Method and apparatus for requesting and providing network analysis data

Abstract

a transmitter configured to send a request for data analysis information to a network function that provides network analysis, the transmitter being a network function requesting network analysis, the request for data analysis information including an identification of a further network function and / or an indication of data analysis related to the requested further network function; and a receiver configured to receive a response to the data analysis request from the received network function, the response to the data analysis request from the network function that provides network analysis including a data analysis related to the further network function or a rejection; the request for data analysis information being a query for data analysis information and the response being an answer, or the request for data analysis information being a subscription for data analysis information and the response including one or more notifications, the transmitter further configured to send the request via a first network to a network function that provides network analysis of a second network, the first network and the second network being different networks, and / or the receiver further configured to receive a response via the first network from a network function that provides network analysis of a second network, the first network and the second network being different networks.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Various aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to requesting and providing network analysis data. Summary of the Invention

[0002] A communication network provides functions such as virtual networks and slices that are designed to provide a desired level of quality of service. To achieve such a level of service, network functions within a communication network need to be able to share information or network functions, such as the load of slices in the communication network and / or the available network bandwidth, within and across the communication network. More generally, network functions may need to share statistical and predictive data about the communication network and network analysis data, which may include how the load may be distributed across the network at a given time.

[0003] To this extent, communication networks may use special network functions, such as Network Data Analytics Functions (NWDAFs), which may initially support the collection of network load and other service quality indicators within a single communication network, and sometimes only within a single segment of a communication network, but may not provide any support across different communication networks managed by different organizations and operators, or across segments of the same communication network.

[0004] Thus, what is needed is an approach that allows for the sharing of network analysis information across network boundaries and / or across administrative domains within the network boundaries to provide expected service levels across a communication network. Such an approach would allow a network operator or other third party entity to monitor the entire communication channel from a service provider to a service customer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] WO 2019 / 158777 Al (NEC Laboratories Europe GMBH IDE) August 22, 2019 (2019-08-22) [Patent Document 2] US 2018 / 262924 Al (DAO NGOC DUNG ICA) ET AL) September 13, 2018 (2018-09-13) [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] 3GPP TS 23.288 VO.5.O: ''Architecture enhancement for 5G System for subsor network data analytics services (Release 16)''; 3GPP Standard; Technical Specification; 3RD GENERATION PARTNERSHIP PROJECT (3GPP); June 3, 2019 (2019-06-03) Non-patent document 1 discloses procedures to support data analytics in 5G mobile networks.

[0007] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for expanding the functionality of NWDAF.

[0008] Patent document 2 discloses a method for improving policy optimization methods in communication networks by utilizing information stored by the NWDAF.

[0009] Various embodiments provide a communications terminal.The invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0010] A network function requesting network analysis comprising: a transmitter configured to send a request for data analysis information to a network function providing network analysis, the request for data analysis information including an identification of a further network function and an indication of the data analysis related to the requested further network function; a receiver configured to receive a response to the request for data analysis from the receiving network function, the response to the request for data analysis from the network function providing network analysis including the data analysis related to the further network function; and a receiver, wherein the request is a query for data analysis information, the response is a response to data analysis information, or the response is a response to data analysis information, the response is a subscription to data analysis information, and the response includes one or more notifications. The features described in this paragraph provide a fifth example.

[0011] For example, the request for data analysis information further includes a single network slice selection identifier of the further network function and / or network function details, and the response to the request for data analysis further includes a single network slice selection identifier of the network function indicated by the network function details and / or a slice load value of the slice indicated by the NF load. In combination with the first embodiment, the features mentioned in this paragraph provide a second embodiment.

[0012] Illustratively, the request for data analysis information further includes authorization information.The features described in this section in combination with the features of the first or second embodiment provide a third embodiment.

[0013] By way of example, at least one of the network functions requesting network analysis and providing network analysis is a network data analysis function and / or a component of the NWDAF and / or one or more NWDAF services. The features described in this section in combination with any one of the features of the first through third examples provide a fourth example.

[0014] By way of example, the receiver is further configured to receive a request for data analysis information from the originating network function, the request for data analysis information including an identification of the further network function and an indication of data analysis relating to the requested further network function, and the transmitter is further configured to transmit the request for data analysis to the network function for providing the network analysis function. The features described in this section in combination with the features of any one of the first to fourth embodiments provide a fifth example.

[0015] As an example, the present invention includes a storage unit configured to store data analytics related to at least the originating network function, a processor configured to process data analytics related to at least the originating network function, and a transmitter configured to transmit a response to the request for data analytics from the originating network function to the originating network function, the response to the request for data analytics including or rejecting the data analytics for the originating network function by the processor. The features described in this section, in combination with the features of the fifth embodiment, provide a sixth embodiment.

[0016] As an example, the discovery processor may configure a sender to send a request for the receiving network function to the network repository function and / or the service communication proxy, and configure a receiver to receive a response from the network repository function and / or the service communication proxy, where the response from the network repository function and / or the service communication proxy includes an indication of the receiving network function. The features described in this section in combination with any one of the features of the first to sixth embodiments provide a seventh example.

[0017] As an example, the transmitter is further configured to send the request to the network function via the first network and provide network analysis in the second network, the first network and the second network being different networks. The features described in this section in combination with the features of any one of the first to seventh examples provide an eighth example.

[0018] Illustratively, the first network is either a public land mobile network and / or a private network and / or an administrative domain of the network, and the second network is either a public land mobile network and / or a private network and / or an administrative domain of the network. The features described in this section are combined with the features of the eighth embodiment to provide a ninth embodiment.

[0019] Illustratively, the first network is a home public land mobile network and the second network is a visiting public land mobile network, or the first network is a visiting public land mobile network and the second network is a home public land mobile network. In combination with features of the eighth or ninth embodiment, the features mentioned in this paragraph provide a tenth embodiment.

[0020] A network function that provides network analysis, comprising: a receiver configured to receive a request for data analysis or a subscription for data analysis information from a network function requesting network analysis, the request for data analysis information including an identification of an additional network function and an indication of data analysis related to the requested additional network function, a storage device configured to store data analysis related to at least the additional network function, a processor configured to process data analysis related to at least the additional network function, and a transmitter configured to transmit a response to the request for data analysis from the network function to the data analysis information, the response to the request for data analysis including a data analysis response for the additional network function retrieved by the processor function, the request is a query for data analysis information and the response is a response, or the request is a subscription for data analysis information and the response includes one or more notifications. The features described in this paragraph provide an eleventh example.

[0021] For example, the request for data analysis information further includes a single network slice selection identifier and / or network function details of the additional network function, and the response to the request for data analysis further includes a slice load value and / or an NF load of the network function indicated by the network function details. The features described in this section may be combined with the features of the eleventh example to provide a twelfth example.

[0022] By way of example, the request for the data analysis information further includes authorization information, the processor is further configured to verify the authorization information and to stop retrieving the data analysis related to the further network function from the storage if verification of the authorization information fails, and the transmitter is further configured to transmit a refusal if verification of the authorization information fails. The features described in this section may be combined with the features of the eleventh or twelfth embodiment to provide a thirteenth embodiment.

[0023] By way of example, at least one of the network function requesting network analysis and the network function providing network analysis is a network data analysis function. The features described in this section may be combined with the features of any one of the eleventh to thirteenth examples to provide a fourteenth example.

[0024] As an example, the receiver is further configured to receive a request for data analysis from the network function to request a network analysis indicative of the originating network function, the transmitter is configured to transmit a response to the request for data analysis from the network function to the data analysis information, the response to the request for data analysis including data analysis related to the further network functions retrieved by the processor or rejection, and the transmitter is further configured to transmit a response to the request for data analysis from the network function to the network function, the response to the request for data analysis including data analysis related to the further network functions retrieved by the processor or rejection. The features described in this section may be combined with the features of any one of the eleventh to fourteenth examples to provide a fifteenth example.

[0025] For example, the transmitter is further configured to send a data collection request to an operation, administration and maintenance (OAM) system and / or a status subscriber, and the receiver is configured to receive the data collection request from the operation, administration and maintenance system and / or the status subscriber. The features described in this section may be combined with any one of the features of the eleventh to fifteenth embodiments to provide a sixteenth embodiment.

[0026] As an example, the transmitter is further configured to transmit a response to the network function requesting the network analysis of the second network via the first network, the first network and the second network being different networks. The features described in this section may be combined with any one of the features of the eleventh to sixteenth examples to provide a seventeenth example.

[0027] Illustratively, the first network is either a public land mobile network and / or a private network of the network and / or an administrative domain, and the second network is either a public land mobile network and / or a private network of the network and / or an administrative domain. The features described in this section may be combined with the features of the seventeenth embodiment to provide an eighteenth embodiment.

[0028] For example, the first network is a home public land mobile network and the second network is a visiting public land mobile network, or the first network is a visiting public land mobile network and the second network is a home public land mobile network. The features described in this section may be combined with the features of the seventeenth or eighteenth embodiment to provide a nineteenth embodiment.

[0029] A method of requesting network analysis, comprising: sending a request for data analysis information to a network function that provides network analysis, the request for data analysis information including an identification of a further network function and an indication of the data analysis related to the requested further network function; and receiving a response to the request for data analysis from the receiving network function, the response to the request for data analysis from the network function that provides network analysis including the response to the data analysis for the data analysis related to the further network function, the request being a query for data analysis information and the response being a response, or the request being a subscription for data analysis information and the response including one or more notifications. The features mentioned in this paragraph provide a twentieth example.

[0030] For example, the request for data analysis information further includes a single network slice selection identifier and / or network function details of the further network function, and the response to the request for data analysis further includes a slice load value and / or an NF load of the network function indicated by the network function details. The features mentioned in this paragraph, in combination with the features of the twentieth example, provide a twenty-first example.

[0031] For example, the request for data analysis information further includes authorization information. The features mentioned in this paragraph may be combined with the features of the twentieth or twentieth embodiment to provide a twenty-second embodiment.

[0032] For example, the network function providing network analysis is a network data analysis function. The features mentioned in this section may be combined with any one of the features of the twentieth to twentieth embodiments to provide a twenty-third embodiment.

[0033] By way of example, the receiving further includes receiving a request for data analysis information from the originating network function, the request for data analysis information including an identification of the further network function and an indication of the data analysis for the requested further network function, and sending the request for data analysis to the network function providing the network analysis and further indicating the originating network function. The features mentioned in this section may be combined with any one of the features of the twentieth to twentieth embodiments to provide a twenty-fourth embodiment.

[0034] As an example, the method includes storing a data analysis associated with at least the originating network function, processing the data analysis associated with at least the originating network function, and transmitting a response to the request for data analysis from the originating network function to the originating network function, the response to the request for data analysis including a data analysis or a rejection of the search for the originating network function by the processor. The features described in this section are combined with the example of feature 20-4 to provide a 25th example.

[0035] Illustratively, the discovery process includes sending a discovery request for a receiving network function to a network repository function and receiving a response from the network repository function, the response from the network repository function including an indication of the receiving network function. The features mentioned in this paragraph may be combined with any one of the features of the twentieth to twentieth examples to provide a twenty-sixth example.

[0036] Illustratively, sending a request via a first network to a network function providing network analysis in a second network, the first network and the second network being different networks. The features mentioned in this paragraph may be combined with any one of the features of the twentieth to twenty-sixth examples to provide a twenty-seventh example.

[0037] Illustratively, the first network is either a public land mobile network and / or a private network of networks and / or an administrative domain, and the second network is either a public land mobile network and / or a private network of networks and / or an administrative domain. The features described in this paragraph in combination with the features of the 207th example provide a 28th example.

[0038] Illustratively, the first network is a home public land mobile network and the second network is a visiting public land mobile network, or the first network is a visiting public land mobile network and the second network is a home public land mobile network. Features described in this section may be combined with features of examples of the 207th or 208th reciprocal to provide an example of the 29th reciprocal.

[0039] 11. A method of providing network analytics, comprising: receiving a request for data analytics information from a network function, the request for data analytics information including an identification of a further network function and an indication of the data analytics related to the requested further network function, storing data analytics related to at least the further network function, processing data analytics related to at least the further network function retrieved from the storage, and transmitting a response to the request for data analytics from the network function to the data analytics information, the response to the request for data analytics including a response to the request for the data analytics related to the further network function retrieved by the processor or rejection, the request for data analytics information being a query for data analytics information and the response being a response, or the request being a subscription for data analytics information and the response including one or more notifications. The features mentioned in this paragraph provide a thirtieth example.

[0040] By way of example, the request for data analysis information further includes a single network slice selection identifier and / or network function details of the further network function, and the response to the request for data analysis further includes a slice load value and / or NF load of the network function indicated by the network function details. In combination with the features of the thirtieth example, the features mentioned in this paragraph provide a thirtieth example.

[0041] By way of example, the request for the data analysis information further includes authorization information, the processing step further includes verifying the authorization information and stopping retrieval from the storage of the data analysis associated with the further network function if verification of the authorization information fails, and the sending step further includes sending a rejection if verification of the authorization information fails. In combination with features of the 30th or 30th first embodiment, the features mentioned in this section provide a 30th embodiment.

[0042] By way of example, the network function requesting network analysis is a network data analysis function. A feature mentioned in this paragraph in combination with any one of the features of the embodiments of paragraphs 30 to 30 provides an embodiment of paragraph 30.

[0043] As an example, the receiving step further includes the steps of receiving a request for data analysis from the network function to request a network analysis indicative of the originating network function, transmitting a response to the request for data analysis from the network function to the data analysis information, transmitting the response to the request for data analysis from the network function to the data analysis information, transmitting the response to the request for data analysis from the processor function to the data analysis information, transmitting the response to the request for data analysis from the network function to the originating network function, transmitting the response to the request for data analysis from the processor function to the data analysis information, and transmitting the response to the request for data analysis to the further network function for data analysis. The features mentioned in this section may be combined with any one of the features of the thirtieth to thirtieth embodiments to provide a thirtieth embodiment.

[0044] As an example, the method further includes the steps of sending a data collection request to an operations, management and maintenance system and sending a status subscription to a network repository function, receiving a data collection request from the operations, management and maintenance system, and receiving a status subscription from the network repository function. The features referred to in paragraph 30 are combined with the features of the thirty-fourth example to provide a thirtieth example.

[0045] For example, the sending step further includes sending the response via the first network to a network function requesting network analysis of the second network, the first network and the second network being different networks.The features mentioned in this paragraph may be combined with any one of the features of the embodiments in paragraphs 30 to 30 to provide the embodiments in paragraphs 30 to 6.

[0046] Examples include where the first network is a public land mobile network and / or a private network and / or administrative domain of the network, and the second network is a public land mobile network and / or a private network and / or administrative domain of the network. The features mentioned in this paragraph are combined with the features of the 30th to 6th examples to provide the 30th to 7th examples.

[0047] For example, the first network is a home public land mobile network and the second network is a visiting public land mobile network, or the first network is a visiting public land mobile network and the second network is a home public land mobile network. Features described in this section may be combined with features of the 306th or 30th seventh examples to provide the 30th eighth example. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0048] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. In the following description, various embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following drawings: [Figure 1] An example of serving devices across network boundaries is provided. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates an example scenario having multiple communication networks. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a basic pattern of interaction between any network functions with respect to network analysis. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an example embodiment of network analysis synchronization between NWDAFs across PLMN boundaries. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates an example embodiment of network analysis synchronization between NWDAFs across PLMN boundaries. [Figure 6]1 illustrates an example process for detecting NWDAF within a network or across network boundaries. [Figure 7] 13 illustrates an embodiment in which a NF of a VLPLM can discover and query the NWDAF of a HPLMN. [Figure 8] 13 illustrates an embodiment in which an NF of an HLPLM can discover and query an NWDAF of a VPLMN. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates an embodiment in which the NWDAF of the HLPLM can discover and query the NWDAF of the VPLMN. [Figure 10] An embodiment is shown in which an NF in a VPLMN queries the NWDAF of a VPLMN, which in turn discovers and queries the NWDAF of a HPLMN. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a network illustrating example interactions provided between an NWDAF across an NPN and a PLMN. [Figure 12] A further refinement of the embodiment of FIG. 11 is shown in which the network function NF can cross network boundaries without the intervention of any NWDAF. [Figure 13] 1 illustrates an embodiment that includes a network exposure function (NEF). [Figure 14] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a serving network function that requests network analysis and a network function that provides network analysis. [Figure 15] 1 illustrates an exemplary method for requesting a network analysis. [Figure 16] 1 illustrates an exemplary method for providing network analysis. [Figure 17] 1 illustrates an exemplary roaming scenario across networks. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] The following detailed description refers, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show specific details and embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. Other aspects may be utilized, and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The various aspects of the present disclosure are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some aspects of the present disclosure may be combined with one or more other aspects of the present disclosure to form new aspects.

[0050] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs.

[0051] Figure 1 illustrates an example provisioning of services to devices across network boundaries. Specifically, the embodiment of Figure 1 illustrates an Application Function (AF) (115) that can provide a service S over an example Private Network (NPN) 113. In some example embodiments, the service provided by AF 115 may be a vehicle-related service such as engine monitoring and network 113 may be an NPN provided by the vehicle's manufacturer, while in other example embodiments, AF 115 may provide services dedicated to mobile workers and NPN 113 may be a network provided by the company that employs the mobile workers.

[0052] In some embodiments, the AF 115 may be a component of the network 113, in other words a network function (NF) or a network function service, or one or more network services, which may be provided by the same organization that provides the NPN 113. In other embodiments, the NF 113 may be provided by a third party operator independent of the organization that provides the NPN 113. From the perspective of the present invention, the NF 113 should be considered a network function NF.

[0053] In the FIG. 1 embodiment, NPN 113 may be connected to other networks, such as Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) 107, which may be connected to PLMN 103.

[0054] Exemplary device 101 may be connected to PLMN 103. In an exemplary embodiment, device 101 may be a user device, such as a mobile phone, or an M2M device, or a controller of a connected vehicle, or any type of connected device. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, device 101 may roam from PLMN 107 to PLMN 103. In other words, network PLMN 103 may be a Visiting PLMN (VPLMN) of device 101, and network 107 may be a Home PLMN (HPLMN) of device 101.

[0055] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the services provided by the AF 115 may be provided to the device 101, in other words, the AF 115 may be considered as a service provider and the device 101 may be considered as a service consumer. Since the provision of the service may have strict service provisioning, such service provisioning may require the provisioning of network slices across the networks 113, 107, 103. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the indicator 111 may indicate a portion of such a slice in the PLMN 113, the indicator 109 may indicate a portion of such a slice in the PLMN 107, and the indicator 105 may indicate a portion of a slice in the PLMN 103. In addition, the indicator 117 may indicate that the AF 115 is connected to the slice 111, and the indicator 119 may indicate that the device 101 is connected to the slice 105.

[0056] Networks and slices are complex constructs, and thus networks such as NPNs and PLMNSs may require multiple Network Functions (NFs) that may be connected to different functions that may be required for different aspects, such as network and slice creation, maintenance, monitoring, etc. In FIG. 1, exemplary NFs are shown as labels 121, 123, 125. In some embodiments, NF 121 may be an Access Mobility Function (AMF), NF 123 may be a Session Management Function (SMF), and NF 125 may be a Network Data analytic function (NWDAF). Those skilled in the art of communications networks will readily recognize that NFs 121, 123, 125 are purely exemplary, and that the functionality of each of networks 103, 107, and 113 requires coordination of multiple NFs to maintain proper connectivity in each of the networks, as well as to perform all functions required for slicing, roaming, and more generally, modification functions of each network.

[0057] The quality of service provided by the AF 115 experienced by the device 101 may depend on the quality of service provided by each of the slices 105, 109, and 111. Indeed, if one of the slice segments, for example slice 109, has a poor quality of service, the quality of service experienced by the device 101 may be poorer independently of the quality provided by slices 105 and 111. Furthermore, the quality of service of slices 105, 109, and 111 may depend on the load and operating conditions of any one of the NFs that enable slices 105, 109, and 111.

[0058] A network operator or other third party entity, or simply a network function, wishing to provide some guarantee regarding the quality of service provided by a service provider such as AF 115 experienced by a service consumer such as device 101 may need to ensure that all relevant slices provide the desired quality of service, which may require monitoring the quality of service provided by slices 105, 109 and 111 and may also monitor the operating conditions of NFs such as NFs 123, 121, 125 that implement such slices.

[0059] The first step towards monitoring the quality of services provided by NFs and slices is to define an architecture and protocols for the collection and analysis of data regarding the status of any NF in the network.

[0060] An example scenario having multiple communication networks is shown in Figure 2. In the embodiment of Figure 2, 207 is a communication network such as a PLMN or NPN, which may be connected to other networks such as another PLMN or NPN 203.

[0061] An exemplary device 201 may be connected to a network 203. In some exemplary embodiments, device 201 is a user equipment (UE), which may be a mobile phone, or an M2M device, or a controller in a connected vehicle, or any type of connected device.

[0062] In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2, device 201 may roam in network 203 from network 207. In other words, network 203 may be a visited network and network 207 may be the home network of device 201, network 203 may be a visited NPN 201 and network 207 may be the home NPN of device 201. In another exemplary embodiment of Figure 2, device 201 may roam in PLMN 203 from NPN 207.

[0063] Figure 17 illustrates an exemplary roaming scenario across networks. In the embodiment of Figure 3, 1707 is a communications network such as a home network (HPLMN) connected to other visited networks (VPLMN) 1703, 1731.

[0064] An exemplary device 1701 may be connected to a network 1703. In some exemplary embodiments, the device 1701 may be a user equipment (UE) such as a mobile phone, or an M2M device, or a controller in a connected vehicle, or any type of connected device.

[0065] In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 17, device 1701 may roam in network 1703 from network 17031. In other words, network 1703 may be a visited network (VPLMN#2) and network 1731 may be another visited network (VPLMN#1) and may be the device's home network (HPLMN) 1707. In another exemplary embodiment of Figure 3, device 1701 may roam from PLMN 1731 to PLMN 1.

[0066] 3 illustrates example embodiments 300, 310 and 320 of a basic pattern of interaction between any network functions regarding network analysis. In example embodiment 300, NWDAF 301 collects status data from any network function NF 303, e.g., AMF, SMF, etc. Such data collection may be performed via messages of type Nnf, which corresponds to Namf_service_name if it refers to an AMF, and data flows from NF 313 to the requesting NWDAF 311.

[0067] In the example embodiment 310, the NWDAF 311 may provide network analysis of any network function NF 313. Such data provisioning may be performed via messages of type Nnwdaf 315.

[0068] In the example embodiment 320, the NWDAF provides network analytics to an optional network function NF 323, where network analytics data provisioning is performed via a subscription protocol of type Nnwdaf_AnalyticSubscription, where the NWDAF 321 first receives a subscription request from the NF 323 and responds with one or more notifications with updates related to the query.

[0069] Examples of network analysis may include load analysis, user data congestion analysis, slice analysis, service experience analysis, network and / or slice performance analysis, and QoS prediction, etc.

[0070] The NF load analysis may include statistics and / or predictions regarding the load of the NF for which the load analysis is requested, or the load analysis may relate to the load of network functions and their services, such as the AMF, N3IWF, SMF, and PCF serving a particular device, such as a UE.

[0071] User data congestion related analysis relates to congestion experienced when transferring user data over the control plane or user plane. Such analysis may include the type of data, i.e., whether user plane or control plane data is requested, the congestion level, and the time window to which the data may refer. The congestion data may refer to Radio Access Network (RAN) congestion, in other words congestion notifications in one or more areas as determined by Tracking Area Lists (TAI) or in one or more cells as determined by Cell Identification (cell ID).

[0072] The slice analysis may include slice load information such as load levels and thresholds.

[0073] The above embodiments and further embodiments below refer to a network function and an NWDAF. These embodiments should be understood in the context of preferred embodiments of the present invention. In general, the NWDAF may be considered an example of a network function and / or a component / module of an NWDAF that provides network analysis, while other network functions may be considered network functions that request network analysis.

[0074] Additionally, the above embodiments and further embodiments below refer to exemplary message types such as Nnf, Nnwdaf, and Nnwdaf_AnalyticSubscription, etc. Such references should be understood as examples of message types implementing a query / response-like message exchange where a query for network data analysis information is followed by a response for the requested network data analysis information, or a subscription for network data analysis information is followed by one or more notifications or updates for the requested network data analysis information.

[0075] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the provisioning of data analysis may be conditioned on the authorization of the requester. Thus, a requester of network analysis information, such as the NWDAF 301, NF 313, and NF 323, may include request authorization information, such as credentials, in an information request message or subscription message indicating the requester's authorization to receive the requested network analysis information. If the information requester is not authorized, the information provider, such as the NF 303, NWDAF 311, 321, may include a denial message in the response or notification and may not include the network analysis information. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the functionality of the NWDAF may be provided by multiple different network services, which may operate independently or may be coordinated.

[0076] 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of analytics synchronization between NWDAFs. In embodiment 400, NWDAF#1 401 can request NWDAF#2 403 to provide analytics data, for example by sending a message 405 of type "Nnwdaf_Analyticssync_Request". NWDAF#2 can then respond with a response message 407 of type "Nnwdaf_Analyticssync_Response" in which the requested analytics are provided.

[0077] In embodiment 310, NWDAF#1 401 can issue a subscription request 415 of type "Nnwdaf_Analyticssync_Subscription Request" that indicates to NWDAF#2 that the first registry, NWDAF#1, would like to be notified of updates, such as load information for a given NF or slice, so that the first registry, NWDAF#1, can provide the requested information. NWDAF#2 can issue one or more notifications 417, 419 of type "Nnwdaf_Analyticssync_Subscription Response" regarding changes in analytics data related to the subscription request 415. The process of providing updates ends with receiving an "Nnwdaf_Analyticssync_unsubscribe Request" 421.

[0078] The "Nnwdaf_Analyticssync_SubscriptionRequest" 415 may contain multiple triggers for updates, and in some embodiments the triggers may lead to providing an update only if the corresponding value exceeds a given threshold, such as an increase of more than 10%, and in other embodiments, or simply to providing an update only if the increase step exceeds a given amount, other triggers may be to provide an update temporally, such as every 20 minutes, and other triggers may be based on complex conditions that may include multiple parameters of different types.

[0079] If network analysis information across network boundaries is required, direct synchronization between NWDAFs may be required. An embodiment of such a network boundary may be an administrative domain within the same PLMN. In such an embodiment, each administrative domain may be characterized by a set of network functions and at least one NWDAF that collects status information for one or more NFs in the administrative domain.

[0080] Any slicing or communication across administrative domains may involve NFs from different administrative domains, in which case NFs in one administrative domain may need to collect information about NFs that reside in other administrative domains.

[0081] One way to address such cases is to simply interface the NWDAF across administrative domains. In such a case, any NF in one domain can interact with an NWDAF in that domain, which in turn can interact with an NWDAF in the other domain, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 4. As a result, information such as the loading of NFs can be made available on both sides of the administrative domain.

[0082] 5 illustrates an example embodiment of network analysis synchronization between NWDAFs across PLMN boundaries, including a first PLMN, i.e., PLMN#1 500, and a second PLMN, i.e., PLMN#2 510. PLMN#1 may include a first NWDAF 509 that collects network analysis data regarding network functions in PLMN#1, which may include an example Network Repository Function (NRF) 501, an example Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) 503, and an example AMF or SMF or UPF 505. PLMN#2 may include a second NWDAF 519 that collects network analysis data from network functions in PLMN#2, which may include an example Network Repository Function NRF 511, and an example Network Slice Selection Function NSSF 513, and an example AMF or SMF or UPF 515.

[0083] The NWDAFs 509 and 519 may synchronize network analysis information regarding NFs in each other's PLMNs according to the general schema described in Figure 4, e.g., on a per UE, per slice, per session, per NF, or per PLMN basis. Furthermore, the collection of information may be proactive, in other words, one NWDAF, e.g., NWDAF 509, may periodically collect information from the other NWDAF 519 without a request from any NF in PLMN#1 500, or may collect reactively, e.g., via an explicit analysis request from any NF in PLMN#1 500.

[0084] 6 illustrates an example process for discovering an NWDAF within a network or across network boundaries, such as in the case of roaming. In FIG. 6, 601 indicates that the NWDAF discovery process may be initiated by a network function NF (which may need network analysis information about other network functions) or by the NWDAF (which may need to perform network analysis synchronization / collection with discovered NWDAFs), for example, as illustrated in connection with FIG. 5.

[0085] An NWDAF may be discovered through local configuration, or through a discovery process that includes a query to an NRF, such as exemplary NRF 603, and / or through a Service Communication Proxy (SCP). Such a query may be a discovery request message 605 of type “Nnrf_NFDdiscovery_Request” directed from the NRF or NWDAF 601 to the NRF 603.

[0086] The NRF 603 may respond to the discovery request with a discovery response message 607 of type “Nnrf_NFDdiscovery_Response” directed to the NRF or NWDAF 501.

[0087] If multiple instances of the NWDAF are deployed in the network, multiple NWDAFs may be discovered. The NWDAF selection function in the NF or NWDAF 601 can select the required NWDAF based on factors such as the Single Network Slice Selection Identifier (S-NSSAI), analysis ID, NWDAF service area information, e.g., a list of TAIs associated with the analysis generated by the NWDAF.

[0088] In a roaming scenario, the discovery request may also indicate the PLMN ID of the UE related to the discovery, which may be obtained from the visited network identifiers such as Subscription Concealment Identifier (SUCI) or Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI), HPLMN S-NSSAI(s), MNC and MCC. In case of inter-PLMN handover, i.e. from a first VPLMN (VPLMN#1) to a second VPLMN (VPLM#2), if the UE is handed over from VPLMN#1 to VPLMN#2, S-NSSAI of the target visited network, additional information may be added to the discovery request message, such as the PLMN ID of the visited PLMN, e.g. Mobile Network Code (MNC) and Mobile Country Code (MCC) of the target PLMN, which is VPLMN#2.

[0089] In case of discovery within an NPN, the discovery request may include an NPN ID such as PLMN ID + NID (Network Identifier) ​​and / or Stand-alone Non-Public Network Identifier (SNPN ID) and / or Closed Access Group Identifier (CAG ID) and / or other NPN identifiers.

[0090] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment in which a NF of a VLPLM can discover and query an NWDAF of a HPLMN. Specifically, FIG. 7 illustrates a sequence diagram illustrating an embodiment of an interaction between a network function NF and an NWDAF that requires both discovery and roaming. This embodiment may include a first network (PLMN#1) and a second network (PLMN#2), and line 701 may indicate a network boundary between the two networks. Additionally, although not shown, PLMN#1 may be a VPLMN of a roaming UE, and PLMN#2 may be the UE HPLMN.

[0091] In Figure 7, PLMN#1 may include a network function NF 703 and PLMN#2 may include an NWDAF 705. In the interaction, the NF 703 may attempt to discover an NWDAF in PLMN#2 and to this extent may perform a discovery and selection process via an NRF (not shown) or via a local configuration or via an SCP, for example by using the UE's PLMN ID. The result of such a discovery and selection process may be the NWDAF 705. Alternatively, the selection process may be an explicit component / module / service of the NWDAF.

[0092] Upon discovering the NWDAF 705, the NF 703 can issue a subscribe request to the NWDAF 705, where the subscription request can be a message of type Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe request / response 709, which may also include information such as the type of analytics information, analytics reporting frequency, a notification correlation ID for the NWDAF, in case of direct notifications to other specific NFs, the notification correlation ID of the other NFs, other NF details such as a Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN), and an explicit direct notification indication that the NWDAF knows that notifications will be sent to other NFs.

[0093] Upon receiving the subscription request, the NWDAF 705 may issue a first notification 711 directed to the NF 703, where the notifications may be messages of type Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSusbcription_Notify, which may include the NF ID of the requested NF and the requested analytics information.

[0094] Because message 709 was a subscription message, the NWDAF may issue other notification messages (not shown) similar to notification 711 until an unsubscribe message (not shown) is issued by the NF 703 or the time-bound subscription information provided in 709 is issued. Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment in which an NF in an HLPLM can discover and query an NWDAF in a VPLMN. The embodiment of Figure 8 is similar to the embodiment of Figure 7, with the only change being that the PLMNs are swapped. The embodiment may include a first network (PLMN#1) and a second network (PLMN#2), and line 801 may indicate a network boundary between the two networks. Furthermore, PLMN#1 may be the VPLMN (not shown) of a roaming UE, while PLMN#2 may be the UE HPLMN.

[0095] PLMN#1 may include a network function NWDAF 803 and PLMN#2 may include NF 805. NF 805 from PLMN#2 may attempt to discover the NWDAF of PLMN#1, and to this extent NF 805 may perform a discovery and selection process 807 via an NRF (not shown) or via local configuration, e.g., by using the UE's PLMN ID. The result of such a discovery and selection process may be an NWDAF 803.

[0096] Upon discovering the NWDAF 803, the NF 805 can issue a subscribe request 809 to the NWDAF 803, where the subscription request may be a message of type Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe request / response, which may also include information such as the type of analytics information, analytics reporting frequency, notification correlation ID of the NWDAF, and in case of direct notifications to other specific NFs, other NF details such as the notification correlation ID of the other NF, the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN), and an explicit direct notification indication so that the NWDAF knows that notifications will be sent to other NFs.

[0097] Upon receiving the subscription request, the NWDAS 803 may issue a first notification 811 towards the NF 805, which may be a message of type Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSusbcription_Notify, which may include the NF ID of the requested NF and the requested analysis information.

[0098] Because message 809 was a subscription message, the NWDAF may issue other notification messages (not shown) similar to notification 811 until an unsubscribe message (not shown) is issued from the NF 805. 9 illustrates an embodiment in which an NWDAF in an HLPLM can discover and query an NWDAF in a VPLMN. This embodiment may include a first network (PLMN#1) and a second network (PLMN#2), and line 901 may indicate a network boundary between the two networks. Furthermore, PLMN#1 may be a VPLMN (not shown) for a roaming UE, while PLMN#2 may be the UE HPLMN.

[0099] PLMN#1 may include a network function NWDAF 903, and PLMN#2 may include an NWDAF 905 that may attempt to discover an NWDAF in PLMN#1, and to this extent, the NF#905 may perform a discovery and selection process 907, e.g., via an NRF (not shown) by using the UE's PLMN ID, or via local configuration. The result of such a discovery and selection process may be an NWDAF 903.

[0100] Upon discovering the NWDAF 903, the NWDAF 905 can issue a subscribe request 909 to the NWDAF 903, which may be a message of type Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe request / response, which may also include information such as the type of analytics information, analytics reporting frequency, the notification correlation ID of the NWDAF, and in the case of direct notifications to other specific NFs, the notification correlation ID of the other NFs, other NF details such as fully qualified domain name (FQDN), and an explicit direct notification indication so that the NWDAF knows that notifications will be sent to other NFs.

[0101] Upon receiving the subscription request, the NWDAF 903 may issue a first notification 911 towards the NWDAF 905. The notifications may be messages of type Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSusbcription_Notify, which may include the NF ID of the requested NF and the requested analytics information.

[0102] Because message 909 was a subscription message, the NWDAF may issue other notification messages (not shown) similar to notification 911 until an unsubscribe message (not shown) is issued from the NWDAF 905.

[0103] Figure 10 illustrates an embodiment in which an NF in a VPLMN queries an NWDAF in the VPLMN, which in turn discovers and queries an NWDAF in the HPLMN. Specifically, the embodiment of Figure 10 includes a first network (PLMN#1) and a second network (PLMN#2), and line 1009 may indicate a network boundary between the two networks. Furthermore, PLMN#1 may be a VPLMN (not shown) of a roaming UE, and PLMN#2 may be the UE HPLMN.

[0104] The PLMN#1 may include two components: a network function NF 1001 and an NWDAF 1005. The NF 1001 may issue a subscription request 1003 towards the NWDAF 1005, where the subscription request may be a request / response message of type Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe.

[0105] In order to provide the network analysis requested by the subscribe request received from the NF 1001, the NWDAF 1005 may need to discover the NWDAF of PLMN#2. Therefore, the NWDAF 1005 may perform a discovery and selection process 1017 via an NRF (not shown) or a local configuration, for example, by using the UE's PLMN ID. The result of such a discovery and selection process may be an NWDAF. Figure 6 provides details of the discovery mechanism and usage factors used to discover an NWDAF in another communication network.

[0106] Once discovery of the NWDAF 1007 is complete, the NWDAF 1005 can issue a subscription request 1011 towards the NWDAF 1007. This subscription request may be a message of type Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_subscribe Request / Response, which may include information such as type of analytics information, analytics report, correlation ID, target NF details and instructions for direct notification, correlation details of the NF, and in case of direct notification to another specific NF, details of the other NF such as notification correlation ID of the other NF, and Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN), explicit direct notification information where the NWDAF knows that the notification will be sent to another NF.

[0107] Upon receiving the subscription request, the NWDAF 1007 may issue a notification directly at 1015 if a direct notification indication is provided at 1011, or send a notification 1013, both messages being of type Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSusbcription_Notify and including the NF ID of the requested NF and details of the requested analysis.

[0108] Because message 1011 was a subscription message, the NWDAF may issue other notification messages (not shown) similar to notification 1013 and / or 1015 until an unsubscribe message (not shown) is issued from the NF 1001 to the NWDAF 1005 and conversely from the NWDAF 1005 to the NWDAF 1007.

[0109] 11 illustrates an embodiment of a network illustrating an example interaction provided between an NWDAF across an NPN and a PLMN. This embodiment may include a first network (NPN) and a second network (PLMN), and line 1001 may indicate a network boundary between the two networks. Furthermore, the first network may be an NPN or a PLMN or a first NPN#1, and the second network may be a PLMN or an NPN or a second NPN#2.

[0110] The NF 1103 may issue a subscription request 1113 directed to the NWDAF 1105, where the subscription request may be a message of type Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe Request / Response.

[0111] To provide the network analysis requested by the subscription request 1113 received from the NF 1103, the NWDAF 1105 may need to discover NWDAFs in the PLMN. Thus, the NWDAF 1005 may perform a discovery and selection process 1015 via an NRF (not shown) or local configuration, for example, by using the UE's PLMN ID or the MCC and MNC of the PLMN.

[0112] Once discovery of the NWDAF 1107 is complete, the NWDAF 1105 can issue an analytics information request 1117 directed to the NWDAF 1107. Here, the subscription request can be a message of type Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe request, which can also include information such as the type of analytics, load information, and the target of the analytics.

[0113] To perform the data collection required to respond to the request, the NWDAF 1007 performs data collection from the Operations, Administration and Maintenance (OAM) system 1119 and issues a subscription of type Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusSubscribe(NF Id) to the NRF 1121, and the NWDAF 1107 can then derive the requested analysis 1123.

[0114] Upon deriving the analysis, the NWDAF 1107 may issue a notification message of type Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSusbcription_Notify, which may also include information such as NF information such as the associated NFID and NF loading information for the NWDAF 1105 and / or NF 1103.

[0115] Finally, at 1129, the NWDAF may derive the analysis requested by the NF 1103 and respond to message 1113 with message 1130.

[0116] FIG. 12 shows a further refinement of the embodiment in FIG. 11 in which the network function NF can traverse network boundaries without the intermediation of any NWDAF.

[0117] 12 may include a first network (PLMN#1) and a second network (PLMN#2), where line 1201 may indicate a network boundary between the two networks. Additionally, PLMN#1 may be a VPLMN (not shown) for a roaming UE, and PLMN#2 may be the UE HPLMN.

[0118] The NF 1203 may attempt to discover the NWDAF of PLMN#2. Thus, the network function 1203 may perform a discovery and selection process 1211 via an NRF (not shown) or a local configuration, for example, by using the UE's PLMN ID. The result of such a discovery and selection process may be an NWDAF.

[0119] Upon completing discovery of the NWDAF 1207, the network function 1203 may issue a subscription request 1213 directed to the NWDAF 1207, where the subscription request may be a message of type Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe request.

[0120] To perform the data collection required to respond to the request, the NWDAF 1207 performs data collection from the OAM system 1219 and issues a subscription of type Nnrf_NFManagement_NFStatusSubscribe(NF Id) to the NRF 1221, and further, the NWDAF 1207 can derive the requested analysis 1223.

[0121] Upon deriving the analytics, the NWDAF 1207 may issue a notification message of type Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSusbcription_Notify, which may also include information such as NF information such as the associated NF ID and NF loading information for the NF 1203.

[0122] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a network that may include a Network Exposure Function (NEF). The NEF in the network is responsible for exposing Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) of functions residing in external networks, such as Application Functions (AFs) or NFs of other communication networks. Additionally, the NEF may perform additional operations to interface AFs or NFs from other networks to the network in which they reside, such as authorization checks, to check authorization of external requests before allowing the request and then forward the request to the respective network function.

[0123] In the embodiment of Fig. 3, an exemplary NEF of one network can prevent network functions from other networks or other administrative domains to discover the topology of that network. More generally, each NEF can hide the topology of the network behind the NEF. In other words, the NEF can act like a gateway function that protects the privacy and confidentiality of its network beyond its authorized capabilities.

[0124] 13, reference numerals 1300, 1310, 1320, and 1330 may be considered to represent an exemplary embodiment including a first network, which may be illustratively PLMN#1 or illustratively NPN#1, and a second network, which may be illustratively PLMN#2 or illustratively NPN#2, and dotted line 1340 may represent a network boundary between the two networks.

[0125] In the embodiment 1300, the NEF 1305 can hide the structure of the first network, which may be represented by the exemplary NWDAF 1301 and NF 1303, from the second network. Similarly, the NEF 1306 can hide the structure of the second network, which may be represented by the exemplary NWDAF 1307 and NF 1309, from the first network. For illustrative purposes, the exemplary first and second networks are described as including only one NWDAF and one NF. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such networks may in practice be more complex and include multiple network functions.

[0126] In the embodiment 1310, the structure of the first network is not protected by any NEF, so the exemplary NWDAF 1311 and NF 1313 may be visible to the second network. Conversely, the NEF 1316 may hide the structure of the second network, which may be indicated by the exemplary NWDAF 1317 and NF 1319, from the first network.

[0127] The embodiment 1320 is a duplication of 1310. The NEF 1325 can hide the structure of the first network, which may be indicated by the exemplary NWDAF 1321 and NF 1323, from the second network. Conversely, the structure of the second network is not protected by any NEF, and thus the exemplary NWDAF 1327 and NF 1323 may be visible to the first network.

[0128] The embodiment 1330 is similar to the embodiment 1300, in that the NEF 1335 can hide the structure of the first network, which may be indicated by the exemplary NWDAF 1331 and the NF 1333, from the second network. Similarly, the NEF 1336 can hide the structure of the second network, which may be indicated by the exemplary NWDAF 1337 and the NF 1339, from the first network. The only difference between the two embodiments is that the NF 1333 can directly interact with the NWDAF 1331, and therefore the NF 1333 may not be aware of the second network. FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of a service network function requesting network analysis 1401 and a network function providing network analysis 1411.

[0129] The network function requesting the network analysis 1401 may include a transmitter 1403 configured to send a request for data analysis information to the network function providing the network analysis, the request for data analysis information including an identification of the further network function requested and an indication of the data analysis related to the further network function.

[0130] The network function requesting the network analysis 1411 may further include a receiver 1405 configured to receive a response to the request for data analysis from the receiving network function, where the response to the request for data analysis from the network function providing the network analysis includes a data analysis for the further network function or a rejection.

[0131] The network function providing the network analysis 1411 may include a receiver 1413 configured to receive a request for data analysis from the network function requesting the network analysis, where the request for data analysis information includes an identification of the further network function and an indication of the data analysis related to the requested further network function.

[0132] A data store 1417 configured to store data analytics relating to at least the further network function.

[0133] A processor 1419 configured to process at least the data retrieved from the memory unit and related to at least the further network function.

[0134] A transmitter 1415 configured to transmit a response to the request for data analysis from the network function to the data analysis information and from the network function to the data analysis information, the response to the request for data analysis including a data analysis related to further network functions read by the processor or a rejection.

[0135] The network functions requesting network analysis 1401 and providing network analysis 1411 may be implemented as computer devices, where each computer device may include multiple processors and / or one or more controllers. Thus, a processor or controller may be or include analog circuits, digital circuits, mixed-signal circuits, logic circuits, processors, microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), graphic processing units (GPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), integrated circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc., or any combination thereof. Other types of implementations of each function described in more detail below may also be understood as processors, controllers, or logic circuits. It will be appreciated that any two (or more) of the processors, controllers, or logic circuits detailed herein may be implemented as a single entity having equivalent functionality, and conversely, any single processor, controller, or logic circuit detailed herein may be implemented as two (or more) separate entities having equivalent functionality.

[0136] The computing device may also be a virtualized device executed by one or more physical devices. In addition, the computing device may be a network device that resides in the cloud and may be configured to perform some functions in the cloud, for example, via remote API calls.

[0137] 15 illustrates an exemplary method for requesting network analysis, step 1501 including sending a request for data analysis information to a network function providing network analysis, where the request for data analysis information includes an identification of the further network function and an indication of data analysis for the requested further network function, and step 1403 including receiving a response to the request for data analysis from the receiving network function, where the response to the request for data analysis from the network function providing network analysis includes a data analysis or a rejection for the further network function.

[0138] 16 illustrates an exemplary method for providing network analysis, including receiving 1601 a request for data analysis from a network function requesting data analysis information from the network function, the request for data analysis information including an identification of the further network function and an indication of data analysis for the further network function.

[0139] Step 1603 includes storing the data analysis related to at least the further network function.

[0140] Step 1605 includes processing the data analysis related to at least the further network function retrieved from the storage unit.

[0141] Step 1607 includes sending a response to the request for data analysis from the data analysis information from the network function to the data analysis information from the network function, the response to the request for data analysis including data analysis related to further network functions read by the processor or a rejection.

Claims

1. A network function that requires network analysis, a transmitter configured to transmit a request for data analysis information via a first network to a network function providing network analysis of a second network, the request for data analysis information including an identification of a further network function and / or an indication of data analysis relating to the requested further network function, each of the first and second networks being a public land mobile network, and the first network being different from the second network; a receiver configured to receive a response to the request for data analysis information from the network function that provides network analysis of the second network, the response to the request for data analysis information from the network function that provides network analysis of the second network including the data analysis information related to the further network function or a rejection; The request for data analytics information is a query for data analytics information and the response is a reply, or the request for data analytics information is a subscription for data analytics information and the response includes one or more notifications; and the receiver is further configured to receive the response from a network function of the second network that provides network analysis, via the first network; the receiver is further configured to receive a request for data analysis information from an originating network function, the request for data analysis information comprising an identity of the further network function and / or an indication of data analysis relating to the requested further network function; the transmitter is further configured to transmit the request received from the originating network function to the network function that provides network analysis of the second network, and to transmit the response received from the network function that provides network analysis of the second network to the originating network function. A device with network capabilities that requires network analysis.

2. The request for data analysis information further comprises Single Network Slice Selection Identifier(s) and / or network function details of the further network function; The response to the request for data analysis information further includes a slice load value of the slice indicated by the single network slice selection identifier, and / or an NF load of the network function indicated by the network function details. A network-capable device that requests the network analysis of claim 1.

3. the request for data analysis information further includes authorization information.

3. A device having a network function that requests the network analysis according to claim 1 or 2.

4. at least one of the network function requesting network analysis and the network function providing network analysis of the second network is a network data analysis function; A network-capable device that requests the network analysis according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a memory unit configured to store data analysis information relating to at least the network function of the source; a processor configured to process data analysis information related to at least the source network function read from the storage unit; a transmitter configured to transmit a response to the request for data analysis information issued by the originating network function to the originating network function, the response to the request for data analysis information including data analysis information for the originating network function by the processor or a rejection. A network-capable device that requests the network analysis according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a discovery processor configured to configure the sender to send a discovery request to a network repository function and / or a service communication proxy for a network function that provides network analysis, and to configure the receiver to receive a response from the network repository function and / or the service communication proxy, the response from the network repository function and / or the service communication proxy including an indication of a network function that provides network analysis; A network-capable device that requests the network analysis according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The first network is one of a public land mobile network and a private network and an administrative domain of a network; The second network is one of a public land mobile network and a private network and an administrative domain of the network. A network-capable device that requests the network analysis according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the first network is a home public land mobile network and the second network is a visiting public land mobile network; or the first network is a visiting public land mobile network and the second network is a home public land mobile network; or the first network is a visiting public land mobile network and the second network is a visiting public land mobile network; A network-capable device that requests network analysis according to claim 7.

9. A network function for providing network analysis, comprising: a receiver configured to receive, in a second network, a request for data analysis information or a subscription for data analysis information from a network function requesting network analysis requesting a network function in a first network, the request for data analysis information including an identification of a further network function and an indication of the data analysis relating to the requested further network function, each of the first and second networks being a public land mobile network, and the first network being different from the second network; a memory unit configured to store data analysis information relating to at least the further network function; a processor configured to process data analysis information relating to at least the further network function read from the memory unit; a transmitter configured to transmit, via the second network, a response to the request for data analysis information from the network function of the first network, the response to the request for data analysis information comprising data analysis information relating to the further network function that is retrieved by the processor, or a rejection; the request for data analysis information is a query for data analysis information and the response is an answer, or the request is a subscription for data analysis information; the response includes one or more notifications; the transmitter is further configured to transmit the response, via the first network, from a network function that provides network analysis of the second network; The receiver is further configured to receive a request for data analysis from the network function requesting a network analysis indicative of an originating network function; the request for data analysis information includes an identification of the additional network function and an indication of data analysis relating to the requested additional network function. A network-capable device that provides network analysis.

10. The request for data analysis information further comprises a single network slice selection identifier and / or network function details of the further network function; The response to the request for data analysis information further includes a slice load value of the slice indicated by the single network slice selection identifier and / or a NF load of the network function indicated by the network function details.

10. A network-enabled device for providing the network analysis of claim 9.

11. the request for data analysis information further includes authorization information; The processor is further configured to verify the authorization information and, if verification of the authorization information fails, to stop reading data analysis information related to the further network function from the storage unit; The transmitter is further configured to transmit a rejection if verification of the authorization information fails. A network-capable device providing the network analysis of claim 9 or 10.

12. 1. A method for requesting a network analysis, comprising: sending a request for data analysis information via a first network to a network function that provides network analysis of a second network, the request for data analysis information including an identification of a further network function and / or an indication of data analysis relating to the requested further network function, the first network being a public land mobile network, the second network being a public land mobile network, and the first network being a different network than the second network; receiving a response to the request for data analysis information from the network function that provides network analysis of a second network, the response to the request for data analysis information from the network function that provides network analysis of a second network including data analysis information related to the further network function or a rejection; the request for data analytics information is a query for data analytics information and the response is a reply, or the request is a subscription for data analytics information and the response includes one or more notifications; Receiving the response further includes receiving the response over the first network from a network function that provides network analysis of a second network; The method for requesting a network analysis includes: receiving a request for data analysis information from an originating network function, the request for data analysis information including an identity of the further network function and / or an indication of data analysis relating to the requested further network function; sending the request received from the originating network function to the network function that provides network analysis of the second network and sending the response received from the network function that provides network analysis of the second network to the originating network function; Further comprising: How to request a network analysis.

13. 1. A method for providing network analysis, comprising: receiving means for receiving, at a second network, a request for data analysis information from a network function of a first network requesting a network function, the request for data analysis information including an identification of a further network function and an indication of data analysis relating to the further network function requested, each of the first and second networks being a public land mobile network, the first network being different from the second network; a memory unit storing data analysis information relating to at least the further network function; A processing means processes data analysis information relating to at least the further network function read from the storage unit; a transmitting means for transmitting, via the second network, a response to the request for data analysis information from the network function of the first network, the response to the request for data analysis information comprising data analysis information relating to the further network function retrieved by the processor or a rejection; the request for data analytics information is a query for data analytics information and the response is a reply, or the request is a subscription for data analytics information and the response includes one or more notifications; transmitting the response further includes transmitting the response from a network function that provides network analysis of the second network, over the first network; The method for providing network analysis includes: the receiving means further comprising receiving a further request for data analysis information from the network function requesting a network analysis indicative of an originating network function; the further request for data analysis information includes an identification of the further network function and an indication of data analysis relating to the further network function requested. How to provide network analysis.

Images