Discovery request and response handling

Abstract

A method performed by a network repository function, NRF, node (60) is provided. In response to receiving a request (400), transmission of a response (402) is initiated to a network node (10, 20) that initiated transmission of the request (400). The network node (10, 20) is a first network function, NF, node (20) that is a service consumer, or a first service communication proxy, SCP, node (10) configured to operate as a SCP between the first NF node (20) and at least one second NF node (30) that is a service producer. The response (402) comprises first information indicating any second NF node (30) identified for providing a service (40) requested by the first NF node (20), second information indicating whether the any second NF node (30) identified for providing the service is identified based on criteria, and / or third information indicating whether the plurality of second NF nodes (30) are prioritized according to the criteria if multiple second NF nodes (30) are identified.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to methods for processing discovery requests and responses in a network, and nodes configured to operate according to these methods. Background Technology

[0002] There are various technologies for handling service requests in a network. Service requests typically travel from a service consumer (“service consumer”) to a service producer (“service producer”). For example, a service request can travel from a service consumer’s network function (NF) node to a service producer’s NF node. The service consumer’s NF node and the service producer’s NF node can communicate directly or indirectly. These are referred to as direct communication and indirect communication, respectively. In the case of indirect communication, the service consumer’s NF node and the service producer’s NF node can communicate via a service communication broker (SCP) node.

[0003] Figure 1 The AD illustrates different existing systems for handling service requests, as mentioned in 3GPP TS 23.501V16.4.0. More specifically, Figure 1 A and B illustrate systems using direct communication, while Figure 1 C and D illustrate a system that uses indirect communication.

[0004] exist Figure 1 In the systems shown in A and B, service requests are sent directly from the service consumer's NF node to the service producer's NF node. Responses to service requests are sent directly from the service producer's NF node to the service consumer's NF node. Similarly, any subsequent service requests are sent directly from the service consumer's NF node to the service producer's NF node. Figure 1 The system shown in B also includes a Network Repository Function (NRF) node. Therefore, in Figure 1 In the system shown in B, the consumer's NF node can query the NRF node to discover the appropriate NF node for the service producer to which the service request should be sent. In response to such a query, the consumer's NF node can receive NF profiles for one or more NF nodes of the service producer and, based on the received NF profiles, can select the appropriate NF node for the service producer to which the service request should be sent. Figure 1 In the system shown in A, instead of using NRF nodes, the consumer's NF node can be configured with the NF configuration file of the service producer's NF node.

[0005] exist Figure 1In the systems shown in C and D, service requests are indirectly sent from the service consumer's NF node to the service producer's NF node via a Service Communication Broker (SCP) node. Responses to service requests are indirectly sent from the service producer's NF node to the service consumer's NF node via the SCP. Similarly, any subsequent service requests are indirectly sent from the service consumer's NF node to the service producer's NF node via the SCP. Figure 1 The systems shown in C and D also include NRF nodes.

[0006] exist Figure 1 In the system shown in C, the consumer's NF node can query the NRF node to discover the appropriate NF node for the service producer to which the service request is sent. In response to such a query, the consumer's NF node can receive NF profiles for one or more NF nodes of the service producer and, based on the received NF profiles, can select the NF node for which the service request is sent. In this case, the service request sent from the service consumer's NF node to the SCP includes the address of the selected service producer's NF node. The service consumer's NF node can forward the service request without performing any further discovery or selection. If the selected service producer's NF node is unavailable for any reason, an alternative can be found through the service consumer's NF node. In other cases, the SCP can communicate with the NRF node to obtain selection parameters (e.g., location, capacity, etc.), and the SCP can select the NF node for which the service request is sent.

[0007] exist Figure 1 In the system shown in D, the consumer's NF node does not perform the discovery or selection process. Instead, the consumer's NF node adds any necessary discovery and selection parameters (such as finding the appropriate NF node for the service producer) to the service request sent via SCP. SCP uses the request address in the service request, along with the discovery and selection parameters, to route the service request to the appropriate NF node for the service producer. SCP can use NRF nodes to perform discovery.

[0008] For the fifth-generation core (5GC), according to version 16, the SCP is included as a network unit to allow indirect communication between NF nodes of service consumers and NF nodes of service producers. The indirect communication used can be as previously referenced. Figure 1 C and D describe one of the two indirect communication options.

[0009] Figure 1Each of the techniques shown in B, C, and D involves a discovery process for discovering the NF nodes of a service producer to which a service request can be sent. The methods described herein relate to processing such discovery requests used in this discovery process. Reference will now be made to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 Let's describe the discovery process in more detail.

[0010] Figure 2 This illustrates an existing system (e.g., Figure 1 The system shown in B or Figure 1 The signaling diagram for signal exchange in the system shown in C). Figure 2 The system shown includes a first SCP node 10, a first NF node 20 (“NFc”) for service consumers, a second NF node 30 (“NFp”) for service producers, and an NRF node 60. The first SCP node 10 is configured to operate as an SCP between the first NF node 20 and the second NF node 30. The second NF node 30 can be configured to provide services.

[0011] Figure 2 This involves the discovery process performed between the first NF node 20 and the NRF node 60. For example... Figure 2 As indicated by arrow 200, the first NF node 20 sends a discovery request (“Nnrf_NFDisc req”) to the NRF node 60. The discovery request 200 is a request for information indicating one or more second NF nodes 30 for providing the services requested by the first NF node 20. The discovery request includes information indicating the preferred location (e.g., preferred location = X) of one or more second NF nodes 30. The NRF node 60 may or may not consider the preferred location when identifying any second NF node 30 to be provided to the first NF node 20. Figure 2 As indicated by arrow 202, NF node 60 sends a discovery response (“Nnrf_NFDisc rsp”) to the first NF node 20. The discovery response includes information indicating any second NF node 30 identified as being used to provide services.

[0012] Figure 3 This illustrates another existing system (e.g., Figure 1 The signaling diagram of signal exchange in the system shown in D). Figure 3 The systems and corresponding technologies shown are as previously referenced. Figure 2 As mentioned above, except Figure 3 The discovery request 300 was initiated by the first SCP node 10 and sent to the first SCP node 10. Figure 3 The discovery response 302 was sent.

[0013] Once network nodes 10 and 20, which initiated discovery requests 200 and 300, receive discovery responses 202 and 302 that include information indicating any identified second NF node 30, network nodes 10 and 20 can select the second NF node 30 to provide services. In the example, NF node 60 can discover the following second NF nodes 30:

[0014]

[0015] In this example, responses 202 and 302 are found to include information indicating that any of NFp1, NFp2, and NFp3 can be selected to provide service. Network nodes 10 and 20 receiving this information select one of the second NF nodes 30 based on priority. Therefore, the selected second NF node 30 is NFp3 because it has the highest priority (indicated by the lowest priority value). If NFp3 fails, NFp2 is selected because it has the second highest priority.

[0016] In another example, if network nodes 10 and 20 are located in region 1-DC2, and requests 200 and 300 include this location as a preferred location, then NRF node 60 returns NFp2 because it matches the preferred location. However, NRF node 60 may also optionally return a non-matching second NF node 30 with a modified priority. An example of a modified priority is as follows:

[0017]

[0018] In this example, as previously described, the discovery responses 202 and 302 include information indicating that any one of NFp1, NFp2, and NFp3 can be selected to provide services. Network nodes 10 and 20, receiving this information, select one of the second NF nodes 30 based on location. Therefore, the selected second NF node 30 is NFp2 because it is located in the same location as network nodes 10 and 20.

[0019] However, in some cases, NRF node 60 may not actually support the preferred location function, and / or at least one of the second NF nodes 30 may not support modification of the assigned priorities. The latter could be a situation where at least one of the second NF nodes 30 uses the assigned priorities in a way that would cause problems if these assigned priorities were changed via NRF node 60.

[0020] For example, the Session Management Function (SMF) 1+1 active / standby model uses the priority assigned to the second NF node 30 to identify its role. Specifically, an active second NF node 30 can be identified as having a higher priority than a standby second NF node 30. In this case, if the priority assigned to the second NF node 30 is modified, traffic may reach the second NF node 30 in the standby role, and such a second NF node 30 will reject the traffic. If there are only two second NF nodes 30, a workaround exists that includes not using location at all, or using the same location for both second NF nodes 30. Then, the priority does not need to be overridden by the NRF node 60, and the active second NF node 30 will always be selected. In this case, location does not take precedence over priority as long as only one active second NF node 30 (regardless of its location) can respond to service requests.

[0021] However, in the case of the SMF N+M active / standby model, network nodes 10 and 20 may need the ability to select an active second NF node 30 based on location (e.g., among N active instances). For example, if it is not possible to select an active second NF node 30 that is located in the same location as or closest to network nodes 10 and 20, it may negatively impact signaling and latency in the system. Summary of the Invention

[0022] The purpose of this disclosure is to eliminate or remove at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages associated with the prior art.

[0023] Specifically, according to existing technology, the network node initiating the discovery request is unaware of whether the received discovery response considers (e.g., it may have already specified in the discovery request) any criteria. Thus, in existing technology, when deciding on the NF node for a service producer to provide services, the network node initiating the discovery request cannot make an informed choice. Therefore, the NF node selected for a service producer according to existing technology may not be suitable or optimal for providing services. For example, according to existing technology, the selected NF node may be inactive (or in standby mode) and therefore unable to provide services; the selected NF node may be farther from the network node than other NF nodes of the service producer, causing a negative impact on signaling and latency in the system if services are provided using the selected network node; the selected NF node may be overloaded and therefore unable to provide optimal quality service; the selected NF node may even lack sufficient available capacity to provide services, etc.

[0024] Therefore, it has been recognized that an improved system can be provided if the network node that initiates the discovery request is given additional information that enables it to make a more informed choice about which NF nodes to provide services.

[0025] Therefore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a method for processing discovery requests in a network is provided. The method is performed by an NRF node. The method includes: in response to receiving a discovery request, initiating the transmission of a discovery response to a network node that initiated the discovery request to the NRF node. The network node is a first NF node that is a service consumer, or a first SCP node configured to operate as an SCP between a first NF node and at least one second NF node that is a service producer. The discovery request is a request for information indicating one or more second NF nodes for providing a service requested by the first NF node. The discovery response includes: first information indicating any second NF node identified as being used to provide the service, second information indicating whether any second NF node identified as being used to provide the service is identified based on a criterion, and / or, if multiple second NF nodes are identified for providing the service, third information indicating whether the multiple second NF nodes are prioritized according to a criterion.

[0026] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an NRF node is also provided, the node including processing circuitry configured to operate according to the methods described for the NRF node. In some embodiments, the NRF node may include at least one memory for storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the NRF node to operate according to the methods described for the NRF node.

[0027] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for processing discovery responses in a network is also provided. This method is performed by a network node. The network node is a first NF node that is a service consumer, or a first SCP node configured to operate as an SCP between a first NF node and at least one second NF node that is a service producer. The method includes receiving a discovery response, wherein sending the discovery response to the network node is initiated by the NRF node in response to a discovery request. The discovery request is a request for information indicating one or more second NF nodes for providing a service requested by the first NF node. The discovery response includes: first information indicating any second NF node identified as being used to provide the service; second information indicating whether the identification of any second NF node identified as being used to provide the service is based on criteria; and / or, if multiple second NF nodes are identified for providing the service, third information indicating whether the multiple second NF nodes are prioritized according to criteria.

[0028] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a network node is provided, the node including processing circuitry configured to operate according to a method described for the network node. In some embodiments, the network node may include at least one memory for storing instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the network node to operate according to the method described for the network node.

[0029] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method executed by a system is provided. This method includes methods described for NRF nodes and methods described for network nodes.

[0030] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a system is provided, including at least one NRF node as described above and at least one network node as described above.

[0031] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program including instructions is provided that, when executed by processing circuitry, causes the processing circuitry to perform a method described for an NRF node and / or a method described for a network node.

[0032] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product embodied on a non-transitory machine-readable medium is provided, including instructions executable by processing circuitry to cause the processing circuitry to perform methods described for NRF nodes and / or methods described for network nodes.

[0033] In this way, when the network node that initiated the discovery request is provided with additional second information (indicating whether any second NF node identified for providing services is based on a standard) and / or additional third information (indicating whether multiple second NF nodes are prioritized according to a standard), the network node has the information available to it so that it can make a more informed choice of which NF node to provide services to.

[0034] Therefore, an improved technique for handling discovery requests and discovery responses in a network is provided. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To better understand this technology, and to illustrate how this disclosure can be implemented, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings by way of example, wherein:

[0036] Figure 1 The AD diagram illustrates the block diagrams of different existing systems;

[0037] Figure 2 It shows a signaling diagram of signal exchange in an existing system;

[0038] Figure 3 It shows a signaling diagram of signal exchange in an existing system;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an NRF node according to an embodiment;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by an NRF node according to an embodiment;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating a network node according to an embodiment;

[0042] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by a network node according to an embodiment;

[0043] Figure 8 This illustrates a signaling diagram of signal exchange in a system according to an embodiment; and

[0044] Figure 9 This is a signaling diagram illustrating signal exchange in a system according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0045] This document describes techniques for handling discovery requests and responses in a network. A discovery request may also be referred to as a discovery-oriented request. A discovery request is a request for information about one or more network function (NF) nodes that are service producers, indicating the services requested by NF nodes used to provide services to consumers. Typically, a service is software designed for users. In this document, a service can be any type of service, such as a communication service, a context management service (e.g., User Equipment Context Management (UECM)), a data management (DM) service, or any other type of service.

[0046] The techniques described herein can be used in any network (e.g., any communications network). This network can be a fifth-generation (5G) network or any other generation. In some embodiments, the network can be a core network or a radio access network (RAN). The techniques are implemented by Network Repository Function (NRF) nodes and network nodes. The network nodes referred to herein can be the first NF node for a service consumer or the first service communication agent (SCP) node. The first SCP node is a node configured to operate as an SCP between the first NF node and any second NF node of at least one service producer. Typically, NRF nodes are nodes that provide NF service registration and discovery. Therefore, NRF nodes enable NF nodes to identify services provided by other NF nodes. Further definitions of NRF nodes are provided in 3GPP TS 29.510 V16.5.0, and the NRF nodes described herein can operate according to any of the methods described herein.

[0047] An NF (Network Function) is a processing function adopted or defined by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) in a network, possessing defined functional behavior and 3GPP-defined interfaces. An NF can be implemented as a network element on dedicated hardware, as a software instance running on dedicated hardware, or as a virtualized function instantiated on a suitable platform (e.g., on cloud infrastructure). In this document, the term "node" in relation to "NF node" will be understood to encompass each of these scenarios. References to multiple NF nodes of a service producer in this document may refer to, for example, functionally equivalent instances of the service producer's NF nodes.

[0048] Figure 4 A Network Repository Function (NRF) node 60 according to an embodiment is shown. The NRF node 60 is used to process discovery requests in the network. In some embodiments, the NRF node 60 may be, for example, a physical machine (e.g., a server) or a virtual machine (VM).

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, NRF node 60 includes processing circuitry (or logic) 62. Processing circuitry 62 controls the operation of NRF node 60 and can implement the methods described herein for NRF node 60. Processing circuitry 62 can be configured or programmed to control NRF node 60 in the manner described herein. Processing circuitry 62 may include one or more hardware components, such as one or more processors, one or more processing units, one or more multi-core processors, and / or one or more modules. In certain embodiments, each of the one or more hardware components may be configured to perform, or be used to perform, one or more steps of the methods described herein for NRF node 60. In some embodiments, processing circuitry 62 may be configured to run software to perform the methods described herein for NRF node 60. According to some embodiments, the software may be containerized. Therefore, in some embodiments, processing circuitry 62 may be configured to run a container to perform the methods described herein for NRF node 60.

[0050] In short, the processing circuitry 62 of NRF node 60 is configured to send a discovery response to a network node that initiated the discovery request in response to receiving a discovery request. This network node is either a first NF node (service consumer) or a first SCP node configured to operate as an SCP between a first NF node and at least one second NF node (service producer). The discovery request is a request for information indicating one or more second NF nodes used to provide the service requested by the first NF node. The discovery response includes: first information indicating any second NF node identified as being used to provide the service; second information indicating whether the identification of any second NF node identified as being used to provide the service is based on criteria; and / or, if multiple second NF nodes are identified as being used to provide the service, third information indicating whether to prioritize these multiple second NF nodes according to criteria.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, NRF node 60 may optionally include memory 64. The memory 64 of NRF node 60 may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. In some embodiments, the memory 64 of NRF node 60 may include non-transitory media. Examples of the memory 64 of NRF node 60 include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media such as hard disks, removable storage media such as CDs or DVDs, and / or any other memory.

[0052] The processing circuitry 62 of NRF node 60 may be connected to the memory 64 of NRF node 60. In some embodiments, the memory 64 of NRF node 60 may be used to store program code or instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry 62 of NRF node 60, cause NRF node 60 to operate in the manner described herein with respect to NRF node 60. For example, in some embodiments, the memory 64 of NRF node 60 may be configured to store program code or instructions that can be executed by the processing circuitry 62 of NRF node 60 to cause NRF node 60 to operate in accordance with the methods described herein with respect to NRF node 60. Alternatively or additionally, the memory 64 of NRF node 60 may be configured to store any information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, etc., described herein. The processing circuitry 62 of NRF node 60 may be configured to control the memory 64 of NRF node 60 to store the information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, etc., described herein.

[0053] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4As shown, NRF node 60 may optionally include a communication interface 66. The communication interface 66 of NRF node 60 may be connected to the processing circuitry 62 of NRF node 60 and / or the memory 64 of NRF node 60. The communication interface 66 of NRF node 60 may be operated to allow the processing circuitry 62 of NRF node 60 to communicate with the memory 64 of NRF node 60, and vice versa. Similarly, the communication interface 66 of NRF node 60 may be operated to allow the processing circuitry 62 of NRF node 60 to communicate with network nodes (e.g., a first NF node and / or a first SCP node), any second NF node, and / or any other node. The communication interface 66 of NRF node 60 may be configured to send and / or receive information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, etc., as described herein. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 62 of NRF node 60 may be configured to control the communication interface 66 of NRF node 60 to send and / or receive information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, etc., as described herein.

[0054] Although NRF node 60 is Figure 4 While shown as including a single memory 64, it will be understood that NRF node 60 may include at least one memory 64 (i.e., a single memory or multiple memories) operating in the manner described herein. Similarly, although NRF node 60 is shown as including a single memory 64, it may also include multiple memories operating in the manner described herein. Figure 4 While shown as including a single communication interface 66, it will be understood that the NRF node 60 may include at least one communication interface 66 (e.g., a single communication interface or multiple communication interfaces) operating in the manner described herein. It will also be understood that... Figure 4 Only the components required to illustrate an embodiment of NRF node 60 are shown, and in a real implementation, NRF node 60 may include additional or alternative components in addition to those shown.

[0055] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by NRF node 60 according to an embodiment. The method is used to process discovery requests in the network. Previous References Figure 4 The described NRF node 60 is configured according to Figure 5 The method can be executed by the processing circuitry 62 of the NRF node 60, or under the control of the processing circuitry 62 of the NRF node 60.

[0056] like Figure 5As shown in box 602, a discovery response is initiated to a network node that has previously initiated a discovery request to NRF node 60. As previously described, this network node is either a service consumer NF node or a first SCP node configured to operate as an SCP between a first NF node and at least one second NF node that is a service producer. In response to receiving the discovery request, a discovery response is initiated. The discovery request is a request for information indicating one or more second NF nodes for providing the service requested by the first NF node. The discovery response includes: first information indicating any second NF node identified as being used to provide the service; second information indicating whether the identification of any second NF node identified as being used to provide the service is based on a standard (i.e., whether the identification of any second NF node used to provide the service is based on a standard); and / or, if multiple second NF nodes are identified as being used to provide the service, third information indicating whether the multiple second NF nodes are prioritized according to a standard.

[0057] Here, the term "initiate" can mean, for example, causing or establishing. Therefore, the processing circuitry 62 of NRF node 60 can be configured to send a discovery response itself (e.g., via the communication interface 66 of NRF node 60), or can be configured to cause another node to send a discovery response.

[0058] Figure 6 Network nodes 10 and 20 according to an embodiment are shown. Network nodes 10 and 20 are used to process discovery responses in the network. Network nodes 10 and 20 may be a first NF node 20 of a service consumer or a first SCP node 10. The first SCP node 10 is configured to operate as an SCP between the first NF node 20 and a second NF node of at least one service producer. In some embodiments, network nodes 10 and 20 (e.g., the first SCP node 10 and / or the first NF node 20) may be, for example, physical machines (e.g., servers) or virtual machines (VMs). The first NF node 20 may be, for example, a user equipment (UE).

[0059] like Figure 6As shown, network nodes 10 and 20 include processing circuitry (or logic) 12. Processing circuitry 12 controls the operation of network nodes 10 and 20 and can implement the methods described herein for network nodes 10 and 20. Processing circuitry 12 can be configured or programmed to control network nodes 10 and 20 in the manner described herein. Processing circuitry 12 may include one or more hardware components, such as one or more processors, one or more processing units, one or more multi-core processors, and / or one or more modules. In certain embodiments, each of the one or more hardware components may be configured to perform, or be used to perform, one or more steps of the methods described herein for network nodes 10 and 20. In some embodiments, processing circuitry 12 may be configured to run software to perform the methods described herein for network nodes 10 and 20. According to some embodiments, the software may be containerized. Therefore, in some embodiments, processing circuitry 12 may be configured to run a container to perform the methods described herein for network nodes 10 and 20.

[0060] In short, the processing circuitry 12 of network nodes 10 and 20 is configured to receive discovery responses. NRF node 60 initiates the transmission of a discovery response to the network node in response to a discovery request. The discovery request is a request for information indicating one or more second NF nodes for providing the service requested by the first NF node 20. The discovery response includes: first information indicating any second NF node identified as being for providing the service; second information indicating whether the identification of any second NF node identified as being for providing the service is based on criteria; and / or, if multiple second NF nodes are identified for providing the service, third information indicating whether to prioritize these multiple second NF nodes according to criteria.

[0061] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, network nodes 10, 20 may optionally include memory 14. The memory 14 of network nodes 10, 20 may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. In some embodiments, the memory 14 of network nodes 10, 20 may include non-transitory media. Examples of the memory 14 of network nodes 10, 20 include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media such as hard disks, removable storage media such as CDs or DVDs, and / or any other memory.

[0062] The processing circuitry 12 of network nodes 10 and 20 may be connected to the memory 14 of network nodes 10 and 20. In some embodiments, the memory 14 of network nodes 10 and 20 may be used to store program code or instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry 12 of network nodes 10 and 20, cause network nodes 10 and 20 to operate in the manner described herein with respect to network nodes 10 and 20. For example, in some embodiments, the memory 14 of network nodes 10 and 20 may be configured to store program code or instructions that can be executed by the processing circuitry 12 of network nodes 10 and 20 to cause network nodes 10 and 20 to operate in accordance with the methods described herein with respect to network nodes 10 and 20. Alternatively or additionally, the memory 14 of network nodes 10 and 20 may be configured to store any information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, etc., described herein. The processing circuit 12 of network nodes 10 and 20 can be configured to control the memory 14 of network nodes 10 and 20 to store the information, data, messages, requests, responses, instructions, notifications, signals, etc. described herein.

[0063] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, network nodes 10 and 20 may optionally include a communication interface 16. The communication interface 16 of network nodes 10 and 20 may be connected to the processing circuitry 12 of network nodes 10 and 20 and / or the memory 14 of network nodes 10 and 20. The communication interface 16 of network nodes 10 and 20 may be operated to allow the processing circuitry 12 of network nodes 10 and 20 to communicate with the memory 14 of network nodes 10 and 20, and vice versa. Similarly, the communication interface 16 of network nodes 10 and 20 may be operated to allow the processing circuitry 12 of network nodes 10 and 20 to communicate with NRF node 60, any second NF node, and / or any other node, and / or allow the communication interface 16 of the first NF node 20 to communicate with the first SCP node 10, and / or allow the communication interface 16 of the first SCP node 10 to communicate with the first NF node 20. The communication interface 16 of network nodes 10 and 20 may be configured to send and / or receive information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, etc., as described herein. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 12 of network nodes 10 and 20 may be configured to control the communication interface 16 of network nodes 10 and 20 to send and / or receive information, data, messages, requests, responses, indications, notifications, signals, etc. as described herein.

[0064] Although network nodes 10 and 20 are in Figure 6 While shown as including a single memory 14, it will be understood that network nodes 10, 20 may include at least one memory 14 (i.e., a single memory or multiple memories) operating in the manner described herein. Similarly, although network nodes 10, 20 are shown as including a single memory 14, they may also include at least one memory 14 (i.e., a single memory or multiple memories) operating in the manner described herein. Figure 6While shown as including a single communication interface 16, it will be understood that network nodes 10, 20 may include at least one communication interface 16 (i.e., a single communication interface or multiple communication interfaces) operating in the manner described herein. It will also be understood that... Figure 6 Only the components required to illustrate the embodiments of network nodes 10, 20 are shown, and in actual implementations, network nodes 10, 20 may include additional or alternative components in addition to those shown.

[0065] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by network nodes 10 and 20 according to an embodiment. As previously described, network nodes 10 and 20 may be a first NF node 20, or a first SCP node 10 configured as an SCP operator between a first NF node 20 and a second NF node of at least one service producer. The method is used to process discovery responses in the network. Previous References Figure 6 The network nodes 10 and 20 described are configured according to Figure 7 The method can be executed by the processing circuit 12 of network nodes 10 and 20, or under the control of the processing circuit 12 of network nodes 10 and 20.

[0066] like Figure 7 As shown in box 102, a discovery response is received. NRF node 60 initiates a discovery response to the network node in response to the discovery request. The discovery request is a request for information indicating one or more second NF nodes used to provide the service requested by the first NF node 20. The discovery response includes: first information indicating any second NF nodes identified as being used to provide the service; second information indicating whether the identification of any second NF nodes identified as being used to provide the service is based on criteria; and / or, if multiple second NF nodes are identified as being used to provide the service, third information indicating whether to prioritize these multiple second NF nodes according to criteria.

[0067] The standards referred to herein may be standards associated with each second NF node 30. For example, the standards referred to herein may be characteristics (or attributes) of each second NF node 30. In some embodiments, the standards referred to herein may be defined in the configuration file of each second NF node 30. The standards referred to herein may also be referred to in the art as attributes or parameters. Examples of some standards include, but are not limited to, instances of each second NF node 30, service instances provided by each second NF node 30, priorities assigned to each second NF node 30, the location of each second NF node 30 (which may also be referred to in the art as location or proximity), the load on each second NF node 30, the capacity of each second NF node 30, and / or any other standard, or any combination of standards. In some embodiments, standards may be predefined (e.g., pre-configured in a policy or configuration file of each second NF node) or may be received in requests and / or responses at NRF node 60. In some embodiments, one standard may be predefined (e.g., pre-configured in a policy or configuration file of each second NF node) over any other standard (e.g., location over any other standard, or priority over any other standard, etc.).

[0068] In some embodiments, the standard may be any standard defined in 3GPP TS 29.510 V16.50 (e.g., any one or more standards defined in Table 6.1.6.2.2-1 of 3GPP TS 29.510 V16.50). The standard may include any one or more of the following standards:

[0069]

[0070]

[0071] In some embodiments, the standard may be any standard defined in Table 6.2.3.2.3.1-1 of 3GPP TS 29.510 V16.50, such as the following standards:

[0072]

[0073]

[0074] A method executed by a system is also provided. This method includes the methods described herein for network nodes 10 and 20, and the methods described herein for NRF node 60. A system is also provided, comprising at least one network node 10 or 20 as described herein and at least one NRF node 60 as described herein.

[0075] Figure 8This is a signaling diagram illustrating signal exchange in a system according to an embodiment. Figure 8 The system shown includes a first NF node 20 (“NFc”) serving consumers and an NRF node 60. Figure 8 The illustrated system may also optionally include a first SCP node 10 and / or a second NF node 30 (“NFp”) of the service producer. The first SCP node 10 is configured to operate as an SCP between the first NF node 20 and the second NF node 30. The second NF node 30 may be configured to provide service 40. The second NF node 30 may be part of a set of NF nodes of the service producer. In some embodiments, the entity may include the first SCP node 10 and the NRF node 60. That is, in some embodiments, the first SCP node 10 may be merged with the NRF node 60 into a combined entity. Although only one SCP node 10 and only one second NF node 30 are shown, Figure 8 The system shown may include one or more SCP nodes and / or one or more second NF nodes.

[0076] In some embodiments, the first SCP node 10 and the first NF node 20 may be deployed in separate deployment units, and / or the first SCP node 10 and any identified second NF node 30 may be deployed in separate deployment units. Therefore, SCP nodes based on separate deployment units are possible, as described in 3GPP TS 23.501V16.4.0. In other embodiments, the first SCP node 10 may be deployed as a distributed network element. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the first SCP node 10 (e.g., a service proxy) may be deployed in the same deployment unit as the first NF node 20, and / or a portion of the first SCP node 10 (e.g., a service proxy) may be deployed in the same deployment unit as any identified second NF node 30. Therefore, service mesh-based SCP nodes are possible, as described in 3GPP TS 23.501V16.4.0.

[0077] In some embodiments, at least one second SCP node can be configured to operate as an SCP between the first NF node 20 and the first SCP node 10, and / or at least one third SCP node can be configured to operate as an SCP between the first SCP node 10 and any identified second NF node 30. Therefore, multipathing of SCP nodes is possible. In some embodiments of these embodiments, one or more of the at least one second SCP node and at least one third SCP node, along with the first SCP node 10, can be deployed in separate deployment units. In some embodiments, at least one second SCP node and / or at least one third SCP node can be deployed as a distributed network unit.

[0078] Figure 8 This involves the discovery process performed between the first NF node 20 and the NRF node 60. For example... Figure 8 As indicated by arrow 400, the first NF node 20 sends a discovery request (“Nnrf_NFDisc req”) to the NRF node 60. The discovery request 400 can be sent directly from the first NF node 20 to the NRF node 60 (e.g., ...). Figure 8 As shown), or (for example, indirectly from the first NF node 20 to the NRF node 60 via the first SCP node 10). The NRF node 60 receives the discovery request 400. The discovery request 400 is a request for information indicating one or more second NF nodes 30 for providing the service 40 requested by the first NF node 20.

[0079] In some embodiments, the discovery request 400 may include a standard. This standard can be considered as input parameters for NRF node 60 discovery. The first NF node 20 may initiate the transmission of the discovery request 400 including the standard to indicate to the NRF node 60 that the standard takes precedence over any other standard (e.g., priority). This standard can be any of the previously mentioned standards, such as the location of each second NF node 30, the load on each second NF node 30, the capacity of each second NF node 30, and / or any other standard, or any combination of standards. For illustrative purposes, in Figure 8 In this context, the standard refers to the preferred location (e.g., preferred location = X) for one or more second NF nodes 30, but it will be understood that any other standard may be used. The NRF node 60 may or may not consider this standard when identifying any second NF node 30 to provide to the first NF node 20.

[0080] although Figure 8 Not shown, but in some embodiments, NRF node 60 may perform the step of identifying any second NF node 30 for providing services. If NRF node 60 supports the standard, identification can be based on that standard. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, if multiple second NF nodes 30 are identified, NRF node 60 may perform the step of prioritizing the multiple second NF nodes 30. If the multiple second NF nodes 30 allow prioritization according to the standard, prioritization can be performed according to the standard. Prioritization of the multiple second NF nodes 30 can be performed according to the standard by assigning a priority (e.g., a priority value) to each of the multiple second NF nodes 30 according to the standard. Thus, the multiple second NF nodes 30 can be sorted or ranked based on the standard.

[0081] For example, in embodiments where the standard includes the location of each second NF node 30, the multiple second NF nodes 30 can be prioritized according to the standard by assigning the highest priority (e.g., the lowest priority value) to one or more second NF nodes located at a predefined location. The predefined location can be, for example, a predefined geographical location, a predefined data center, or any other predefined location. In some embodiments, the predefined location can be the same location as the first NF node 20. For example, a second NF node 30 located at the same location as the first NF node 20 may be preferred over a second NF node 30 located at a different location from the first NF node 20. In some embodiments, the predefined location can be the location closest to the first NF node 20. In this way, signaling and latency in the system can be improved.

[0082] Alternatively or additionally, in embodiments where the standard includes the load on each second NF node 30, the multiple second NF nodes 30 can be prioritized according to the standard by assigning the highest priority (e.g., the lowest priority value) to one or more second NF nodes 30 with the lowest load. Alternatively or additionally, in embodiments where the standard includes the capacity of each second NF node 30, the multiple second NF nodes 30 can be prioritized according to the standard by assigning the highest priority (e.g., the lowest priority value) to one or more second NF nodes 30 with the largest available capacity.

[0083] like Figure 8 As indicated by arrow 402, NRF node 60 sends a discovery response (“Nn rf_NFDiscrsp”) to the network node, which in turn sends a discovery request to NRF node 60. This network node is... Figure 8 The first NF node 20 in the illustrated embodiment. The discovery response 402 can be sent directly from NRF node 60 to the first NF node 20 (e.g., Figure 8 As shown in the diagram), or (e.g., indirectly from NRF node 60 to first NF node 20 via first SCP node 10). Discovery response 402 includes first information indicating any second NF node 30 identified as being used to provide service 40. This first information may also be referred to as a discovery result. Figure 8As shown, in some embodiments, for any identified second NF node 30, the first information may include a configuration file of the second NF node. The configuration file of the second NF node may include information that allows the first NF node 20 to target the second NF node 30 (e.g., information that identifies the second NF node 30 (e.g., an identifier that identifies the second NF node 30, such as an NF instance identifier), location information of the second NF node 30 (e.g., NF instance location information), and / or any other such information).

[0084] In other embodiments, if no second NF node 30 is identified as being used to provide services, the first information may be an error message indicating that no second NF node 30 is identified as being used to provide services. In some embodiments, the error message may include a newly defined error code (i.e., an error code not yet associated with an error in the art). The newly defined error code may specifically indicate that no second NF node 30 is identified as being used to provide services. In other embodiments, the error message may include an existing error code (i.e., an error code already associated with another error in the art). However, in these embodiments, the error code may also be associated with information indicating that no second NF node 30 is identified as being used to provide services.

[0085] Advantageously, the discovery response 402 further includes: second information indicating whether to identify any second NF node 30 identified as being used to provide services based on criteria, and / or third information indicating whether to prioritize the multiple second NF nodes 30 according to criteria if multiple second NF nodes 30 are identified as being used to provide services. Therefore, the discovery response 402 includes new information. The second and / or third information may be used by the first NF node 20 when selecting one or more second NF nodes from any identified second NF nodes 30 to provide the services requested by the first NF node 20, and / or the second information may be used by the first NF node 20 in determining whether to initiate the search for one or more other second NF nodes 30 to provide services.

[0086] like Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, if NRF node 60 supports a standard, the second information may indicate the identification of any second NF node 30 identified as being used to provide services based on a standard (e.g., "preferred location"). Therefore, in some embodiments, the first NF node 20 may be notified whether NRF node 60 supports (or does not support) a standard.

[0087] Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, if the plurality of second NF nodes 30 allow priority allocation according to a standard (i.e., priority allocation is permitted according to a standard), then the third information may indicate priority allocation according to the standard for the plurality of second NF nodes 30. For example, if the plurality of second NF nodes 30 support changing (or modifying) the priority already assigned to at least one of the plurality of second NF nodes 30 to allow priority allocation according to a standard, then the plurality of second NF nodes 30 may allow priority allocation according to the standard. Therefore, in some embodiments, the first NF node 20 may be notified whether the plurality of second NF nodes 30 allow (or disallow) changing the priority already assigned to at least one second NF node to allow priority allocation according to a standard (e.g., "preferred position priority modification"). That is, the first NF node 20 may be notified whether the priority already assigned to at least one second NF node can be overwritten to allow priority allocation according to a standard. In this way, priority overwriting can be avoided in cases where it is not supported.

[0088] In some embodiments, priorities already assigned to at least one second NF node 30 can be allocated based on characteristics of that second NF node 30. This characteristic can be, for example, the role of the at least one second NF node 30 (e.g., whether the at least one second NF node 30 is active or inactive). In some of these embodiments, at least one active second NF node 30 may have been assigned the highest priority, and / or at least one inactive second NF node 30 may have been assigned the lowest priority. When the priorities already assigned to at least one second NF node 30 are used to identify the characteristics (e.g., role) of the at least one second NF node 30, changes to those priorities can be avoided.

[0089] For example, if at least one second NF node 30 requires priority to always take precedence over location, then that at least one second NF node 30 can instruct (e.g., as set in its configuration file) that changes to priorities already assigned to that at least one second NF node 30 are not allowed (e.g., "Preferred location priority modification" = not allowed). On the other hand, if at least one second NF node 30 allows location to take precedence over priority, then that at least one second NF node 30 can instruct (e.g., as set in its configuration file) that changes to priorities already assigned to that at least one second NF node 30 are allowed (e.g., "Preferred location priority modification" = allowed). In the example where at least one active second NF node 30 has already been assigned the highest priority, avoiding changes to that priority prevents traffic from reaching inactive second NF nodes 30 (in which case the traffic would be rejected).

[0090] although Figure 8 Not shown, but in some embodiments, NRF node 60 can obtain information indicating whether each of a plurality of second NF nodes 30 supports changes to allow prioritization of the plurality of second NF nodes 30 according to criteria (e.g., whether preferred position priority modification is allowed). For example, according to some embodiments, for at least one of the plurality of second NF nodes 30, information indicating whether the at least one second NF node supports changes can be obtained from the configuration file (e.g., service configuration file) of the at least one second NF node. Therefore, the configuration file of each second NF node 30 can be updated with new information to indicate whether the second NF node 30 supports changes. In the example, a first value (e.g., 1) can indicate that the second NF node 30 supports changes, while a second value (e.g., 0) can indicate that the second NF node 30 does not support changes. In this way, NRF node 60 is able to identify whether at least one second NF node 30 supports (or does not support) changes. In some embodiments, NRF node 60 can obtain information indicating whether each of the plurality of second NF nodes 30 supports changes from each of the plurality of second NF nodes 30. For example, each of multiple second NF nodes 30 can initiate the transmission of this information to NRF node 60, and NRF node 60 can receive the information.

[0091] In some embodiments, if the plurality of second NF nodes 30 support changes that allow prioritization of the plurality of second NF nodes 30 according to a standard, then the NRF node 60 may perform a step of changing (or modifying) the priority already assigned to at least one of the plurality of second NF nodes 30 to allow prioritization of the plurality of second NF nodes 30 according to a standard. Otherwise, if the plurality of second NF nodes 30 do not support changes that allow prioritization of the plurality of second NF nodes 30 according to a standard, then changing the priority already assigned to at least one second NF node can be avoided.

[0092] It is possible that at least one of the multiple second NF nodes 30 supports change, while the remaining second NF nodes do not. In this case, according to some embodiments, at least one second NF node among the multiple second NF nodes 30 may be in a different set of NF nodes (e.g., provided by different vendors) than the remaining second NF nodes among the multiple second NF nodes 30. Therefore, in some embodiments, at least two second NF nodes 30 may have different requirements regarding whether or not they support change. On the other hand, there may be a situation where all second NF nodes among the multiple second NF nodes 30 support change, or all second NF nodes among the multiple second NF nodes 30 do not support change. In order to allow prioritization of the multiple second NF nodes 30 according to a standard (making prioritization of the multiple second NF nodes 30 according to a standard possible), it may be necessary to change the priority already assigned to at least one second NF node among the multiple second NF nodes 30 (e.g., only one second NF node, multiple second NF nodes, or all second NF nodes).

[0093] Therefore, as Figure 8 As indicated by arrow 402, NRF node 60 sends a discovery response (“Nnrf_NFDisc rsp”) to first NF node 20, which in turn sends a discovery request to NRF node 60. Therefore, first NF node 20 receives the discovery response, which includes the previously described first information, the previously described second information, and / or the previously described third information.

[0094] although Figure 8Not shown, but in some embodiments, the first NF node 20 may perform the step of selecting one or more second NF nodes from any identified second NF nodes 30 using second and / or third information to provide the service requested by the first NF node 20. Based on the second and / or third information, the first NF node 20 is able to apply the most suitable criterion to select one or more second NF nodes 30. For example, the first NF node 20 may use a priority location when the NRF node 60 does not support it but one or more second NF nodes 30 do. Even if the discovery request 400 includes this criterion, the first NF node 20 may be notified that the discovery result did not consider the criterion (e.g., "preferred location"). This allows the first NF node 20 (based on the support of the second NF node 30) to consider whether the criterion is still the most applicable criterion.

[0095] The selection of one or more second NF nodes 30 as referred to in this document can be an initial selection (e.g., no one or more second NF nodes 30 have been selected before) or a subsequent selection (e.g., one or more second NF nodes 30 have been selected before). A subsequent selection can also be referred to as a reselection. Therefore, any reference to selection in this document can be either an initial selection or a reselection.

[0096] In some embodiments, if NRF node 60 supports a standard, or if NRF node 60 does not support a standard, and the plurality of second NF nodes 30 are not allowed to be prioritized according to a standard (i.e., the plurality of second NF nodes 30 are not allowed to be prioritized), then the first NF node 20 may select one or more second NF nodes 30 according to the priority assigned to each of the plurality of second NF nodes 30 after prioritizing the plurality of second NF nodes 30. In some embodiments of these embodiments, if the plurality of second NF nodes 30 are selected, the first NF node 20 may select a second NF node from the plurality of second NF nodes 30 according to a standard or another standard (e.g., at least one other (different) standard). In some cases, if the plurality of second NF nodes 30 do not support changing the priority already assigned to at least one of the plurality of second NF nodes 30 to allow prioritization of the plurality of second NF nodes 30 according to a standard, then the plurality of second NF nodes 30 may not allow prioritization of the plurality of second NF nodes 30 according to a standard (i.e., the plurality of second NF nodes 30 are not allowed to be prioritized).

[0097] Depend on Figure 8An example of a selection performed by the nodes according to these embodiments is shown below: NRF node 60 does indeed support a "preferred location," and NFp node 30 does indeed allow "preferred location priority modification." NRF node 60 provides a preferred result (with a changed priority) and notifies NFc node 20 that NRF node 60 does indeed support a "preferred location," and NFp node 30 does indeed allow "preferred location priority modification." NFc node 20 knows that the provided result takes location into account. NFc node 20 can then apply (re)selection to the provided result, first using the priority. The order of implementation for (re)selection is first location, then priority.

[0098] Depend on Figure 8 Another example of the selection performed by the nodes according to these embodiments is as follows: NRF node 60 does support "preferred position," and NFp node 30 does not allow "preferred position priority modification." NRF node 60 provides all results ignoring (with unchanged priority) "preferred positions" and informs NFc node 20 that NRF node 60 does support "preferred positions," and NFp node 30 does not allow "preferred position priority modification." NFc node 20 knows that the provided results do not take position into account, and NFp node 30 does not support this. NFc node 20 can first apply (re)selection among the provided results using priority, and can only (re)select among the provided results using position if multiple results with the same priority exist. The order of implementation for (re)selection is priority first, then position.

[0099] Depend on Figure 8 Another example of the selection performed by the nodes according to these embodiments is as follows: NRF node 60 does not support "preferred position," and NFp node 30 does not allow "preferred position priority modification." NRF node 60 provides all results ignoring "preferred position" (with unchanged priority) and informs NFc node 20 that NRF node 60 does not support "preferred position," and NFp node 30 does not allow "preferred position priority modification." NFc node 20 knows that the provided results do not take position into account, and NFp node 30 does not support this. NFc node 20 can first apply (re)selection among the provided results using priority, and can only (re)select among the provided results using position if multiple results with the same priority exist. The order of implementation for (re)selection is priority first, then position.

[0100] In some embodiments, if the NRF node 60 does not support the standard, and the plurality of second NF nodes 30 allow prioritization according to the standard, then the first NF node 20 may select one or more second NF nodes 30 according to the standard. In some embodiments of these embodiments, if multiple second NF nodes 30 are selected, the first NF node 20 may, after prioritizing the multiple second NF nodes 30, select one second NF node from the plurality of second NF nodes 30 according to the priority assigned to each of the one or more second NF nodes.

[0101] Depend on Figure 8 An example of the selection performed by the nodes according to these embodiments is shown below: NRF node 60 does not support "preferred position," and NFp node 30 allows "preferred position priority modification." NRF node 60 provides all results ignoring "preferred positions" (with unchanged priorities) and informs NFc node 20 that NRF node 60 does not support "preferred positions," and NFp node 30 allows "preferred position priority modification." NFc node 20 knows that the provided results do not take position into account, but NFp node 30 supports this. Nfc node 20 can first apply (re)selection using position among the provided results, and only if multiple results with the same position exist can NFc node 20 (re)select using priority among the provided results. In this case, NFc node 20 can (re)select based on position, even if NRF node 60 does not support this. The order of implementation for (re)selection is first position, then priority.

[0102] Any criterion mentioned herein can be used (alone or in combination with one or more other criteria) to select one or more second NF nodes 30 in the manner described herein. In some embodiments, priority and capacity criteria can be used to select one or more second NF nodes 30 in the same way that priority and weight are used for server selection as defined in IETF RFC 2782. For example, according to IETF RFC 2782, a client must attempt to reach a target host with the lowest priority number it can reach. Therefore, in some embodiments, a first NF node 20 can select one or more second NF nodes 30 with the lowest priority number. As described in IETF RFC 2782, target hosts with the same priority should be attempted in the order defined by the weight field. Therefore, in some embodiments, a first NF node 20 can select second NF nodes 30 with the same (e.g., lowest) priority in the order defined by the weight field.

[0103] As an alternative or addition to the selection of one or more previously described second NF nodes 30, in some embodiments, the first NF node 20 may perform the step of using second information to determine whether to initiate a process of searching for one or more second NF nodes for providing services. In some embodiments, the one or more other second NF nodes may include one or more previously identified second NF nodes 30, and / or one or more second NF nodes different from the previously identified one or more second NF nodes 30; for example, according to some embodiments, the one or more other second NF nodes may include each second NF node. In some embodiments, if first information indicates that no second NF node 30 is identified for providing services, and / or second information indicates that any second NF node 30 identified for providing services is not identified based on criteria, the first NF node 20 may initiate a process of searching for one or more other second NF nodes 30 for providing services. In some embodiments involving such a process, the process may include sending another discovery request to the NRF node 60. This other discovery request may be a request for information indicating one or more other second NF nodes 30 for providing services. In some embodiments, this other discovery request may be sent without criteria.

[0104] Although an example of initiating another discovery request has been mentioned, it will be understood that this is merely one example of a process that can discover one or more other second NF nodes, and any other means of discovering one or more other second NF nodes can be used. Those skilled in the art will recognize the various techniques that can be used for this purpose. In some embodiments, any of the criteria mentioned herein (e.g., capacity and / or priority criteria) can be used for load balancing.

[0105] Figure 9 This illustrates a signaling diagram of signal exchange in a system according to another embodiment. Except... Figure 9 The network node in the diagram is outside of the first SCP node 10, not the first NF node 20. Figure 9 The systems and corresponding technologies shown are as previously referenced. Figure 8 As stated above. Therefore, refer to... Figure 8 The steps described as being executed by the first NF node 20 are changed to be executed by Figure 9 The first SCP node 10 in the process is executed. For example, Figure 9 The discovery request 500 was initiated by the first SCP node 10, and Figure 9 The discovery response 502 was sent to the first SCP node 10. Therefore, the above description also applies. Figure 9 Replace any reference to "first NF node" with "first SCP node".

[0106] A computer program comprising instructions is also provided, which, when executed by processing circuitry (e.g., processing circuitry 12 of the previously described network nodes 10, 20, and / or processing circuitry 62 of the previously described NRF node 60), causes the processing circuitry to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. A computer program product embodied on a non-transitory machine-readable medium is provided, the computer program product comprising instructions executable by processing circuitry (e.g., processing circuitry 12 of the previously described network nodes 10, 20, and / or processing circuitry 62 of the previously described NRF node 60) to cause the processing circuitry to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. A computer program product comprising a carrier containing instructions for causing processing circuitry (e.g., processing circuitry 12 of the previously described network nodes 10, 20, and / or processing circuitry 62 of the previously described NRF node 60) to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, the carrier may be any of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, an electrical signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0107] In some embodiments, the network node functions and / or NRF node functions described herein may be implemented by hardware. Therefore, in some embodiments, any one or more of the network nodes 10, 20, and NRF node 60 described herein may be hardware nodes. However, it will also be understood that, optionally, at least some or all of the network node functions and / or NRF node functions described herein may be virtualized. For example, functions performed by any one or more of the network nodes 10, 20, and NRF node 60 described herein may be implemented in software running on general-purpose hardware configured to coordinate node functions. Therefore, in some embodiments, any one or more of the network nodes 10, 20, and NRF node 60 described herein may be virtual nodes. In some embodiments, at least some or all of the network node functions and / or NRF node functions described herein may be implemented in a cloud supporting the network functions. The network node functions and / or NRF node functions described herein may all be located in the same location, or at least some of the node functions may be distributed.

[0108] It will be understood that in some embodiments, at least some or all of the steps in the methods described herein may be automated. That is, in some embodiments, at least some or all of the steps in the methods described herein may be executed automatically. The methods described herein may be computer-implemented methods.

[0109] Therefore, in the manner described herein, an improved technique for processing discovery requests and discovery responses in a network is advantageously provided.

[0110] It should be noted that the above embodiments are illustrative and not limiting of the concept, and those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in the claims, and "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple, and a single processor or other unit can perform the functions of several units recited in the claims. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting their scope.

Claims

1. A method for handling discovery requests in a network, wherein, The method is performed by a Network Repository Function (NRF) node (60), and the method includes: In response to receiving the discovery request: A discovery response (102) is sent to a network node that initiated the discovery request to the NRF node (60), wherein the network node is a first network function NF node (20) for a service consumer, or a first SCP node (10) configured to operate as a service communication proxy (SCP) between the first NF node (20) and at least one second NF node (30) for a service producer. The discovery request is a request for information indicating one or more second NF nodes (30) for providing the services requested by the first NF node (20), and the discovery response includes: The first information indicates any second NF node (30) identified as being used to provide the service; and The second piece of information indicates whether the identification of any second NF node identified as being used to provide the service is based on a standard; and / or The third piece of information, if multiple second NF nodes (30) are identified as being used to provide the service, indicates whether the multiple second NF nodes (30) should be prioritized according to the criteria. in: If the NRF node (60) supports the standard, the second information indicates the identification of any second NF node (30) identified as being used to provide the service based on the standard; and / or If the plurality of second NF nodes (30) allow prioritization according to the criterion, then the third information indicates prioritization of the plurality of second NF nodes (30) according to the criterion, and If the plurality of second NF nodes (30) support changing the priority of at least one of the multiple second NF nodes (30) to allow priority allocation of the multiple second NF nodes (30) according to the standard, then the multiple second NF nodes (30) are allowed to be prioritized according to the standard.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The priority already assigned to the at least one second NF node is allocated based on whether the at least one second NF node is active or inactive.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method comprises: Obtain information indicating whether the plurality of second NF nodes (30) support changes to allow prioritization of the plurality of second NF nodes (30) according to the criteria.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: For at least one of the plurality of second NF nodes (30), information indicating whether the at least one second NF node supports changes is obtained from the configuration file of the at least one second NF node (30).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the method comprises: If the plurality of second NF nodes (30) support changes to allow priority allocation of the plurality of second NF nodes (30) according to the criteria, then the priority of at least one of the plurality of second NF nodes (30) already assigned is changed to allow priority allocation of the plurality of second NF nodes (30) according to the criteria.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: At least one of the plurality of second NF nodes (30) supports change, while the remaining second NF nodes (30) do not support change.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: At least one of the plurality of second NF nodes (30) is in a different NF node group than the remaining second NF nodes of the plurality of second NF nodes (30).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one second SCP node is configured to operate as an SCP between the first NF node (20) and the first SCP node (10); and / or At least one third SCP node is configured to operate as an SCP between the first SCP node (10) and any identified second NF node (30).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The first SCP node (10) is deployed in a separate deployment unit along with one or more of the at least one second SCP node and the at least one third SCP node; or The at least one second SCP node and / or the at least one third SCP node are deployed as distributed network units.

10. A network repository functional NRF node (60), comprising: The processing circuit (12) is configured to operate according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A method for handling discovery responses in a network, wherein, The method is performed by a network node, wherein the network node is a first network function (NF) node (20) for a service consumer, or a first SCP node (10) configured to operate as a service communication proxy (SCP) between the first NF node (20) and a second NF node (30) for at least one service producer, and the method includes: Receive a discovery response, wherein sending the discovery response to the network node is initiated by the Network Repository Function (NRF) node (60) in response to a discovery request. The discovery request is a request for information indicating one or more second NF nodes (30) for providing the services requested by the first NF node (20), and the discovery response includes: The first information indicates any second NF node (30) identified as being used to provide the service; and The second piece of information indicates whether any second NF node identified as being used to provide the service is based on a standard; and / or The third piece of information, if multiple second NF nodes (30) are identified as being used to provide the service, indicates whether the multiple second NF nodes (30) are prioritized according to the criteria. in: If the NRF node (60) supports the standard, the second information indicates the identification of any second NF node (30) identified as being used to provide the service based on the standard; and / or If the plurality of second NF nodes (30) allow priority allocation of the plurality of second NF nodes (30) according to the criterion, then the third information indicates priority allocation of the plurality of second NF nodes (30) according to the criterion, and wherein if the plurality of second NF nodes (30) support changing the priority of at least one of the plurality of second NF nodes (30) already assigned to allow priority allocation of the plurality of second NF nodes (30) according to the criterion, then the plurality of second NF nodes (30) allow priority allocation of the plurality of second NF nodes (30) according to the criterion.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The priority already assigned to the at least one second NF node is allocated based on whether the at least one second NF node is active or inactive.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: At least one of the plurality of second NF nodes (30) supports change, while the remaining second NF nodes (30) do not support change.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein: At least one of the plurality of second NF nodes (30) is in a different NF node group than the remaining second NF nodes of the plurality of second NF nodes (30).

15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the method comprises: Using the second information and / or the third information, one or more second NF nodes are selected from any identified second NF nodes (30) to provide the service requested by the first NF node (20); and / or The second information is used to determine whether to initiate a process of finding one or more other second NF nodes (30) to provide the service.

16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein: If the first information indicates that no second NF node (30) is identified as being used to provide the service, and / or the second information indicates that no second NF node is identified as being used to provide the service based on the criteria, then a process of finding one or more other second NF nodes (30) for providing the service is initiated.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: The process includes sending another discovery request to the NRF node (60), wherein the other discovery request is a request for information indicating one or more other second NF nodes (30) for providing the service.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein: The other discovery request was sent without the inclusion of the standard.

19. The method according to claim 15 or any one of claims 16 to 18 when dependent on claim 15, wherein: If the NRF node (60) supports the standard, or if the NRF node (60) does not support the standard, and the plurality of second NF nodes (30) are not allowed to prioritize the plurality of second NF nodes (30) according to the standard: After prioritizing the plurality of second NF nodes (30), the one or more second NF nodes are selected according to the priority assigned to each of the one or more second NF nodes.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: If multiple second NF nodes (30) are selected: A second NF node is selected from the plurality of second NF nodes (30) according to the stated standard or another standard.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein: If the plurality of second NF nodes (30) do not support changing the priority of at least one of the multiple second NF nodes (30) to allow priority allocation of the multiple second NF nodes (30) according to the criterion, then the multiple second NF nodes (30) are not allowed to be prioritized according to the criterion.

22. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 21, wherein: At least one second SCP node is configured to operate as an SCP between the first NF node (20) and the first SCP node (10); and / or At least one third SCP node is configured to operate as an SCP between the first SCP node (10) and any identified second NF node (30).

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein: The first SCP node (10) is deployed in a separate deployment unit along with one or more of the at least one second SCP node and the at least one third SCP node; or The at least one second SCP node and / or the at least one third SCP node are deployed as distributed network units.

24. A network node (10, 20), comprising: The processing circuit (12) is configured to operate according to any one of claims 11 to 23.

25. A method executed by a system, the method comprising: The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9; as well as The method according to any one of claims 11 to 23.

26. A system comprising: At least one NRF node (60) as described in claim 10; as well as At least one network node (10, 20) as described in claim 24.

27. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and / or any one of claims 11 to 23.

28. A computer program product embodied on a non-transitory machine-readable medium, comprising instructions executable by processing circuitry to cause the processing circuitry to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and / or any one of claims 11 to 23.

Images