Method, system, and computer-readable medium for ranking process for network feature selection - Patents.com

Abstract

A method, system, and computer-readable medium for ranking in network function selection. The method includes periodically receiving, at a network function discovery node, from each producer network function of a plurality of producer network functions, a current load value identifying a computing load carried by the producer network function. The network function discovery node is configured to perform service discovery among network functions of a telecommunications core network. The method includes, for each producer network function, determining an available capacity for the producer network function based on the current load value and the published capacity of the producer network function. The method includes responding to network function discovery requests from consumer network functions using the available capacity of each producer network function.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Priority claim This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 082,871, filed October 28, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The subject matter described herein relates to methods and systems for selecting a network function in a telecommunications network. More particularly, the subject matter described herein relates to methods, systems, and computer-readable media for a ranking process for network function selection. [Background technology]

[0003] background The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is an alliance between groups of telecommunications standards associations. 3GPP has defined cellular system specifications for telecommunications networks, including 3G, 4G, and Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks.

[0004] The next generation network for 3GPP is the 5G network. The 5G specifications target higher data rates, reduced latency, energy savings, cost reduction, higher system capacity, and an increased number of connected devices.

[0005] 3GPP has defined a service-based architecture for its next-generation 5G core network. In a service-based architecture, services are provided by application components to software components, typically through communication protocols over a data communications network. A service may be, for example, a separate function that can be accessed remotely and consumed and updated independently of other services in the system.

[0006] Different services can be used together to provide the functionality of a larger functional system, such as a software application. A service-based architecture can integrate distributed and separately maintained software components.

[0007] Therefore, a need exists for a method, system, and computer readable medium for ranking processes for network feature selection. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] overview A method, system, and computer-readable medium for rank processing in network feature selection. An exemplary system includes at least one processor and a memory storing instructions for the at least one processor. The system includes a network feature discovery node implemented on the at least one processor.

[0009] The network function discovery node is configured to perform service discovery among network functions of a telecommunications core network. The network function discovery node is configured to periodically receive, from each producer network function of a plurality of producer network functions, a current load value identifying a computing load carried by the producer network function.

[0010] The network function discovery node is configured to determine, for each producer network function, an available capacity for the producer network function based on a current load value and the published capacity of the producer network function. The network function discovery node is configured to respond to network function discovery requests from consumer network functions using the available capacity of each producer network function.

[0011] In some examples, the network capability discovery node is configured to: determine, for each producer network capability, a current priority for the producer network capability based on the available capacity of the generated network capability. In some examples, the network capability discovery node is configured to determine an instance available capacity for each instance of the plurality of network capability instances, sort the network capability instances by the instance available capacity, and assign a current priority to each instance based on the sorted position of the instance.

[0012] In some examples, the network function discovery node is configured to determine an instance available capacity for each instance of a plurality of network function instances, determine an average capacity of the instance available capacity, and classify each instance as a high priority instance if the instance available capacity is greater than the average capacity and classify each instance as a low priority instance if the instance available capacity is equal to or less than the average capacity.

[0013] In some examples, the network function discovery node is configured to determine, for each producer network function, whether a current load for the producer network function exceeds an allowed load threshold, and to remove the producer network function from consideration when responding to the at least one network function discovery request if the current load exceeds the allowed load threshold. In some examples, the network function discovery node is configured to reconsider the removed producer network function in response to determining that the current load for the removed producer network function has fallen below a reduced load threshold.

[0014] In some examples, the network function discovery node is configured to register each of the producer network functions and, during registration, receive a published capacity of the producer network function and a published priority for the producer network function. In some examples, the network function discovery node is configured to register each of the producer network functions and, during registration, receive a load reporting interval that specifies a rate of load reporting for the producer network function.

[0015] In some examples, the network function discovery node is a network function (NF) repository function (NRF) or a service communications proxy (SCP). In some examples, the network function discovery node is configured to determine available capacity of a producer network function at a service level of a telecommunications network core network.

[0016] An exemplary method for ranking in network function selection includes periodically receiving, at a network function discovery node implemented on at least one processor, from each producer network function of a plurality of producer network functions, a current load value identifying a computing load carried by the producer network function, The network function discovery node is configured to perform service discovery among a plurality of network functions of a telecommunications core network.

[0017] The method includes determining, at the network function discovery node, for each producer network function, an available capacity for the producer network function based on a current load value and a published capacity of the producer network function. The method includes responding, at the network function discovery node, to a network function discovery request from a consumer network function with the available capacity of each producer network function.

[0018] In some examples, the method includes determining, for each producer network function, a current priority for the producer network function based on the available capacity of the generated network function. In some examples, the method includes determining an instance available capacity for each instance of a plurality of network function instances, sorting the network function instances by the instance available capacity, and assigning a current priority to each instance based on the sorted position of the instance.

[0019] In some examples, the method includes determining an instance available capacity for each instance of a plurality of network function instances, determining an average capacity of the instance available capacity, and classifying each instance as a high priority instance if the instance available capacity is greater than the average capacity and classifying each instance as a low priority instance if the instance available capacity is equal to or less than the average capacity. In some examples, the method includes determining, for each producer network function, whether a current load for the producer network function exceeds an acceptable load threshold, and removing the producer network function from consideration when responding to at least one network function discovery request if the current load exceeds the acceptable load threshold.

[0020] In some examples, the method includes reconsidering the removed producer network function in response to determining that a current load for the removed producer network function has dropped below a reduced load threshold. In some examples, the method includes registering each of the producer network functions and receiving, during registration, a published capacity of the producer network function and a published priority for the producer network function.

[0021] In some examples, the method includes registering each of the producer network functions and receiving, during registration, a load reporting interval that specifies a rate of load reporting for the producer network function. In some examples, the method includes the network function discovery node is a Network Function (NF) Repository Function (NRF) or a Service Communication Proxy (SCP). In some examples, the method includes determining available capacity of the producer network functions at a service level of the telecommunications network core network.

[0022] In some examples, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor of the computer, control the computer to perform a plurality of steps, the plurality of steps including: periodically receiving, at a network function discovery node implemented on at least one processor, from each producer network function of a plurality of producer network functions, a current load value identifying a computing load carried by the producer network function, the network function discovery node being configured to perform service discovery among a plurality of network functions of a telecommunications core network, the plurality of steps further including: determining, at the network function discovery node, for each producer network function, an available capacity for the producer network function based on the current load value and the published capacity of the producer network function; and responding, at the network function discovery node, to a network function discovery request from a consumer network function using the available capacity of each producer network function.

[0023] The subject matter described herein may be implemented in software in combination with hardware and / or firmware. For example, the subject matter described herein may be implemented in software executed by a processor. In one exemplary implementation, the subject matter described herein may be implemented using a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor of a computer, control a computer to perform steps.

[0024] Exemplary computer-readable media suitable for implementing the subject matter described herein include non-transitory devices such as disk memory devices, chip memory devices, programmable logic devices, and application specific integrated circuits. In addition, a computer-readable medium implementing the subject matter described herein may be located on a single device or computing platform, or may be distributed across multiple devices or computing platforms. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example telecommunications network core using a service-based architecture. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example telecommunications core network. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a call flow diagram illustrating an example network capability discovery procedure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of an example method for ranking in network feature selection. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Detailed Description Method, system, and computer readable medium for ranking in network function selection in a telecommunications network core.In particular, the disclosed subject matter includes a network function discovery node configured to perform service discovery among network functions of a telecommunications network core.

[0027] The 3GPP 5G specifications specify how components in the telecommunications network core communicate with each other. The core network in 5G follows a service-based architecture where network elements advertise and offer services that can be consumed by other network elements in the telecommunications network core, for example using REST APIs. This enables the adoption of web-scale technologies and software in telecommunications networks.

[0028] In the 5G architecture, the focus is on loosely coupled services rather than tightly coupled functions and point-to-point interfaces. For example, HTTP / 2 is used as a service-based application layer protocol. The 5G architecture supports inherent control and user plane separation. The 5G architecture supports a unified data management framework, an expanded and unified policy framework, and expanded network exposure functionality.

[0029] Network Functions in the communication network core can be considered as producer network functions and consumer network functions. Producer network functions provide services for consumer network functions that consume the services. Some network functions will act as consumer network functions at some times and as producer network functions at other times.

[0030] The 3GPP specification provides several parameters for selecting the preferred producer network capability. From the producer network capability point of view: During the Network Function Discovery procedure, the Network Function (NF) Repository Function (NRF) provides information about the priority, load, and capacity of producer Network Functions to consumer Network Functions. Priority and capacity information is typically provided during the registration process; however, such information may not be updated. · Load information is dynamic in nature.

[0031] A consumer network function may select a producer network function based on the priority as reported by the NRF. However, the network function priority information may be static information. Static information may not be as useful as dynamic information in selecting an appropriate producer function.

[0032] The systems described herein can be configured to calculate available capacity and then provide dynamic priority information.

[0033] In some examples, producer network functions report their capacity and priority during registration. Producer network functions may optionally choose to update their capacity and priority after registration.

[0034] Producer network functions then periodically report the load information to the NRF, which can use it together with the capacity and priority information stored during the network function discovery procedure.

[0035] NRF can use rank processing algorithms to calculate: Available capacity by using capacity and load -Prioritization dynamically based on available capacity.

[0036] The NRF updates the discovery response based on the available capacity and the dynamically calculated priority. The procedure conforms to the discovery query procedure as specified by the 3GPP specifications.

[0037] The ranking algorithm allows the NRF to prioritize network functions based on their available capacity. In some examples, the NRF allows for the following configurations: Tolerable Load Threshold: A network function instance is considered heavily loaded if its current load exceeds this threshold · Reduced Load Threshold: The threshold for the current load below which a network function instance is considered to be no longer highly loaded.

[0038] The NRF may be configured to remove from the network function discovery response any producer network function whose current load is above an acceptable load threshold, and the NRF may then consider any removed producer network function once its current load falls below a reduced load threshold.

[0039] In some examples, the NRF processes the discovery procedure output and allocates available capacity based on the current load of the producer network functions as follows: C A =P C -(P L * P C ) During the ceremony, C A =NetworkFunctionInstanceAvailableCapacity; P C = the issued capacity of the network function instance; and P L = Issued load of the network function instance (%).

[0040] In some examples, the NRF classifies producer network function instances based on available capacity as follows: Calculate the arithmetic mean of available capacity o Arithmetic mean = ΣCA of network function instances / number of network function instances Break down producer network functions into: o High priority - available capacity greater than the arithmetic mean o Low Priority - Arithmetic Mean below Available capacity.

[0041] The NRF then calculates the available capacity (C A ) and assign priorities according to their positions in the list. Ranking algorithms can be applied at both the network function and network function service levels.

[0042] The systems described herein may provide one or more of the following advantages: Exclude consumer network functions from making load-based producer network function instance selections oReducing resource usage in consumer network functions oReduction of potential latency in the network Improve or optimize load balancing among producer network functions in the telecommunications network core Avoiding the selection of heavy producer network functions; which may improve one or more of the following: oResponse delay Message success rate Round trip waiting time oKPIs and SLAs Flexibility to be applied in different network deployments: oPLMN level o Slice Level o Shared slice level The rank processing algorithm may be used in a Service Communication Proxy (SCP) or other suitable network function discovery node.

[0043] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary telecommunications network core 100 using a service-based architecture. The telecommunications network core 100 may be, for example, a 3GPP 5G telecommunications network core. As shown in FIG. 1, the telecommunications network core 100 includes network functions that communicate with each other.

[0044] 1 are merely examples of network functions in the telecommunications network core 100. Other types of suitable network functions may be included, and in some examples the telecommunications network core 100 will include fewer network functions.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1 , the telecommunications network core 100 includes a network slice selection function (NSSF) 104, a network exposure function (NEF) 106, a network function repository function (NRF) 108, a policy control function (PCF) 110, a unified data management (UDM) function 112, an application function (AF) 114, a security edge protection proxy (SEPP) 116, an EIR 118, an interworking function (IWF) 120, an access and mobility management function (AMF) 122, an authentication server function (AUSF), a bootstrapping server function (BSF) 126, and a session management function (SMF) 128.

[0046] Some of the network functions shown in Figure 1 are used for 5G-4G interworking. For example, the NSSF 104, the NEF 106, the NRF 108, the SEPP 116, the EIR 118, the IWF 120, and the BSF 126 may be used to facilitate 5G-4G interworking.

[0047] The NRF 108 can be a key component of a 5G service-based architecture. The NRF 108 maintains an updated repository of all 5G elements available in the operator's network and the services offered by each of them in the 5G core that are expected to be instantiated, scaled, and terminated with no or minimal manual intervention. In addition to serving as a repository of services, the NRF 108 also supports discovery mechanisms that allow 5G elements to discover each other and get updated status of desired elements.

[0048] In some examples, the NRF 108 supports the following functions: Maintaining a profile of available NF instances and their supported services in the 5G core network Allows consumer NF instances to discover other provider NF instances in the 5G core network Allows NF instances to track the status of other NF instances.

[0049] The NRF interacts with all other elements in the 5G core network and it supports the above mentioned functions through the following services: Managed Services Discovery Services.

[0050] The NRF 108 may be deployed in a cloud computing environment with network functions to provide various services to the telecommunications network core 100, such as routing control, resiliency, and observability, to facilitate a service-based architecture.

[0051] The NRF 108 may be implemented as a separate software layer that is shared by other services deployed in the cloud computing environment.

[0052] The NRF 108 may be configured for tasks such as load balancing. The NRF 108 may store real-time information about, for example: Failed or unresponsive network functions - Load status of each network function Network function response time -Network feature connection health.

[0053] Storing such information at the NRF 108 may result in better network function selection decision-making at the NRF 108.

[0054] The NRF 108, or another suitable network function discovery node, may be configured to perform service discovery among network functions of a telecommunications core network. The NRF 108 may periodically receive current load values ​​from producer network functions that identify the computing load carried by the producer network function. For each producer network function, the NRF 108 may determine an available capacity for the producer network function based on the current load value and the published capacity of the producer network function. The NRF 108 may respond to network function discovery requests from consumer network functions using the available capacity of each producer network function.

[0055] The telecommunications network core 100 may include an SCP. It is a decentralized solution and consists of a control plane and a data plane. The SCP is deployed with the 5G network functions to provide routing control, resiliency, and observability to the core network. In some examples, the SCP is deployed as a default outbound proxy to the network function instances, or as a router model where the SCP is configured as an outbound proxy at each network function in a cloud-specific environment. The SCP provides the following advantages to the 5G core network architecture: Improved load balancing Routing control Message priority assignment / override Circuit Breaker and Outlier Detection Overload control · Observability.

[0056] 2 is a block diagram of an example telecommunications core network 200 including a network capability discovery node 202, a producer network function 204, and a consumer network function 206. The network capability discovery node 202 is implemented on at least one processor 208 and a memory 210 that stores instructions for the processor 208. For example, the network capability discovery node 202 may be implemented on a distributed computing system. The network capability discovery node 202 may be implemented in, for example, an NRF or an SCP.

[0057] The network function discovery node 202 includes a network function registration engine 212, a dynamic load receiver 214, and a discovery request handler 216. The network function discovery node 202 may execute a ranking algorithm, for example, at a service level, or at an instance level, or both.

[0058] The network function registration engine 212 is configured to register the producer network function 204. During registration, the network function registration engine 212 may receive a load reporting interval that specifies a rate of load reporting for the producer network function. During registration, the network function registration engine 212 may receive a load reporting interval that specifies a rate of load reporting for the producer network function. Registration may also include receiving, for example, a published capacity, an allowed load threshold, a reduced load threshold, and any other suitable information.

[0059] The dynamic load receiver 214 is configured to periodically receive from each producer network function a current load value identifying the computing load carried by the producer network function. The period for receiving the current load value may be a regular period, such as after a certain amount of time has elapsed, or may be an irregular period, such as in response to an identified event being detected at the producer network function.

[0060] The dynamic load receiver 214 is configured to perform the ranking algorithm by determining, for each producer network function, the available capacity for the producer network function based on the current load value and the published capacity of the producer network function.

[0061] In some examples, the dynamic load receiver 214 allocates available capacity based on the current load of the producer network functions as follows: C A =P C -(P L * P C ) During the ceremony, C A =NetworkFunctionInstanceAvailableCapacity; P C = the issued capacity of the network function instance; and P L= Issued load of the network function instance (%).

[0062] In some examples, the dynamic load receiver 214 classifies the producer network function instances based on available capacity as follows: Calculate the arithmetic mean of available capacity o Arithmetic mean = ΣCA of network function instances / number of network function instances Break down producer network functions into: o High priority - available capacity greater than the arithmetic mean o Low Priority - Arithmetic Mean below Available capacity.

[0063] The dynamic load receiver 214 then determines the available capacity (C A ) and assign priority according to its position in the list.

[0064] In some examples, the network capability discovery node 202 enables the following configurations: Tolerable Load Threshold: A network function instance is considered heavily loaded if its current load exceeds this threshold · Reduced Load Threshold: The threshold for the current load below which a network function instance is considered to be no longer highly loaded.

[0065] The network capability discovery node 202 may be configured to remove from the network capability discovery response any producer network function whose current load is above the tolerable load threshold, and then, once the current load of any removed producer network function falls below the reduced load threshold, the network capability discovery node 202 may consider that producer network function again.

[0066] The discovery request handler 216 is configured to respond to a network function discovery request from a consumer network function with the available capacity of each producer network function. For example, the discovery request handler 216 may receive a producer network function discovery request from a consumer network function, determine a list of producer network functions that respond to one or more criteria in the producer network function discovery request, and send a network function discovery response back to the consumer network function with the list of identifiers for the producer network functions. The list may be sorted, for example, by available capacity or priority, or the network function discovery response may include available capacity and / or priority values ​​for the producer network functions on the list.

[0067] In some examples, network capability discovery node 202 is configured to determine an instance available capacity for each instance of a number of network function instances, sort the network function instances by the instance available capacity, and assign a current priority to each instance based on the instance's sorted position. In some examples, network capability discovery node 202 is configured to determine an instance available capacity for each instance of a number of network function instances, determine an average capacity of the instance available capacity, and classify each instance as a high priority instance if the instance available capacity is greater than the average capacity and classify each instance as a low priority instance if the instance available capacity is equal to or less than the average capacity.

[0068] In some examples, the network function discovery node 202 is configured to determine, for each producer network function, whether a current load for the producer network function exceeds an acceptable load threshold, and if the current load exceeds the acceptable load threshold, remove the producer network function from consideration when responding to at least one network function discovery request. The network function discovery node 202 may then be configured to reconsider the removed producer network function in response to determining that the current load for the removed producer network function has fallen below a reduced load threshold.

[0069] 3 is a call flow diagram illustrating an example network capability discovery procedure 300. FIG 3 shows an NRF 302 in communication with two producer network functions 304 and 306, and a consumer network function 308.

[0070] The producer network function 304 sends a capacity and priority value to the NRF 302 during the registration procedure (e.g., capacity: 700; priority: 1). The producer network function 306 also sends a capacity and priority value to the NRF 302 during registration (e.g., capacity: 1000; priority: 2).

[0071] The producer network function 304 sends a current load value (e.g., load: 40%) to the NRF 302 in a first message 310. The producer network function 306 sends a current load value (e.g., load: 40%) to the NRF 302 in a second message 312.

[0072] The NRF 302 performs the rank processing algorithm 314. For example, continuing with the example numbers given above, the NRF 302 calculates the following values: Producer Network Function 304 - available capacity: 420; calculated priority: 2 Producer Network Function 306 - available capacity: 700; calculated priority: 1.

[0073] 3 shows that the NRF 302 performs the ranking algorithm at the instance level, i.e., between separate instances of a given network function. The NRF 302 can also be configured to perform the ranking algorithm at the service level, i.e., between separate services, each of which may have separate instances.

[0074] The NRF 302 receives a network function discovery service request from the consumer network function 308 in a third message 316. For example, the message 316 may include a query parameter and a locality. The NRF 302 determines a response using a priority value determined from performing the rank processing algorithm 314.

[0075] The NRF 302 responds to the network capability discovery service request by sending a network capability discovery response to the consumer network function 308 in a fourth message 318. For example, the message 318 may include the following information: Producer Network Function 304 Identifier - available capacity: 420; calculated priority: 2 · producer network function 306 identifier—available capacity: 700; calculated priority: 1;

[0076] The consumer network function 308 may then select a producer network function using the dynamically determined available capacity or priority value. In this case, the producer network function 304 initially has a higher priority value, but based on the current load value, the producer network function 306 has a higher priority value. The consumer network function 308 may decide to select the producer network function 306 because it has more available capacity and a higher priority value.

[0077] The producer network functions 304 and 306 may continue to periodically send messages with their current load values ​​to the NRF 302. The NRF 302 may then continue to perform a ranking algorithm to determine available capacity and priority values ​​for the producer network functions 304 and 306. The consumer network function that then sends the network function discovery request may receive the dynamic available capacity and priority values. These may then enable the consumer network function to choose a producer network function that can provide better service and alleviate overload of the producer network function.

[0078] 4 is a flow diagram of an example method 400 for rank processing in network function selection. Method 400 may be performed by a network function discovery node implemented on at least one processor. For example, method 400 may be performed by an NRF or an SCP, or any other suitable network function discovery node. The network function discovery node is configured to perform service discovery among network functions of a telecommunications core network.

[0079] The method 400 includes registering (402) a producer network function. During registration, the method 400 may include receiving a load reporting interval that specifies a rate of load reporting for the producer network function. During registration, the method 400 may include receiving a load reporting interval that specifies a rate of load reporting for the producer network function. Registration may also include receiving, for example, an issued capacity, an allowed load threshold, a reduced load threshold, and any other suitable information.

[0080] The method 400 includes periodically receiving (404) from each producer network function of a number of producer network functions a current load value identifying a computing load carried by the producer network function.

[0081] Method 400 includes, for each producer network function, determining 406 an available capacity for the producer network function based on the current load value and the published capacity of the producer network function. In some examples, method 400 includes, for each producer network function, determining a current priority for the producer network function based on the available capacity of the generated network function.

[0082] In some examples, method 400 includes determining an instance available capacity for each of a number of network function instances, sorting the network function instances by the instance available capacity, and assigning a current priority to each instance based on the instance's sorted position. In some examples, method 400 includes determining an instance available capacity for each of a number of network function instances, determining an average capacity of the instance available capacity, and classifying each instance as a high priority instance if the instance available capacity is greater than the average capacity and classifying each instance as a low priority instance if the instance available capacity is equal to or less than the average capacity.

[0083] In some examples, method 400 includes, for each producer network function, determining whether a current load for the producer network function exceeds an acceptable load threshold, and if the current load exceeds the acceptable load threshold, removing the producer network function from consideration when responding to the at least one network function discovery request. Method 400 may then include re-considering the removed producer network function in response to determining that the current load for the removed producer network function has fallen below a reduced load threshold.

[0084] The method 400 includes responding (408) to a network capability discovery request from a consumer network function using the available capacity of each producer network function.

[0085] The method 400 may provide one or more of the following advantages: Exclude consumer network functions from making load-based producer network function instance selection oReducing resource usage in consumer network functions oReduction of potential latency in the network Improve or optimize load balancing among producer network functions in the telecommunications network core Avoiding the selection of heavy producer network functions; which may improve one or more of the following: oResponse delay Message success rate Round trip waiting time oKPIs and SLAs Flexibility to be applied in different network deployments: oPLMN level o Slice Level o Shared slice level The rank processing algorithm may be used in a Service Communication Proxy (SCP) or other suitable network function discovery node.

[0086] Although specific examples and features have been described above, these examples and features are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, even if only one example is described for a particular feature. The examples of features provided in this disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting, unless otherwise stated. The above description is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0087] The scope of the present disclosure includes any feature or combination of features disclosed in this specification (explicitly or implicitly), or any generalization of the disclosed features, regardless of whether such feature or generalization alleviates any or all of the problems discussed in this specification. Accordingly, new claims may be drafted to any such combination of features during prosecution of this application (or an application claiming priority to this application).

[0088] In particular, with reference to the appended claims, features from the dependent claims may be combined with features from the independent claims, and features from each independent claim may be combined in any suitable manner and not just in the specific combinations recited in the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A system for ranking in network feature selection, the system comprising: at least one processor; and a memory storing instructions for said at least one processor; a network capability discovery node implemented on the at least one processor, the network capability discovery node configured to perform service discovery among a plurality of network functions of a telecommunications core network, the network capability discovery node comprising: registering each producer network function of a plurality of producer network functions, and during registration receiving from each of the plurality of producer network functions a published capacity of the producer network function and a published priority for the producer network function; periodically receiving, from each of the plurality of producer network functions, a current load value identifying a computing load carried by the producer network function; for each of the plurality of producer network functions, determining an available capacity for the producer network function based on the current load value and the published capacity of the producer network function; for each of the plurality of producer network functions, determining a current priority for the producer network function based on the available capacity of the producer network function; The system is configured to respond to a network function discovery request from a consumer network function using the current priority of each of the plurality of producer network functions.

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

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

4. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the network function discovery node is configured to determine, for each of the plurality of producer network functions, whether the current load value for the producer network function exceeds an acceptable load threshold, and if the current load value exceeds the acceptable load threshold, remove the producer network function from consideration when responding to at least one network function discovery request.

5. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the network function discovery node is configured to reconsider the removed producer network function in response to determining that the current load value for the removed producer network function has fallen below a reduced load threshold.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the network function discovery node is configured to receive, during registration of each of the plurality of producer network functions, a load reporting interval specifying a rate of load reporting for the producer network function.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the network function discovery node is a network function (NF) repository function (NRF) or a service communication proxy (SCP).

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the network capability discovery node is configured to determine available capacity of the producer network capability at a service level of the telecommunications core network.

9. 1. A method for ranking in network feature selection, the method comprising: a network capability discovery node implemented on at least one processor registering each producer network function of a plurality of producer network functions and receiving from each of the plurality of producer network functions during registration a published capacity of the producer network function and a published priority for the producer network function; and wherein the network function discovery node periodically receives, from each of the plurality of producer network functions, a current load value identifying a computing load carried by the producer network function, the network function discovery node being configured to perform service discovery among a plurality of network functions of a telecommunications core network, the method further comprising: the network function discovery node determining, for each of the plurality of producer network functions, an available capacity for the producer network function based on the current load value and the published capacity of the producer network function; the network capability discovery node determining, for each of the plurality of producer network functions, a current priority for the producer network function based on the available capacity of the producer network function; and the network capability discovery node responding to a network capability discovery request from a consumer network function using the current priority of each of the plurality of producer network functions.

10. The method of claim 9, comprising the steps of the network function discovery node determining an instance available capacity for each instance of a plurality of network function instances, sorting the network function instances by the instance available capacity, and assigning a current priority to each instance based on the sorted position of the instance.

11. The method of claim 9, comprising the steps of the network function discovery node determining an instance available capacity for each instance of a plurality of network function instances, determining an average capacity of the instance available capacities, and classifying each instance as a high priority instance if the instance available capacity is greater than the average capacity, and classifying each instance as a low priority instance if the instance available capacity is less than or equal to the average capacity.

12. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, comprising the step of the network function discovery node determining, for each of the plurality of producer network functions, whether the current load value for the producer network function exceeds an acceptable load threshold, and if the current load value exceeds the acceptable load threshold, removing the producer network function from consideration when responding to at least one network function discovery request.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of the network function discovery node reconsidering the removed producer network function in response to determining that the current load value for the removed producer network function has fallen below a reduced load threshold.

14. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, comprising a step in which the network function discovery node receives a load reporting interval specifying a rate of load reporting for the producer network function during registration of each of the plurality of producer network functions.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the network function discovery node is a network function (NF) repository function (NRF) or a service communication proxy (SCP).

16. A computer readable program for causing a processor to carry out the method according to any one of claims 9 to 15.

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