithmetic mean of available capacity.

[0058] ○ Arithmetic mean = Σ C of network function instances A Number of network function instances

[0059] • The functions of producer networks are categorized as follows:

[0060] ○ High priority — Available capacity is greater than the arithmetic mean

[0061] ○Low priority—Available capacity is less than the arithmetic mean

[0062] Then, NRF can be based on available capacity (C A The list of producer network functions is sorted, and priorities are assigned based on their position in the list. The ranking algorithm can be applied to both network functions and network function service levels.

[0063] The system described in this specification may provide one or more of the following benefits.

[0064] • Unload the consumer network function from the load-based producer network function instance selection.

[0065] ○ Reduce resource utilization in the consumer network function area

[0066] ○ Reduction of potential latency in the network

[0067] • Improve or optimize load balancing of producer network functions across the core of the telecommunications network.

[0068] • Avoid choosing high-load producer network features, which can improve one or more of the following:

[0069] ○ Response delay

[0070] ○Message success rate

[0071] Round trip delay

[0072] ○KPI and SLA

[0073] • Flexibility to adapt to different network deployments:

[0074] ○PLMN level

[0075] ○ Slice Level

[0076] ○ Shared slice level

[0077] • The ranking algorithm can be used at Service Communication Agent (SCP) or other appropriate network function discovery nodes.

[0078] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example telecommunications network core 100 using a service-based architecture. The telecommunications network core 100 could, for example, be a 3GPP 5G telecommunications network core. Figure 1 As shown, the telecommunications network core 100 includes network functions that communicate with each other.

[0079] Figure 1 The network functions shown are merely examples of those in the telecommunications network core 100. Other appropriate types of network functions may be included, and in some examples, the telecommunications network core 100 will include fewer network functions.

[0080] like Figure 1 As shown, the telecommunications network core 100 includes a network slice selection function (NSSF) 104, a network exposure function (NEF) 106, a network function store (NRF) function 108, a policy control function (PCF) 110, a unified data management (UDM) function 112, an application function (AF) 114, a security edge protection agent (SEPP) 116, an EIR 118, an interworking function (IWF) 120, an access and mobility management function (AMF) 122, an authentication server function (AUSF), a bootstrap server function (BSF) 126, and a session management function (SMF) 128.

[0081] Figure 1 Some of the network functions shown are used for 5G-4G networking. For example, NSSF 104, NEF 106, NRF108, SEPP 116, EIR 118, IWF 120, and BSF 126 can be used to facilitate 5G-4G networking.

[0082] NRF 108 can be a key component of 5G service-based architectures. NRF 108 maintains an updated repository of all 5G components available in an operator's network, along with the services provided by each component in the 5G core, which are expected to be instantiated, expanded, and terminated with little or no human intervention. In addition to serving as a service repository, NRF 108 also supports discovery mechanisms that allow 5G components to discover each other and obtain the updated state of desired components.

[0083] In some examples, NRF 108 supports the following features:

[0084] • Maintain profiles of available NF instances and the services they support in the 5G core network.

[0085] • Allows consumer NF instances to discover other provider NF instances in the 5G core network.

[0086] • Allows NF instances to track the status of other NF instances.

[0087] NRF interacts with every other component in the 5G core network and supports the above functions through the following services:

[0088] •Managed Services

[0089] • Discover Service

[0090] NRF 108 can be deployed in a cloud computing environment along with network functions to provide various services to the core 100 of the telecommunications network, thereby facilitating service-based architectures such as routing control, reproducibility, and observability.

[0091] NRF 108 can be implemented as a standalone software layer that can be shared by other services deployed in a cloud computing environment.

[0092] The NRF 108 can be configured for tasks such as load balancing. The NRF 108 can store real-time information such as:

[0093] • Faulty or unresponsive network function

[0094] • Load status of each network function

[0095] • Network function response time

[0096] • Network connectivity health status

[0097] Storing this type of information at NRF 108 can lead to better network function selection decisions at NRF 108.

[0098] The NRF 108, or another suitable network function discovery node, can be configured to perform service discovery between network functions in the telecommunications core network. The NRF 108 can periodically receive the current load value of the computational load carried by the producer network function. The NRF 108 can determine the available capacity of each producer network function based on its current load value and published capacity. The NRF 108 can then respond to network function discovery requests from consumer network functions using the available capacity of each producer network function.

[0099] The core of the telecommunications network 100 may include an SCP (Service Packet), which is a decentralized solution consisting of a control plane and a data plane. The SCP is deployed alongside 5G network functions to provide routing control, reproducibility, and observability for the core network. In some examples, the SCP is deployed as the default outbound proxy for network function instances, or as a router model where the SCP is configured as the outbound proxy at each network function in a cloud-native environment. The SCP provides the following benefits to the 5G core network architecture:

[0100] • Improved load balancing

[0101] • Routing control

[0102] • Message priority assignment / override

[0103] • Circuit interruption and outlier detection

[0104] • Overload control

[0105] • Observability

[0106] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an example telecommunications core network 200, including a network function discovery node 202, a producer network function 204, and a consumer network function 206. The network function discovery node 202 is implemented on at least one processor 208 and a memory 210 storing instructions for the processor 208. For example, the network function discovery node 202 can be implemented on a distributed computing system. The network function discovery node 202 can be implemented, for example, at an NRF or SCP.

[0107] Network function discovery node 202 includes a network function registration engine 212, a dynamic load receiver 214, and a discovery request handler 216. Network function discovery node 202 may perform ranking processing algorithms, for example, at the service level, at the instance level, or both.

[0108] Network function registration engine 212 is configured to register producer network functions 204. During registration, network function registration engine 212 may receive load reporting intervals specifying the rate of load reporting for producer network functions. Registration may also include receiving, for example, published capacity, permissible load thresholds, emission reduction load thresholds, and any other appropriate information.

[0109] The dynamic load receiver 214 is configured to periodically receive from each producer network function the current load value of a specified computational load carried by the producer network function. The period for receiving the current load value can be a regular period (e.g., after a certain amount of time has elapsed) or an irregular period (e.g., in response to the detection of a specified event at the producer network function).

[0110] The dynamic load receiver 214 is configured to perform a ranking processing algorithm by determining the available capacity of a producer network function based on its current load value and published capacity for each producer network function.

[0111] In some examples, the dynamic load receiver 214 assigns available capacity based on the current load of the producer network function as follows:

[0112] C A = P C –(P L * P C )

[0113] in,

[0114] • C A =Available capacity of network function instances;

[0115] • P C =Published capacity of network function instances; and

[0116] • P L =Published load of network function instances (in percentage).

[0117] In some examples, the dynamic load receiver 214 categorizes producer network function instances based on available capacity as follows:

[0118] • Calculate the arithmetic mean of available capacity.

[0119] ○ Arithmetic mean = Σ C of network function instances A Number of network function instances

[0120] • The functions of producer networks are categorized as follows:

[0121] ○ High priority — Available capacity is greater than the arithmetic mean

[0122] ○Low priority—Available capacity is less than the arithmetic mean

[0123] The dynamic load receiver 214 can then be based on the available capacity (C A Sort the list of producer network functions and assign priorities based on their position in the list.

[0124] In some examples, the Network Function Discovery Node 202 allows the following configurations:

[0125] • Allowable load threshold: When the current load exceeds this threshold, the network function instance is considered overloaded.

[0126] • Load Reduction Threshold: A threshold used for the current load. When the current load is below this threshold, the network function instance is no longer considered overloaded.

[0127] Network function discovery node 202 can be configured to remove any producer network function whose current load is above an allowable load threshold from the network function discovery response. Network function discovery node 202 can then reconsider any removed producer network function when its current load falls below a reduction load threshold.

[0128] Discovery request handler 216 is configured to respond to network function discovery requests from consumer network functions using the available capacity of each producer network function. For example, discovery request handler 216 may receive producer network function discovery requests from consumer network functions; determine a list of producer network functions responding to one or more criteria in the producer network function discovery request; and send a network function discovery response containing identifiers of the producer network functions back to the consumer network function. For example, the list may be sorted by available capacity or priority, or the network function discovery response may include available capacity and / or priority values ​​for the producer network functions on the list.

[0129] In some examples, the network function discovery node 202 is configured to, for each instance in a subset of network function instances, determine the available capacity of the instance, sort the network function instances by their available capacity, and assign a current priority to the instance based on its sort position. In other examples, the network function discovery node 202 is configured to, for each instance in a subset of network function instances, determine the average available capacity of the instances, and categorize each instance as follows: if the available capacity is greater than the average capacity, it is categorized as a high-priority instance; otherwise, it is categorized as a low-priority instance.

[0130] In some examples, network function discovery node 202 is configured to determine, for each producer network function, whether the current load of the producer network function exceeds an allowable load threshold, and if the current load exceeds the allowable load threshold, remove the producer network function without consideration in response to at least one network function discovery request. Network function discovery node 202 can then be configured to reconsider the removed producer network function in response to determining that the current load of the removed producer network function has fallen below an emission reduction load threshold.

[0131] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the network function discovery process 300. Figure 3 NRF 302 is shown communicating with two producer network functions 304 and 306 and a consumer network function 308.

[0132] Producer network function 304 sends capacity and priority values ​​(e.g., capacity: 700; priority: 1) to NRF 302 during the registration process. Producer network function 306 also sends capacity and priority values ​​(e.g., capacity: 1000; priority: 2) to NRF 302 during registration.

[0133] Producer network function 304 sends the current load value (e.g., load: 40%) to NRF 302 in the first message 310. Producer network function 306 sends the current load value (e.g., load: 40%) to NRF 302 in the second message 312.

[0134] The NRF 302 executes ranking processing algorithm 314. For example, continuing with the example numbers given above, the NRF 302 calculates the following values:

[0135] • Producer network function 304 — Available capacity: 420; Calculated priority: 2

[0136] • Producer Network Function 306 — Available Capacity: 700; Calculated Priority: 1

[0137] Figure 3 The example shown illustrates how NRF 302 performs a ranking algorithm at the instance level, i.e., between individual instances of a given network function. NRF 302 can also be configured to perform a ranking algorithm at the service level, i.e., between individual services that may each have separate instances.

[0138] NRF 302 receives a network function discovery service request from consumer network function 308 in a third message 316. For example, message 316 may include query parameters and locality. NRF 302 uses a priority value determined from the ranking processing algorithm 314 to determine the response.

[0139] NRF 302 responds to the network function discovery service request by sending a network function discovery response to consumer network function 308 in a fourth message 318. For example, message 318 may include the following information:

[0140] • Producer Network Function 304 Identifier — Available Capacity: 420; Calculated Priority: 2

[0141] • Producer Network Function 306 Identifier — Available Capacity: 700; Calculated Priority: 1

[0142] Consumer network function 308 can then select producer network function using dynamically determined available capacity or priority values. In this case, producer network function 304 initially has a higher priority value; however, based on the current load value, producer network function 306 has a higher priority value. Consumer network function 308 can then determine to select producer network function 306 because it has more available capacity and a higher priority value.

[0143] Producer network functions 304 and 306 can continue to periodically send messages with their current load values ​​to NRF 302. NRF 302 can then continue to execute a ranking processing algorithm to determine the available capacity and priority values ​​of producer network functions 304 and 306. The consumer network function that sent the network function discovery request can then receive dynamic available capacity and priority values, which in turn allows the consumer network function to select producer network functions that can provide better service and alleviate overload on the producer network functions.

[0144] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of an example method 400 for ranking processing in network function selection. Method 400 can be executed by a network function discovery node, which may be implemented on at least one processor. For example, method 400 can be executed by an NRF or SCP, or any other suitable network function discovery node. The network function discovery node is configured to perform service discovery among network functions in the telecommunications core network.

[0145] Method 400 includes registering a producer network function (402). During registration, method 400 may include a load reporting interval at which load reports for a specified producer network function are received. Registration may also include receiving, for example, published capacity, allowed load thresholds, emission reduction load thresholds, and any other appropriate information.

[0146] Method 400 includes periodically receiving, from each of a number of producer network functions, a current load value specifying the computational load carried by that producer network function (404).

[0147] Method 400 includes determining the available capacity of a producer network function for each producer network function based on its current load value and published capacity (406). In some examples, method 400 includes determining the current priority of a producer network function for each producer network function based on its available capacity.

[0148] In some examples, method 400 includes determining the available capacity of an instance for each of a subset of network function instances, sorting the network function instances by their available capacity, and assigning a current priority to the instance based on its sort position. In some examples, method 400 includes determining the available capacity of an instance for each of a subset of network function instances, determining an average available capacity, and classifying each instance as a high-priority instance if its available capacity is greater than the average capacity, and classifying it as a low-priority instance if its available capacity is less than or equal to the average capacity.

[0149] In some examples, method 400 includes, for each producer network function, determining whether the current load of the producer network function exceeds an allowable load threshold, and if the current load exceeds the allowable load threshold, removing the producer network function without consideration in response to at least one network function discovery request. Method 400 may then include reconsidering the removed producer network function in response to determining that the current load of the removed producer network function has fallen below an emission reduction load threshold.

[0150] Method 400 includes responding to network function discovery requests from consumer network functions using the available capacity of each producer network function (408).

[0151] Method 400 may provide one or more of the following benefits.

[0152] • Unload the consumer network function from the load-based producer network function instance selection.

[0153] ○ Reduce resource utilization in the consumer network function area

[0154] ○ Reduction of potential latency in the network

[0155] • Improve or optimize load balancing of producer network functions in the core of the telecommunications network.

[0156] • Avoid choosing high-load producer network features, which can improve one or more of the following:

[0157] ○ Response delay

[0158] ○Message success rate

[0159] Round trip delay

[0160] ○KPI and SLA

[0161] • Flexibility to adapt to different network deployments:

[0162] ○PLMN level

[0163] ○ Slice Level

[0164] ○ Shared slice level

[0165] • The ranking algorithm can be used at Service Communication Agent (SCP) or other appropriate network function discovery nodes.

[0166] While specific examples and features have been described above, these examples and features are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, even where only a single example is described with respect to a particular feature. Unless otherwise stated, the examples of features provided in this disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. The above description is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon which this disclosure benefits.

[0167] The scope of this disclosure includes any feature or combination of features disclosed in this specification (either explicitly or implicitly), or any generalization of the disclosed features, whether or not such features or generalizations alleviate any or all of the problems described in this specification. Therefore, new claims may be made for any such combination of features during the proceedings of a patent application against this application (or an application claiming priority to this application).

[0168] In particular, with reference to the appended claims, features from dependent claims may be combined with features from independent claims, and features from the respective independent claims may be combined in any suitable manner rather than solely in the specific combinations listed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for ranking processing in network function selection, the system comprising: At least one processor and a memory storing instructions for the at least one processor; as well as A network function discovery node implemented on the at least one processor, wherein the network function discovery node is configured to perform service discovery among multiple network functions of a telecommunications core network, and wherein the network function discovery node is configured to: Register each of the multiple producer network functions, and during the registration period, receive the load reporting interval at which the load reports of that producer network function are received at a rate specified for that producer network function, as well as the published capacity of that producer network function. Periodically receive the current load value specifying the computing load carried by each producer network function; For each producer network function, the available capacity of that producer network function is determined based on its current load value and published capacity. as well as Use the available capacity of each producer network function to respond to network function discovery requests from consumer network functions.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the network function discovery node is configured to determine the current priority of each producer network function based on the available capacity of that producer network function.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the network function discovery node is configured to, for each of a plurality of network function instances, determine the available capacity of the instance, sort the network function instances according to the available capacity, and assign a current priority to the instance based on the sorting position of each instance.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the network function discovery node is configured to, for each of a plurality of network function instances, determine the available capacity of the instance, determine the average capacity of the available capacity of the instances, and classify each instance as a high-priority instance if the available capacity of the instance is greater than the average capacity, and as a low-priority instance if the available capacity of the instance is less than or equal to the average capacity.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the network function discovery node is configured to, for each producer network function, determine whether the current load of the producer network function exceeds an allowable load threshold, and if the current load exceeds the allowable load threshold, remove the producer network function without consideration in response to at least one network function discovery request.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the network function discovery node is configured to reconsider the removed producer network function in response to determining that the current load of the removed producer network function has fallen below the emission reduction load threshold.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the network function discovery node is configured to register each producer network function and receive the producer network function’s publication capacity and publication priority during registration.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the network function discovery node is a network function (NF) repository function (NRF) or a service communication agent (SCP).

9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the network function discovery node is configured to determine the available capacity of a producer network function at the service level of the telecommunications network core network.

10. A method for ranking processing in network function selection, the method comprising: Register each of a plurality of producer network functions at a network function discovery node implemented on at least one processor, and during registration receive a load reporting interval specifying the rate of load reporting for that producer network function and the published capacity of that producer network function. At the network function discovery node, the current load value specifying the computing load carried by each producer network function is periodically received from each producer network function, wherein the network function discovery node is configured to perform service discovery among multiple network functions of the telecommunications core network. At the network function discovery node and for each producer network function, the available capacity of the producer network function is determined based on its current load value and published capacity. as well as At the network function discovery node, the available capacity of each producer network function is used to respond to network function discovery requests from consumer network functions.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising determining the current priority of each producer network function based on its available capacity.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising, for each of a plurality of network function instances, determining the available capacity of the instance, sorting the network function instances according to their available capacity, and assigning a current priority to the instance based on its sorting position.

13. The method of claim 10, comprising, for each of a plurality of network function instances, determining the available capacity of the instance, determining the average capacity of the available capacity of the instances, and classifying each instance as a high-priority instance if the available capacity of the instance is greater than the average capacity, and classifying the instance as a low-priority instance if the available capacity of the instance is less than or equal to the average capacity.

14. The method of any one of claims 10 to 13, comprising, for each producer network function, determining whether the current load of the producer network function exceeds an allowable load threshold, and if the current load exceeds the allowable load threshold, removing the producer network function without consideration in response to at least one network function discovery request.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising reconsidering the removed producer network function in response to determining that the current load of the removed producer network function has fallen below the emission reduction load threshold.

16. The method of any one of claims 10 to 13, comprising registering each producer network function and receiving, during registration, the publication capacity and publication priority of the producer network function.

17. The method of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the network function discovery node is a network function (NF) repository function (NRF) or a service communication agent (SCP).

18. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having executable instructions stored thereon, the executable instructions controlling the computer to perform the following steps when executed by a computer's processor: Register each of a plurality of producer network functions at a network function discovery node implemented on at least one processor, and during registration receive a load reporting interval specifying the rate of load reporting for that producer network function and the published capacity of that producer network function. At the network function discovery node, the current load value specifying the computing load carried by each producer network function is periodically received from each producer network function, wherein the network function discovery node is configured to perform service discovery among multiple network functions of the telecommunications core network. At the network function discovery node and for each producer network function, the available capacity of the producer network function is determined based on its current load value and published capacity. as well as At the network function discovery node, the available capacity of each producer network function is used to respond to network function discovery requests from consumer network functions.

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