Determining and applying network policies based on network congestion analytics

Abstract

Multiple network functions operate to request and determine policies such as AM and SM policies (SAR and QoS in particular) with support of network congestion analytics. Consider that congestion analytics can be performed that uses information about background data transfers and planned time-sensitive streams. Also consider addition of indications about a minimum required time for the requested policies (in requests) and time windows that indicate the future periods of risk where a policy might not be satisfied. Further, determination of SAR and / or QoS policies may be made, as can a need to update or terminate certain requests based on the congestion analytics and / or the indications.

Description

Determining and Applying Network Policies Based on Network Congestion AnalyticsTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Examples of embodiments herein relate generally to wireless communications and, more specifically, relate to applying network policies for the wireless communications.BACKGROUND

[0002] The amount of network congestion for cellular systems is important, and there are currently analytics that compute this congestion. Currently, there are network functions that cannot adapt policies to situations of network congestion. Furthermore, some network functions may have requested quality of service (QoS) or policies that make sense only if they can be maintained for a certain time period, but there is no way of knowing and communicating this.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] This section is intended to include examples and is not intended to be limiting.

[0004] In an exemplary embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes storing, by a database in a core network of a cellular network and from a policy function in the core network, information about planned time-sensitive streams that the policy function has previously received by any application function; and participating, by the database, in a process with a network data analytics function so the network data analytics function collects from the stored information about negotiated background data transfers and time-sensitive- related information that has been previously stored.

[0005] An additional exemplary embodiment includes a computer program, comprising instructions for performing the method of the previous paragraph, when the computer program is run on an apparatus. The computer program according to this paragraph, wherein the computer program is a computer program product comprising a computer- readable medium bearing the instructions embodied therein for use with the apparatus.Another example is the computer program according to this paragraph, wherein the program is directly loadable into an internal memory of the apparatus.

[0006] An exemplary apparatus includes one or more processors and one or more memories storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform: storing, by a database in a core network of a cellular network and from a policy function in the core network, information about planned time-sensitive streams that the policy function has previously received by any application function; and participating, by the database, in a process with a network data analytics function so the network data analytics function collects from the stored information about negotiated background data transfers and time-sensitive-related information that has been previously stored.

[0007] An exemplary computer program product includes a computer-readable storage medium bearing instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: storing, by a database in a core network of a cellular network and from a policy function in the core network, information about planned time-sensitive streams that the policy function has previously received by any application function; and participating, by the database, in a process with a network data analytics function so the network data analytics function collects from the stored information about negotiated background data transfers and time-sensitive-related information that has been previously stored.

[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprises means for performing: storing, by a database in a core network of a cellular network and from a policy function in the core network, information about planned time-sensitive streams that the policy function has previously received by any application function; and participating, by the database, in a process with a network data analytics function so the network data analytics function collects from the stored information about negotiated background data transfers and time-sensitive-related information that has been previously stored.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes and from a policy function in the core network, a subscription for congestion analytics of the corenetwork; participating, by the network data analytics function, in a process with a database in the core network so the network data analytics function collects from the database information about negotiated background data transfers and time-sensitive-related information that has been previously stored by the database; computing, by the network data analytics function, congestion analytics considering, among other information, the information collected from the database; and sending, by the network data analytics function to the policy function and in response to the subscription, notification of results of the congestion analytics.

[0010] An additional exemplary embodiment includes a computer program, comprising instructions for performing the method of the previous paragraph, when the computer program is run on an apparatus. The computer program according to this paragraph, wherein the computer program is a computer program product comprising a computer- readable medium bearing the instructions embodied therein for use with the apparatus. Another example is the computer program according to this paragraph, wherein the program is directly loadable into an internal memory of the apparatus.

[0011] An exemplary apparatus includes one or more processors and one or more memories storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform: and from a policy function in the core network, a subscription for congestion analytics of the core network; participating, by the network data analytics function, in a process with a database in the core network so the network data analytics function collects from the database information about negotiated background data transfers and time-sensitive-related information that has been previously stored by the database; computing, by the network data analytics function, congestion analytics considering, among other information, the information collected from the database; and sending, by the network data analytics function to the policy function and in response to the subscription, notification of results of the congestion analytics.

[0012] An exemplary computer program product includes a computer-readable storage medium bearing instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: and from a policy function in the core network, a subscription for congestion analytics of the core network; participating, by the network dataanalytics function, in a process with a database in the core network so the network data analytics function collects from the database information about negotiated background data transfers and time-sensitive-related information that has been previously stored by the database; computing, by the network data analytics function, congestion analytics considering, among other information, the information collected from the database; and sending, by the network data analytics function to the policy function and in response to the subscription, notification of results of the congestion analytics.

[0013] In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprises means for performing: and from a policy function in the core network, a subscription for congestion analytics of the core network; participating, by the network data analytics function, in a process with a database in the core network so the network data analytics function collects from the database information about negotiated background data transfers and time-sensitive- related information that has been previously stored by the database; computing, by the network data analytics function, congestion analytics considering, among other information, the information collected from the database; and sending, by the network data analytics function to the policy function and in response to the subscription, notification of results of the congestion analytics.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes sending, by a policy function in a core network of a cellular network and to a network data analytics function in the core network, a subscription for congestion analytics of the core network; receiving, by the policy function from the network data analytics function in response to the subscription, notification of results of the congestion analytics; receiving, by the policy function from a function in the core network, a request that a policy authorization should be created meeting a requested policy and comprising a minimum required time for which the requested policy is needed; authorizing, by the policy function, the request based at least on an ability to initially meet the requested policy; determining, by the policy function, periods of risk within the minimum required time where the requested policy might not be satisfied based on information received in the notification of results of the congestion analytics; and sending,from the policy function toward the function, a response to the request from the function, the response indicating the determined periods of risk.

[0015] An additional exemplary embodiment includes a computer program, comprising instructions for performing the method of the previous paragraph, when the computer program is run on an apparatus. The computer program according to this paragraph, wherein the computer program is a computer program product comprising a computer- readable medium bearing the instructions embodied therein for use with the apparatus. Another example is the computer program according to this paragraph, wherein the program is directly loadable into an internal memory of the apparatus.

[0016] An exemplary apparatus includes one or more processors and one or more memories storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform: sending, by a policy function in a core network of a cellular network and to a network data analytics function in the core network, a subscription for congestion analytics of the core network; receiving, by the policy function from the network data analytics function in response to the subscription, notification of results of the congestion analytics; receiving, by the policy function from a function in the core network, a request that a policy authorization should be created meeting a requested policy and comprising a minimum required time for which the requested policy is needed; authorizing, by the policy function, the request based at least on an ability to initially meet the requested policy; determining, by the policy function, periods of risk within the minimum required time where the requested policy might not be satisfied based on information received in the notification of results of the congestion analytics; and sending, from the policy function toward the function, a response to the request from the function, the response indicating the determined periods of risk.

[0017] An exemplary computer program product includes a computer-readable storage medium bearing instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: sending, by a policy function in a core network of a cellular network and to a network data analytics function in the core network, a subscription for congestion analytics of the core network; receiving, by the policy function from the networkdata analytics function in response to the subscription, notification of results of the congestion analytics; receiving, by the policy function from a function in the core network, a request that a policy authorization should be created meeting a requested policy and comprising a minimum required time for which the requested policy is needed; authorizing, by the policy function, the request based at least on an ability to initially meet the requested policy; determining, by the policy function, periods of risk within the minimum required time where the requested policy might not be satisfied based on information received in the notification of results of the congestion analytics; and sending, from the policy function toward the function, a response to the request from the function, the response indicating the determined periods of risk.

[0018] In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprises means for performing: sending, by a policy function in a core network of a cellular network and to a network data analytics function in the core network, a subscription for congestion analytics of the core network; receiving, by the policy function from the network data analytics function in response to the subscription, notification of results of the congestion analytics; receiving, by the policy function from a function in the core network, a request that a policy authorization should be created meeting a requested policy and comprising a minimum required time for which the requested policy is needed; authorizing, by the policy function, the request based at least on an ability to initially meet the requested policy; determining, by the policy function, periods of risk within the minimum required time where the requested policy might not be satisfied based on information received in the notification of results of the congestion analytics; and sending, from the policy function toward the function, a response to the request from the function, the response indicating the determined periods of risk.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes sending, from a function in a core network of a cellular network toward a policy function in the core network, a request that a policy authorization should be created meeting a requested policy and comprising a minimum required time for which the requested policy is needed; and receiving, at the function, a response to the request, the response indicating periods of riskwithin the minimum required time where the requested policy might not be satisfied due to congestion in the core network.

[0020] An additional exemplary embodiment includes a computer program, comprising instructions for performing the method of the previous paragraph, when the computer program is run on an apparatus. The computer program according to this paragraph, wherein the computer program is a computer program product comprising a computer- readable medium bearing the instructions embodied therein for use with the apparatus. Another example is the computer program according to this paragraph, wherein the program is directly loadable into an internal memory of the apparatus.

[0021] An exemplary apparatus includes one or more processors and one or more memories storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform: sending, from a function in a core network of a cellular network toward a policy function in the core network, a request that a policy authorization should be created meeting a requested policy and comprising a minimum required time for which the requested policy is needed; and receiving, at the function, a response to the request, the response indicating periods of risk within the minimum required time where the requested policy might not be satisfied due to congestion in the core network.

[0022] An exemplary computer program product includes a computer-readable storage medium bearing instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: sending, from a function in a core network of a cellular network toward a policy function in the core network, a request that a policy authorization should be created meeting a requested policy and comprising a minimum required time for which the requested policy is needed; and receiving, at the function, a response to the request, the response indicating periods of risk within the minimum required time where the requested policy might not be satisfied due to congestion in the core network.

[0023] In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprises means for performing: sending, from a function in a core network of a cellular network toward a policy function in the core network, a request that a policy authorization should be created meeting a requested policy and comprising a minimum required time for which the requested policy isneeded; and receiving, at the function, a response to the request, the response indicating periods of risk within the minimum required time where the requested policy might not be satisfied due to congestion in the core network.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In the attached drawings:

[0025] FIG. 1 is a signaling diagram illustrating an AF-requested session with QoS;

[0026] FIG. 2 is a signaling diagram illustrating AF-requested AM Policies;

[0027] FIG. 3 is a signaling diagram illustrating a congestion-aware AF session with a QoS procedure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 4 is a signaling diagram illustrating AF-requested AM Policies in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting exemplary system in which the exemplary embodiments may be practiced;

[0030] FIG. 6 is a logic flow diagram of an example of a method performed by a database in a core newtork;

[0031] FIG. 7 is a logic flow diagram of an example of a method performed by a network data analytics function in a core newtork;

[0032] FIG. 8 is a logic flow diagram of an example of a method performed by a policy function in a core newtork; and

[0033] FIG. 9 is a logic flow diagram of an example of a method performed by a network function (such as an AF or NEF) in a core newtork.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Abbreviations that may be found in the specification and / or the drawing figures are defined below, at the end of the detailed description section.

[0035] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. All of the embodimentsdescribed in this Detailed Description are exemplary embodiments provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims.

[0036] When more than one drawing reference numeral, word, or acronym is used within this description withand in general as used within this description, the “ / ” may be interpreted as “or”, “and”, or “both”. As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or,” mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0037] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “has”, “having”, “includes” and / or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0038] Any flow diagram (such as FIGS. 6-9) or signaling diagram (such as FIGS. 2-4) herein is considered to be a logic flow diagram, and illustrates the operation of an exemplary method, results of execution of computer program instructions embodied on a computer readable memory, functions performed by logic implemented in hardware, and / or interconnected means for performing functions in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Block diagrams (such as FIG. 5) also illustrate the operation of an exemplary method, results of execution of computer program instructions embodied on a computer readable memory, functions performed by logic implemented in hardware, and / or interconnected means for performing functions in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. For methods, flow diagrams, and signaling diagrams, the orders of method steps, blocks in the flow, or signaling are not critical and instead are examples.

[0039] Before examples are described, information is provided about technical areas and problems of interest to the examples. One example of interest is the 5G system.

[0040] In the 5G system, the PCF determines policies to be applied in the network. The Policy Control Function (PCF) includes the following functionality: supports unified policy framework to govern network behavior; provides policy rules to Control Plane function(s) to enforce them; accesses subscription information relevant for policy decisions in a Unified Data Repository (UDR). See, e.g., §6.2.4 of 3GPP TS 23.501. These policies belong to one of three different categories, namely Access and Mobility (AM), Session Management (SM), and User Equipment (UE) Policies. The decisions of the PCF for all these kinds of policies can be based on various criteria, one of which is the consideration of Analytics data that the PCF receives from the NWDAF. The PCF is considered to be a policy function for a core network, and this is the main policy function referred to herein. It is possible that other policy functions that can perform the operations described herein may be used.

[0041] When it comes to policies related to QoS (for SM policies) or Service Area Restrictions - SAR (for AM policies), the PCF can authorize related policies by considering the network situation. This is true independently of whether the QoS or SAR has been requested by an Application Function (AF) or is provided / authorized based on local configuration / intelligence. With regard to the network situation, the PCF can also take network analytics of the NWDAF into consideration.

[0042] The figures in FIGS. 1 and 2 show simplified procedures for setting up a session with certain QoS or for determining the Service Area Restrictions (SARs) for a UE based on AF requests. FIG. 1 illustrates an AF-requested Session with QoS (based on 3GPP TS 23.502 clause 4.15.6.6 but simplified to remove the TSC-related parts and show the optional consideration of analytics). In FIG. 1, the following entities are shown: AF 110; NEF 99-1; NWDAF 99-2; and PCF 99-3. The reference number 99 is used to indicate network functions (NFs) that are part of the core network 90, referred to as 5GC for 5G. The AF 100 interacts with the 3 GPP core network in order to influence functionality. For instance, a service provider may use an AF to communicate with the network. The AF may be a small entity of service provider, which helps and application such as by learning about or influencing a 3GPP core network (see core network 90 in FIG. 5. For other details, see, e.g., §6.2.10 of 3GPP TS 23.501. The NEF 99-1 provides a platform for creating new services byconsolidating APIs and presenting unified access to the API framework for developers. This may include the following: Secure exposure of network services (voice, data connectivity, charging, subscriber data, etc.) towards third party application over APIs; Developer environment for operator and community; Service combination for creating end-to-end offering by combining any of the network assets into an application; and an Integration layer that connects application to an operator’s network. See also 3GPP TS 23.501, §6.2.5. The NWDAF 99-2 is designed to overcome market fragmentation and proprietary solutions in the area of network analytics, streamlining the way core network data is produced and consumed, as well as generating insights and taking actions based on these insights. The NWDAF addresses three primary standardization points: Data collection interface from network nodes; Predefined analytics insights; and Data exposure interface for consumers. See also 3GPP TS 23.501, 6.2.18.

[0043] In signaling 115, there is an Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe message from the PCF 99-3 to the NWDAF 99-2 with parameters of “any analytics / unspecified”. The NWDAF 99-2 responds in signaling 120 with Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Notify message. The AF 110 in signaling 125 sends an Nnef AFsessionWithQoS Create request message request to reserve resources for an AF session to the NEF 99-1. In block 130, the NEF 99-1 authorizes the AF request that contains a single UE address and may apply policies to control the overall amount of QoS authorized for the AF. If the NEF determines to contact (see signaling 135) the PCF 99-3 directly, the NEF uses the UE address to discover the PCF, and the NEF forwards received parameters to the PCF in the Npcf PolicyAuthorization Create request. In block 140, the PCF 99-3 performs SM policy determination and delivery. As background, this concerns Session Management (SM) policy determination and delivery. SM is one of three types of policies handled by the PCF 99-3. The others are AM (Access and Mobility) and UE (User Equipment) policies. The examples herein focus on Service Area Restriction (SAR), which is a specific AM policy, and on QoS, which is part of the SM policies.

[0044] An additional note is that the name of the APIs exposed by the PCF start with Npcf, as the name of the APIs exposed by NF x (network function x) normally starts withNx. This is a convention and extends to Nnef for the NEF 99-1 and Nnwdaf for the NWDAF 99-2.

[0045] In signaling 145, the PCF 99-3 sends a Npcf PolicyAuthorization Create response message to the NEF 99-1. The NEF 99-1 sends (see signaling 150) an Nnef AFsessionWithQoS Create response message (e.g., with parameters of Transaction Reference ID, Result) to the AF 110. Result indicates whether the request is granted or not. In signaling 155, the NEF 99-1 sends a Npcf PolicyAuthorization Subscribe message to the PCF to subscribe to notifications of Resource allocation status and may subscribe to other events. When the event condition is met, e.g. that the establishment of the transmission resources corresponding to the QoS update succeeded or failed, the PCF sends Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Notify message to the NEF notifying about the event. This occurs in signaling 160. In signaling 165, the NEF 99-1 sends Nnef_AFsessionWithQoS_Notify message with the event reported by the PCF 99-3 to the AF 110.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, this figure is a signaling diagram illustrating AF- requested AM Policies (based on 3GPP TS 23.502 clause 4.15.6.9 but simplified to remove the TSC-related parts and show the optional consideration of analytics). Signaling 115 and 120 have been described in reference to FIG. 1. With respect to signaling 230, the AF 110 sends to the NEF 99-1 its request for influencing the access and mobility management policy of the UE using Nnef_AMPolicy Authorization. As part of the Nnef_AMPolicy Authorization request, the AF may request to subscribe (within the Create and Update operations) or unsubscribe (within the Delete operation) for relevant events, e.g. events for request for service area coverage outcome. The NEF 99-1 sends in signaling 240 the NEF 99-1 sends to the PCF 99-3 for the UE the request for influencing the access and mobility management policy of the UE using Npcf AMPolicyAuthorization Create. As part of the Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization_Create request, the NEF may subscribe or unsubscribe (according to what the AF requested in step 2a) for relevant events, e.g. events for change of service area coverage, and also or alternatively include a validity time (validityTime), which provides a timer on how long this policy is to last.

[0047] In block 250, the PCF 99-3 performs AM policy determination and delivery. The PCF responds in signaling 260 with an Npcf_AMPolicyAuthorization_Create response.

[0048] The NEF 99-1 has stored the request from signaling 230 and, in response to the Npcf AMPolicyAuthorization Create response, sends a response to the AF 110 using a message of Nnef_AMPolicyAuthorizationCreate response.

[0049] Release 19 study items have been progressing and below is where the proposal is targeted at the following.

[0050] 1) Study enhancements to support NWDAF-assisted policy control and address network abnormal behavior.

[0051] 2) Study whether and what additionally needs to be supported in order to enhance 5GC NF operations (i.e., policy control and QoS) assisted by NWDAF. The work will firstly identify the specific use cases to be considered, in order to identify the appropriate scope. The work will analyze the result impacts on NWDAF (e.g., the need to understand specific NF functionality), and the compatibility of new solutions with respect to existing analytics, in order to determine the need and benefits of new solutions.

[0052] 3) Study prediction, detection, prevention, and mitigation of network abnormal behaviors, i.e., signaling storm with the assistance of NWDAF.

[0053] Thus, this area is of interest to the 3 GPP community, and there are outstanding issues that could be resolved.

[0054] Some of this has been attempted to be at least partly addressed by the following. With regard to the usage of analytics for the determination of 5G policies:

[0055] 1) The PCF can use network analytics for PCC decisions, but no specified mechanisms about how to use congestion information exist and it appears that none have been discussed.

[0056] 2) The PCF can use network analytics for authorizing and satisfying AF requests but no mechanisms to inform AF about the future of these decisions are known.

[0057] 3) The PCF reports the outcome of a service area coverage change, including the list of allowed TAIs (that is mapped to a geographical area if the requests are sent via NEF) and any changes to the AF, according to related events in the network.

[0058] One example of a problem with the current techniques is that the requested QoS or SAR / AM policies might make sense for the AF only if they can be maintained for a certain time period, but the current 5G system offers no way of knowing and communicating this, while there are no 3 GPP-specified ways for the PCF to adapt its policies to situations of network congestion (with the additional challenge that currently specified congestion analytics use very few inputs, i.e., UE measurements and throughput information, and cannot always be relied upon).

[0059] This leads to situations where AF requests for QoS and SAR are sent and handled, thus consuming resources of the system (not only in terms of signaling but mainly for the network resources that are allocated to satisfy the relevant PCF decisions), without bringing any benefit to the AF, because the requests stop being satisfiable before the related task of the AF (for which the request was performed) has been accomplished.

[0060] These issues lead to at least the following:

[0061] 1) Unnecessary monetary costs for the application provider and unnecessary network load for the network operator; and / or

[0062] 2) There are other topics like sustainability and energy efficiency in which reduction of network usage is deliberated.

[0063] Examples herein address these and other issues. For instance, examples herein also support reductions for (2) above, and can address (1). An overview is provided now, and more details are provided below. Examples include extended procedures for AF Session with QoS and AF-requested AM Policies to address the above-mentioned problems. One example includes a method for requesting and determining AM and SM policies (SAR and QoS in particular) with the support of extensions of the network congestion analytics, based on one or more of the following aspects:

[0064] 1) Extension of the user data congestion analytics to use information about negotiated Background Data Transfers and planned TSC (Time Sensitive Communication)streams. Such information is stored in the UDR or scattered across different PCFs but currently not used for any analytics, although this information can be huge contributors to network congestion due to the “spikes” of traffic. In examples, an NWDAF can use this information for network congestion analytics and a PCF can then utilize this information further when authorizing the policy request. It is noted that negotiated background data transfers (BDTs) and informed TSC streams are both provided by AFs and contain information about future traffic, but they are different types of traffic and are informed via different APIs and stored separately. Both of them, however, should be considered when forecasting network congestion.

[0065] 2) Addition of indications about a minimum required time for the requested policies (in the requests) and time windows that indicate the “future periods of risk (of non- satisfiable requirements)” (in the response).

[0066] 3) Determination of a) SAR and QoS policies and b) the need to update or terminate certain requests based on one or both of the above two points.

[0067] It is noted that AM and SM policies are two specific kinds of policies that make sense to be determined based on network congestion information. The examples herein are not limited to these two policies, however,

[0068] Further details are now provided. The following procedures, in FIGS. 3 and 4, illustrate how the basic procedures for AF Session with QoS (see FIG. 1) and AF -requested AM Policies (see FIG. 2) are extended to resolve the problems described above. It should be noted that the steps related to analytics in both procedures are applicable also when the determination of new policies is not triggered by an AF but by internal logic of the PCF itself (i.e., the AF and the NEF and their interactions are removed from the procedure).

[0069] Turn to FIG. 3, which is a signaling diagram illustrating a congestion-aware AF session with a QoS procedure, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. It is noted that this figure introduces a Unified Data Repository (UDR), which supports at least the following functionality: Storage and retrieval of subscription data by the UDM; Storage and retrieval of policy data by the PCF; Storage and retrieval of structured data for exposure; Application data; and Storage and retrieval of an ID corresponding to subscriber identifier.See, e.g., 3GPP TS 23.501, §6.2.11. The UDR is considered to be a database and is the database referred to herein, It is possible, however, for other databases to be used.

[0070] 1. The PCF stores into the UDR information about planned TSN / TSC(Time Sensitive Networking / Communication) streams (e.g., start times, burst sizes or the like, as defined in 3 GPP TS 29.514) that the PCF has previously received by any AF (see also clauses 5.27 and 5.28 of 3GPP TS 23.501). N5 and N33 are the interfaces that can be used. It is noted that the TSN / TSC streams are considered to be time-sensitive streams, and this term is used herein in addition to and in place of TSN / TSC. The information about TSN / TSC streams will then be characterized as time-sensitive-related information.

[0071] 2a-2d. The PCF subscribes for network congestion analytics to theNWDAF, as in 2a using the Nnwdaf_EventsSubscription_Subscribe (“congestion”, ...) message. Then in 2b, the NWDAF collects from the UDR information about negotiated Background Data Transfers (BDTs) (see 3GPP TS 29.522 clauses 4.4.4 and 4.4.16) and the TSC-related information stored in step 1. This uses the Nudr DM Get (BDT data, TSC info) message. Additional information about BDTs includes the following. An AF (e.g., on behalf of an application) uses the BDT APIs of 3GPP TS 29.522 (partly defined on 3GPP TS 29.122) in order to negotiate, with the 5G system, the times and the types of “background data transfers” (BDTs), i.e., of datetime-coordinated user plane traffic of UEs. For example, the AF may tell the 5G system that tomorrow at noon 1000 UEs will download 1 GB each, and the 5G system may respond with “please schedule this in the afternoon”. This information, which may be practically provided by the AF via the NEF, is stored in the UDR (but is currently not used by the NWDAF for any purpose).

[0072] Together with further inputs as defined in, e.g., 3GPP TS 23.288 clause 6.8, the NWDAF 99-2 determines network congestion predictions. This is illustrated in 2c as “Compute congestion analytics as per 23.288 clause 6.8 but using also the data retrieved in step 2b.” The NWDAF 99-2 in 2d sends / notifies these to the PCF, e.g., via a message of Nnwdaf_EventsSubscription_Notify (“congestion”, ... ). This includes computed analytics results 320.Y1

[0073] 3a-3b. The AF 110 requests to the PCF 99-3 (potentially via the NEF 99-1) a session with a certain (e.g., requested) QoS as described in 3GPP TS 29.522 clause 4.4.9 and / or 3GPP TS 29.514, but the AF 110 includes also an indication about the minimum time for which the required QoS is needed for the request to make sense. It should be noted that the minimum required time has different semantics and can be different than the expiry / validity time of such as request. In 3a, a message of Nnef AsSessionWithQoS Create (minReqTime, ... ) is sent from the AF 110 to the NEF 99-1, and the NEF 99-1 sends (3 b) a corresponding message of Npcf PolicyAuthorization Create (minReqTime, ... ) to the PCF 99-3. Both signaling 3a and 3b include a QoS request 310.

[0074] 3 c. The PCF 99-3 authorizes and possibly fulfills the request as described in3 GPP TS 29.514, but the PCF does that by considering also the network congestion analytics received in step 2d and determines also the future time windows during which there is a risk of the requested QoS not being satisfied. This is illustrated by 3C, “Authorize QoS request and determine periods of risk within the minReqTime based on info received in step 2d.” It is noted that this authorization of the QoS request 310 is based at least on an ability to initially meet the requested QoS, e.g., as of the time the QoS request 310 is acted on by the PCF 99-3. This is true because sometime later, the requested QoS may not be able to be met.

[0075] 3d-3e. The operation result is sent to the AF (potentially via the NEF) together with the determined periods of risk. In 3d, the PCF 99-3 sends Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_Create response (risky time windows, ... ), and in 3e, the NEF 99-1 sends a message of Nnef AsSessionWithQoS CreateResponse (risky time windows, ... ).

[0076] 4. If the response of step 3e indicates a high probability that the AF will not be able to fulfill the task for which it has performed the request, the AF updates or terminates the QoS request 310 accordingly. It is noted that the high probability may be determined via techniques such as a threshold, but this threshold could be part of internal AF logic and outside the scope of this document. Instead, it is assumed herein that the AF receives the information about the risky time windows and does with this information whatever the AF is configured to do with it. The AF can derive from the information the probability that goals of the AF might fail and the threshold that the AF will use (if any) to drop its plans, and these areexamples of what the AF can do with this information. With respect to block 4, the AF may ask for lower QoS than before to make sure to eliminate the risky time windows, the AF may decide to not ask for anything (i.e., decide to “live” with the previously agreed or default operator-provided QoS), the AF may decide to increase other (internal) resources to make up for the risk, or whatever else. This is completely up to the AF and the use case.

[0077] Referring now to FIG. 4, this figure is a signaling diagram illustrating AF- requested AM Policies in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0078] 0. Same as steps 1 and 2 of FIG. 3. It is noted that the UDR 99-4 is involved in step 0 (which are the same as steps 1 and 2 of FIG. 3, where step 2 = 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d), but the UDR 99-4 is omitted from FIG. 4 due to not being involved in the other signaling in FIG. 4.

[0079] la-lb. The AF requests to the PCF (potentially via the NEF) certain Service Area Restriction(s) (SAR(s)) 410 as described in 3GPP TS 29.522 clause 4.4.26 (e.g., AM Policy Authorization and its corresponding API) and / or 3GPP TS 29.534, but the AF includes also an indication about the minimum time (minReqTime, minimum required time) for which the required SAR is needed for the request to make sense. This is via a message of Nnef AMPolicy Authorization (minReqTime, ... ) in la, and the messageNpcf AMPolicyAuthorization Create (minReqTime, ... ) in lb, both of which indicate the SAR(s) 410. It is noted that the minimum required time has different semantics and can be different than the expiry / validity time of such a request. Also, SAR are the Service Area Restrictions, which are a specific AM policy, and are determined by the PCF based on the “coverage requirement” (covReq) provided by the AF (e.g., in signaling la).

[0080] 1c. The PCF 99-3 authorizes and possibly fulfills the request as described in3GPP TS 29.534, but the PCF does that by considering also the network congestion analytics received in step 0 and determines also the future time windows during which there is a risk of the requested SAR not being satisfied.

[0081] Id-le. The operation result is sent to the AF (potentially via the NEF) together with the determined periods of risk. This occurs via the message ofNpcf_AMPolicyAuthorization_Create response (risky time windows, ... ) in Id, and the message of Nnef_ AMPolicy Authorization Create (risky time windows, ... ) in le.

[0082] 2. If the response of step le indicates a high probability that the AF will not be able to fulfill the task for which it has performed the request, the AF updates or terminates the request for SAR 410 accordingly.

[0083] As depicted in the above two use cases (and the corresponding flows):

[0084] 1) The AF can upfront be aware of the situation in the 5GC. This also enables the AF vendor to accordingly negotiate and plan the SLA to its end consumers.

[0085] 2) An Operator / 5GC protects itself from unwanted signaling being exchanged, by leveraging the analytical (e.g., NWDAF) infrastructure in place.

[0086] Turning to FIG. 5, this figure shows a block diagram of one possible and non-limiting example of a cellular network 1 that is connected to a user equipment (UE) 10. A number of network elements are shown in the cellular network of FIG. 5: a base station 70; and a core network 90. A data network 91 is illustrated, which is assumed to connect to the data plane for the UE 10 or the network functions (NFs) 99. The AF 110 is assumed to be outside the data network 91, as the AF 110 would have control plane information instead of data plane information. The AF 110 in this example is couplable to the core network 90 and consequently to the AFs 99.

[0087] In FIG. 5, a user equipment (UE) 10 is in wireless communication via radio link 11 with the base station 70 of the cellular network 1. A UE 10 is a wireless communication device, such as a mobile device, that is configured to access a cellular network. The UE 10 is illustrated with one or more antennas 28. The ellipses 2 indicate there could be multiple UEs 10 in wireless communication via radio links with the base station 70. The UE 10 includes one or more processors 13, one or more memories 15, and other circuitry 16. The other circuitry 16 includes one or more receivers (Rx(s)) 17 and one or more transmitters (Tx(s)) 18. A program 12 is used to cause the UE 10 to perform the operations described herein. For a UE 10, the other circuitry 16 could include circuitry such as for user interface elements (not shown) like a display.

[0088] The base station 70, as a network element of the cellular network 1, provides the UE 10 access to cellular network 1 and to the data network 91 via the core network 90 (e.g., via a user plane function (UPF) of the core network 90). As such, the base station 70 may be considered to be an access node, which provides access by UE(s) 10 to the cellular network 1. The base station 70 is illustrated as having one or more antennas 58. In general, the base station 70 may be referred to as RAN node 70, although many will make reference to this as a gNB (gNode B, a base station for NR, new radio) instead. There are, however, many other examples of RAN nodes including an eNB (evolved Node B) or TRP (Transmission-Reception Point). The base station 70 includes one or more processors 73, one or more memories 75, and other circuitry 76. The other circuitry 76 includes one or more receivers (Rx(s)) 77 and one or more transmitters (Tx(s)) 78. A program 72 is used to cause the base station 70 to perform the operations described herein.

[0089] It is noted that the base station 70 may instead be implemented via other wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi (a wireless networking protocol that devices use to communicate without direct cable connections). In the case of Wi-Fi, the link 11 could be characterized as a wireless link.

[0090] Two or more base stations 70 communicate using, e.g., link(s) 79. The link(s) 79 may be wired or wireless or both and may implement, e.g., an Xn interface for 5G (fifth generation), an X2 interface for LTE (Long Term Evolution), or other suitable interface for other standards.

[0091] The cellular network 1 may include a core network 90, as a second network element or elements, that may include core network functionality, and which provide connectivity via a link or links 81 with a data network 91, such as a telephone network and / or a data communications network (e.g., the Internet). The core network 90 includes one or more processors 93, one or more memories 95, and other circuitry 96. The other circuitry 96 includes one or more receivers (Rx(s)) 97 and one or more transmitters (Tx(s)) 98. A program 92 is used to cause the core network 90 to perform the operations described herein.

[0092] The core network 90 could be a 5GC (5G core network). The core network 90 can implement or comprise multiple network functions (NF(s)) 99, and the program 92may comprise one or more of the NFs 99. A 5G core network may use hardware such as memory and processors and a virtualization layer. It could be a single standalone computing system, a distributed computing system, or a cloud computing system. The NFs 99, as network elements, of the core network could be containers or virtual machines running on the hardware of the computing system(s) making up the core network 90.

[0093] Core network functionality for 5G may include access and mobility management functionality that is provided by a network function 99 such as the NEF 99-1, the NWDAF 99-2, the PCF 99-3, and the UDR 99-4, which have already been described. Additionally, other networks are possible such as an access and mobility management function (AMF(s)), session management functionality that is provided by a network function such as a session management function (SMF). Core network functionality for access and mobility management in an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network may be provided by an MME (Mobility Management Entity) and / or SGW (Serving Gateway) functionality, which routes data to the data network. Many others are possible, as illustrated by the examples in FIG. 5: AMF; SMF; MME; SGW; GMLC (Gateway Mobile Location Center); LMF (Location Management Function); UDM (Unified Data Management) / UDR (Unified Data Repository); NRF (Network Repository Function); and / or E-SMLC (Evolved Serving Mobile Location Center). These are merely exemplary core network functionality that may be provided by the core network 90, and note that both 5G and LTE core network functionality might be provided by the core network 90. The base station 70 is coupled via a backhaul link 31 to the core network 90. The base station 70 and the core network 90 may include an NG (Next Generation) interface for 5 G, or an SI interface for LTE, or other suitable interface for other radio access technologies for communicating via the backhaul link 31.

[0094] In the data network 91, there is a computer-readable medium 94. The computer-readable medium 94 contains instructions that, when downloaded and installed into the memories 15, 75, or 95 of the corresponding UE 10, base station 70, and / or core network element(s) 90, and executed by processor(s) 13, 73, or 93, cause the respective device to perform corresponding actions described herein. The computer-readable medium 94 may be implemented in other forms, such as via a compact disc or memory stick.

[0095] The programs 12, 72, and 92 contain instructions stored by corresponding one or more memories 15, 75, or 95. These instructions, when executed by the corresponding one or more processors 13, 73, or 93, cause the corresponding apparatus 10, 70, or 90, to perform the operations described herein. The computer readable memories 15, 75, or 95 are circuitry and may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, firmware, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The computer readable memories 15, 75, and 95 may be means for performing storage functions. The processors 13, 73, and 93, are circuitry and may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment. For example, these processors may include one or more of general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), processors based on a multi-core processor architecture, and may also include specialized circuits such as field- programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific circuits (ASICs), signal processing devices and other devices, or combinations of these devices, as non-limiting examples. The processors 13, 73, and 93 may be means for causing their respective apparatus to perform functions, such as those described herein.

[0096] The receivers 17, 77, and 97, and the transmitters 18, 78, and 98 may implement wired or wireless interfaces. The receivers and transmitters may be grouped together as transceivers.

[0097] The cellular network 1 may implement network virtualization, which is the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based administrative entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is categorized as either external, combining many networks, or parts of networks, into a virtual unit, or internal, providing network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. Note that the virtualized entities (such as network functions 99) that result from the network virtualization are still implemented, at some level, using hardwaresuch as processors 73 and / or 93 and memories 75 and / or 95, and also such virtualized entities create technical effects.

[0098] In general, the various embodiments of the user equipment 10 can include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones (such as smart phones, mobile phones, cellular phones, voice over Internet Protocol (IP) (VoIP) phones, and / or wireless local loop phones), tablets, portable computers, vehicles or vehicle-mounted devices for, e.g., wireless V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communication, image capture devices such as digital cameras, gaming devices, music storage and playback appliances, Internet appliances (including Internet of Things, loT, devices), loT devices with sensors and / or actuators for, e.g., automation applications, as well as portable units or terminals that incorporate combinations of such functions, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), Universal Serial Bus (USB) dongles, smart devices, wireless customer-premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and applications (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or an automated processing chain contexts), a consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and the like. That is, the UE 10 could be any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example rather than limitation, the UE may also be referred to as a communication device, terminal device (MT), a Subscriber Station (SS), a Portable Subscriber Station, a Mobile Station (MS), or an Access Terminal (AT).

[0099] Referring to FIG. 6, this figure is a logic flow diagram of an example of a method performed by a database in a core newtork. Block 602 performs storing, by a database in a core network of a cellular network and from a policy function in the core network, information about planned time-sensitive streams that the policy function has previously received by any application function. The database may be a UDR 99-4 and the time-sensitive streams may be TSC / TSN streams. The policy function may be a PCF 99-3. In block 604, the database participates in a process with a network data analytics function so the network data analytics function collects from the stored information about negotiated background datatransfers and time-sensitive-related information that has been previously stored. The network data analytics function may be a NWDAF 99-2.

[0100] Turning to FIG. 7, this figure is a logic flow diagram of an example of a method performed by a network data analytics function in a core newtork. Block 702 includes receiving, by a network data analytics function in a core network of a cellular network and from a policy function in the core network, a subscription for congestion analytics of the core network. Block 704 includes participating, by the network data analytics function, in a process with a database in the core network so the network data analytics function collects from the database information about negotiated background data transfers and time-sensitive-related information that has been previously stored by the database. The network data analytics function computes, in block 706, the congestion analytics considering, among other information, the information collected from the database. Block 708 includes sending, by the network data analytics function to the policy function and in response to the subscription, notification of results of the congestion analytics.

[0101] FIG. 8 is a logic flow diagram of an example of a method performed by a policy function in a core newtork. Block 802 entails sending, by a policy function in a core network of a cellular network and to a network data analytics function in the core network, a subscription for congestion analytics of the core network. Block 804 includes receiving, by the policy function from the network data analytics function in response to the subscription, notification of results of the congestion analytics. In block 806, the policy function receives, from a function in the core network, a request that a policy authorization should be created meeting a requested policy and comprising a minimum required time for which the requested policy is needed. As described above, there are multiple policies that can be handled by a policy function (such as PCF 99-3), and these policies belong to one of three different categories, namely Access and Mobility (AM), Session Management (SM), and User Equipment (UE) Policies. The SAR is one AM policy applicable to the examples herein, and the QoS is one SM policy applicable to the examples here.

[0102] In block 808, the policy function authorizeds the request based at least on an ability to initially meet the requested policy. In block 810, this entails determining, by thepolicy function, periods of risk within the minimum required time where the requested policy might not be satisfied based on information received in the notification of results of the congestion analytics. Block 812 performs the operation of sending, from the policy function toward the function, a response to the request from the function, the response indicating the determined periods of risk.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 9, the figure is a logic flow diagram of an example of a method performed by a network function (such as an AF or NEF) in a core newtork. Block 902 includes sending, from a function in a core network of a cellular network toward a policy function in the core network, a request that a policy authorization should be created meeting a requested policy and comprising a minimum required time for which the requested policy is needed. Block 904 includes receiving, at the function, a response to the request, the response indicating periods of risk within the minimum required time where the requested policy might not be satisfied due to congestion in the core network.

[0104] Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims appearing below, a technical effect and / or advantage of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is cost reduction and signaling reduction (when the AF avoids requesting things that lead to high risk).

[0105] The following are additional examples.

[0106] Example 1. A method, comprising: storing, by a database in a core network of a cellular network and from a policy function in the core network, information about planned time-sensitive streams that the policy function has previously received by any application function; and participating, by the database, in a process with a network data analytics function so the network data analytics function collects from the stored information about negotiated background data transfers and time-sensitive-related information that has been previously stored.

[0107] Example 2. A method, comprising: receiving, by a network data analytics function in a core network of a cellular network and from a policy function in the core network, a subscription for congestion analytics of the core network; participating, by the network data analytics function, in a process with a database in the core network so thenetwork data analytics function collects from the database information about negotiated background data transfers and time-sensitive-related information that has been previously stored by the database; computing, by the network data analytics function, congestion analytics considering, among other information, the information collected from the database; and sending, by the network data analytics function to the policy function and in response to the subscription, notification of results of the congestion analytics.

[0108] Example 3. A method, comprising: sending, by a policy function in a core network of a cellular network and to a network data analytics function in the core network, a subscription for congestion analytics of the core network; receiving, by the policy function from the network data analytics function in response to the subscription, notification of results of the congestion analytics; receiving, by the policy function from a function in the core network, a request that a policy authorization should be created meeting a requested policy and comprising a minimum required time for which the requested policy is needed; authorizing, by the policy function, the request based at least on an ability to initially meet the requested policy; determining, by the policy function, periods of risk within the minimum required time where the requested policy might not be satisfied based on information received in the notification of results of the congestion analytics; and sending, from the policy function toward the function, a response to the request from the function, the response indicating the determined periods of risk.

[0109] Example 4. The method according to example 3, wherein the function comprises a network exposure function.

[0110] Example 5. The method according to any one of examples 3 or 4, wherein: the method further comprises storing, from the policy function into a database in the core network, information about planned time-sensitive streams that the policy function has previously received by any application function; and the results of the congestion analytics are based at least in part on the information stored in the database.

[0111] Example 6. The method according to any one of examples 3 to 5, wherein the requested policy indicates a requested quality of service for a session management policy.

[0112] Example 7. The method according to any one of examples 3 to 5, wherein the requested policy indicates a requested service area restriction for an access and mobility management policy.

[0113] Example 8. A method, comprising: sending, from a function in a core network of a cellular network toward a policy function in the core network, a request that a policy authorization should be created meeting a requested policy and comprising a minimum required time for which the requested policy is needed; and receiving, at the function, a response to the request, the response indicating periods of risk within the minimum required time where the requested policy might not be satisfied due to congestion in the core network.

[0114] Example 9. The method according to example 8, wherein the requested policy indicates a requested quality of service for a session management policy.

[0115] Example 10. The method according to example 9, wherein: the function comprises a network exposure function; the method further comprises receiving, by the network exposure function from an application function, a request to create a session meeting the requested quality of service and comprising the minimum required time for which the requested quality of service is needed; the sending the request comprise sending, from the network exposure function to the policy function in the core network, the request that the policy authorization should be created meeting the requested quality of service and comprising the minimum required time for which the requested quality of service is needed; and the method further comprises sending, from the network exposure function to the application function, a response to request to create the session and comprising indications of the periods of risk.

[0116] Example 11. The method according to example 9, wherein: the function comprises an application function; the sending comprises sending, by the application function toward the policy function via a network exposure function in the core network, a request to create a session meeting the requested quality of service and comprising the minimum required time for which requested quality of service is needed; the receiving the response to the request comprises receiving, by the application function from the network exposure function, a response to create the session and comprising indications of the periods of risk; andthe method further comprises determining, by the application function, whether to update or terminate the request for the quality of service based at least on the periods of risk.

[0117] Example 12. The method according to example 8, wherein the requested policy indicates a requested service area restriction for an access and mobility management policy.

[0118] Example 13. The method according to example 12, wherein: the function comprises a network exposure function; the method further comprises receiving, at the network exposure function from an application function, a request for authorization of an access and mobility management Policy, the request comprising indication of the requested service area restriction and the indication about the minimum required time for which the service area restriction is needed; the sending comprises sending, from the network exposure function to a policy function in the core network, the request that the policy authorization should be created meeting the requested service area restriction and comprising the minimum required time for which the requested service area restriction is needed; the receiving the response comprises receiving, at the network exposure function from the policy function, the response to the request; and the method further comprises sending, from the network exposure function to the application function, a response indicating the access and mobility management policy is authorized and comprising indications of the periods of risk.

[0119] Example 14. The method according to example 12, wherein: the function comprises an application function; the method further comprises: sending, by the application function toward the policy function via a network exposure function in the core network, a request for authorization of the access and mobility management policy, the request comprising indication of the service area restriction and the indication about the minimum time for which the service area restriction is needed; receiving, by the application function from the network exposure function, the response comprising the periods of risk where the requested service area restriction might not be satisfied due to congestion in the core network and indicating the access and mobility management policy is authorized; and determining, by the application function, whether to update or terminate the request for the access and mobility management policy based at least on the periods of risk.

[0120] Example 15. A computer program, comprising instructions for performing the methods of any of examples 1 to 14, when the computer program is run on an apparatus.

[0121] Example 16. The computer program according to example 15, wherein the computer program is a computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium bearing instructions embodied therein for use with the apparatus.

[0122] Example 17. The computer program according to example 15, wherein the computer program is directly loadable into an internal memory of the apparatus.

[0123] Example 18. An apparatus, comprising means for performing: storing, by a database in a core network of a cellular network and from a policy function in the core network, information about planned time-sensitive streams that the policy function has previously received by any application function; and participating, by the database, in a process with a network data analytics function so the network data analytics function collects from the stored information about negotiated background data transfers and time-sensitive- related information that has been previously stored.

[0124] Example 19. An apparatus, comprising means for performing: receiving, by a network data analytics function in a core network of a cellular network and from a policy function in the core network, a subscription for congestion analytics of the core network; participating, by the network data analytics function, in a process with a database in the core network so the network data analytics function collects from the database information about negotiated background data transfers and time-sensitive-related information that has been previously stored by the database; computing, by the network data analytics function, congestion analytics considering, among other information, the information collected from the database; and sending, by the network data analytics function to the policy function and in response to the subscription, notification of results of the congestion analytics.

[0125] Example 20. An apparatus, comprising means for performing: sending, by a policy function in a core network of a cellular network and to a network data analytics function in the core network, a subscription for congestion analytics of the core network; receiving, by the policy function from the network data analytics function in response to the subscription, notification of results of the congestion analytics; receiving, by the policyfunction from a function in the core network, a request that a policy authorization should be created meeting a requested policy and comprising a minimum required time for which the requested policy is needed; authorizing, by the policy function, the request based at least on an ability to initially meet the requested policy; determining, by the policy function, periods of risk within the minimum required time where the requested policy might not be satisfied based on information received in the notification of results of the congestion analytics; and sending, from the policy function toward the function, a response to the request from the function, the response indicating the determined periods of risk.

[0126] Example 21. The apparatus according to example 20, wherein the function comprises a network exposure function.

[0127] Example 22. The apparatus according to any one of examples 20 or 21, wherein: the means are further configured for performing: storing, from the policy function into a database in the core network, information about planned time-sensitive streams that the policy function has previously received by any application function; and the results of the congestion analytics are based at least in part on the information stored in the database.

[0128] Example 23. The apparatus according to any one of examples 20 to 22, wherein the requested policy indicates a requested quality of service for a session management policy.

[0129] Example 24. The apparatus according to any one of examples 20 to 22, wherein the requested policy indicates a requested service area restriction for an access and mobility management policy.

[0130] Example 25. An apparatus, comprising means for performing: sending, from a function in a core network of a cellular network toward a policy function in the core network, a request that a policy authorization should be created meeting a requested policy and comprising a minimum required time for which the requested policy is needed; and receiving, at the function, a response to the request, the response indicating periods of risk within the minimum required time where the requested policy might not be satisfied due to congestion in the core network.

[0131] Example 26. The apparatus according to example 25, wherein the requested policy indicates a requested quality of service for a session management policy.

[0132] Example 27. The apparatus according to example 26, wherein: the function comprises a network exposure function; the means are further configured for performing: receiving, by the network exposure function from an application function, a request to create a session meeting the requested quality of service and comprising the minimum required time for which the requested quality of service is needed; the sending the request comprise sending, from the network exposure function to the policy function in the core network, the request that the policy authorization should be created meeting the requested quality of service and comprising the minimum required time for which the requested quality of service is needed; and the means are further configured for performing: sending, from the network exposure function to the application function, a response to request to create the session and comprising indications of the periods of risk.

[0133] Example 28. The apparatus according to example 26, wherein: the function comprises an application function; the sending comprises sending, by the application function toward the policy function via a network exposure function in the core network, a request to create a session meeting the requested quality of service and comprising the minimum required time for which requested quality of service is needed; the receiving the response to the request comprises receiving, by the application function from the network exposure function, a response to create the session and comprising indications of the periods of risk; and the means are further configured for performing: determining, by the application function, whether to update or terminate the request for the quality of service based at least on the periods of risk.

[0134] Example 29. The apparatus according to example 25, wherein the requested policy indicates a requested service area restriction for an access and mobility management policy.

[0135] Example 30. The apparatus according to example 29, wherein: the function comprises a network exposure function; the means are further configured for performing: receiving, at the network exposure function from an application function, a request forauthorization of an access and mobility management Policy, the request comprising indication of the requested service area restriction and the indication about the minimum required time for which the service area restriction is needed; the sending comprises sending, from the network exposure function to a policy function in the core network, the request that the policy authorization should be created meeting the requested service area restriction and comprising the minimum required time for which the requested service area restriction is needed; the receiving the response comprises receiving, at the network exposure function from the policy function, the response to the request; and the means are further configured for performing: sending, from the network exposure function to the application function, a response indicating the access and mobility management policy is authorized and comprising indications of the periods of risk.

[0136] Example 31. The apparatus according to example 29, wherein: the function comprises an application function; the means are further configured for performing: sending, by the application function toward the policy function via a network exposure function in the core network, a request for authorization of the access and mobility management policy, the request comprising indication of the service area restriction and the indication about the minimum time for which the service area restriction is needed; receiving, by the application function from the network exposure function, the response comprising the periods of risk where the requested service area restriction might not be satisfied due to congestion in the core network and indicating the access and mobility management policy is authorized; and determining, by the application function, whether to update or terminate the request for the access and mobility management policy based at least on the periods of risk.

[0137] Example 32. The apparatus of any preceding apparatus example, wherein the means comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

[0138] Example 33. An apparatus, comprising: one or more processors; and one or more memories storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform: storing, by a database in a core network of a cellular network and from a policy function in the core network, information about planned time-sensitivestreams that the policy function has previously received by any application function; and participating, by the database, in a process with a network data analytics function so the network data analytics function collects from the stored information about negotiated background data transfers and time-sensitive-related information that has been previously stored.

[0139] Example 34. An apparatus, comprising: one or more processors; and one or more memories storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving, by a network data analytics function in a core network of a cellular network and from a policy function in the core network, a subscription for congestion analytics of the core network; participating, by the network data analytics function, in a process with a database in the core network so the network data analytics function collects from the database information about negotiated background data transfers and time-sensitive-related information that has been previously stored by the database; computing, by the network data analytics function, congestion analytics considering, among other information, the information collected from the database; and sending, by the network data analytics function to the policy function and in response to the subscription, notification of results of the congestion analytics.

[0140] Example 35. An apparatus, comprising: one or more processors; and one or more memories storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform: sending, by a policy function in a core network of a cellular network and to a network data analytics function in the core network, a subscription for congestion analytics of the core network; receiving, by the policy function from the network data analytics function in response to the subscription, notification of results of the congestion analytics; receiving, by the policy function from a function in the core network, a request that a policy authorization should be created meeting a requested policy and comprising a minimum required time for which the requested policy is needed; authorizing, by the policy function, the request based at least on an ability to initially meet the requested policy; determining, by the policy function, periods of risk within the minimum required time where the requested policy might not be satisfied based on information received in the notification ofresults of the congestion analytics; and sending, from the policy function toward the function, a response to the request from the function, the response indicating the determined periods of risk.

[0141] Example 36. The apparatus according to example 35, wherein the function comprises a network exposure function.

[0142] Example 37. The apparatus according to any one of examples 35 or 36, wherein: the one or more memories further store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform: storing, from the policy function into a database in the core network, information about planned time-sensitive streams that the policy function has previously received by any application function; and the results of the congestion analytics are based at least in part on the information stored in the database.

[0143] Example 38. The apparatus according to any one of examples 35 to 37, wherein the requested policy indicates a requested quality of service for a session management policy.

[0144] Example 39. The apparatus according to any one of examples 35 to 37, wherein the requested policy indicates a requested service area restriction for an access and mobility management policy.

[0145] Example 40. An apparatus, comprising: one or more processors; and one or more memories storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform: sending, from a function in a core network of a cellular network toward a policy function in the core network, a request that a policy authorization should be created meeting a requested policy and comprising a minimum required time for which the requested policy is needed; and receiving, at the function, a response to the request, the response indicating periods of risk within the minimum required time where the requested policy might not be satisfied due to congestion in the core network.

[0146] Example 41. The apparatus according to example 40, wherein the requested policy indicates a requested quality of service for a session management policy.

[0147] Example 42. The apparatus according to example 41, wherein: the function comprises a network exposure function; the one or more memories further store instructionsthat, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving, by the network exposure function from an application function, a request to create a session meeting the requested quality of service and comprising the minimum required time for which the requested quality of service is needed; the sending the request comprises sending, from the network exposure function to the policy function in the core network, the request that the policy authorization should be created meeting the requested quality of service and comprising the minimum required time for which the requested quality of service is needed; and the one or more memories further store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform: sending, from the network exposure function to the application function, a response to request to create the session and comprising indications of the periods of risk.

[0148] Example 43. The apparatus according to example 41, wherein: the function comprises an application function; the sending comprises sending, by the application function toward the policy function via a network exposure function in the core network, a request to create a session meeting the requested quality of service and comprising the minimum required time for which requested quality of service is needed; the receiving the response to the request comprises receiving, by the application function from the network exposure function, a response to create the session and comprising indications of the periods of risk; and the one or more memories further store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform: determining, by the application function, whether to update or terminate the request for the quality of service based at least on the periods of risk.

[0149] Example 44. The apparatus according to example 40, wherein the requested policy indicates a requested service area restriction for an access and mobility management policy.

[0150] Example 45. The apparatus according to example 44, wherein: the function comprises a network exposure function; the one or more memories further store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving, at the network exposure function from an application function, a request forauthorization of an access and mobility management Policy, the request comprising indication of the requested service area restriction and the indication about the minimum required time for which the service area restriction is needed; the sending comprises sending, from the network exposure function to a policy function in the core network, the request that the policy authorization should be created meeting the requested service area restriction and comprising the minimum required time for which the requested service area restriction is needed; the receiving the response comprises receiving, at the network exposure function from the policy function, the response to the request; and the one or more memories further store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform: sending, from the network exposure function to the application function, a response indicating the access and mobility management policy is authorized and comprising indications of the periods of risk.

[0151] Example 46. The apparatus according to example 44, wherein: the function comprises an application function; the one or more memories further store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the apparatus at least to perform: sending, by the application function toward the policy function via a network exposure function in the core network, a request for authorization of the access and mobility management policy, the request comprising indication of the service area restriction and the indication about the minimum time for which the service area restriction is needed; receiving, by the application function from the network exposure function, the response comprising the periods of risk where the requested service area restriction might not be satisfied due to congestion in the core network and indicating the access and mobility management policy is authorized; and determining, by the application function, whether to update or terminate the request for the access and mobility management policy based at least on the periods of risk.

[0152] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0153] (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) and

[0154] (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):(i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and

[0155] (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0156] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0157] Embodiments herein may be implemented in software (executed by one or more processors), hardware (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit), or a combination of software and hardware. In an example embodiment, the software (e.g., application logic, an instruction set) is maintained on any one of various conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” may be any media or means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer, with one example of a computer described and depicted, e.g., in FIG. 5. A computer-readable medium may comprise a computer-readable storage medium (e.g., memories 15, 75, and 95 or other device) that may be any media or means that can contain, store, and / or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer. A computer-readable storage medium does not comprise propagating signals, and therefore may be considered to be non-transitory. The term “non-transitory”, as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM, random access memory, versus ROM, read-only memory).

[0158] If desired, the different functions discussed herein may be performed in a different order and / or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the above-described functions may be optional or may be combined.

[0159] Although various aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims, other aspects of the invention comprise other combinations of features from the described embodiments and / or the dependent claims with the features of the independent claims, and not solely the combinations explicitly set out in the claims.

[0160] It is also noted herein that while the above describes example embodiments of the invention, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, there are several variations and modifications which may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0161] The following abbreviations that may be found in the specification and / or the drawing figures are defined as follows:

[0162] 3GPP third generation partnership project

[0163] 5G fifth generation

[0164] 5GC 5G core network

[0165] AF application function

[0166] AM access and mobility management

[0167] AMF access and mobility management function

[0168] API application programming interface

[0169] BDT background data transfer

[0170] E-SMLC evolved serving mobile location center

[0171] GMLC Gateway Mobile Location Center

[0172] eNB (or eNodeB) evolved Node B (e.g., an LTE base station)

[0173] gNB (or gNodeB) base station for 5G / NR

[0174] I / F interface

[0175] LMF Location Management Function

[0176] LTE long term evolution

[0177] MME mobility management entity

[0178] NEF network exposure function

[0179] NF network function

[0180] ng or NG next generation

[0181] NR new radio

[0182] NRF Network Repository Function

[0183] N / W or NW network

[0184] NWDAF Network data analytics function

[0185] PCC Policy and Charging Control

[0186] PCF Policy Control Function

[0187] RAN radio access network

[0188] QoS quality of service

[0189] Rx receiver

[0190] SAR service area restriction

[0191] SGW serving gateway

[0192] SM session management

[0193] SMF session management function

[0194] TAI Tracking area identity

[0195] TRP transmission-reception point

[0196] TSC Time-Sensitive Communication

[0197] TSN Time-sensitive networking

[0198] Tx transmitter

[0199] UDM unified data management

[0200] UDR unified data repository

[0201] UE user equipment (e.g., a wireless, typically mobile device)

[0202] UPF user plane function

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method, comprising: sending, by a policy function in a core network of a cellular network and to a network data analytics function in the core network, a subscription for congestion analytics of the core network; receiving, by the policy function from the network data analytics function in response to the subscription, notification of results of the congestion analytics; receiving, by the policy function from a function in the core network, a request that a policy authorization should be created meeting a requested policy and comprising a minimum required time for which the requested policy is needed; authorizing, by the policy function, the request based at least on an ability to initially meet the requested policy; determining, by the policy function, periods of risk within the minimum required time where the requested policy might not be satisfied based on information received in the notification of results of the congestion analytics; and sending, from the policy function toward the function, a response to the request from the function, the response indicating the determined periods of risk.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the function comprises a network exposure function.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein: the method further comprises storing, from the policy function into a database in the core network, information about planned time-sensitive streams that the policy function has previously received by any application function; and the results of the congestion analytics are based at least in part on the information stored in the database.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the requested policy indicates a requested quality of service for a session management policy.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the requested policy indicates a requested service area restriction for an access and mobility management policy.

6. A method, comprising: sending, from a function in a core network of a cellular network toward a policy function in the core network, a request that a policy authorization should be created meeting a requested policy and comprising a minimum required time for which the requested policy is needed; and receiving, at the function, a response to the request, the response indicating periods of risk within the minimum required time where the requested policy might not be satisfied due to congestion in the core network.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the requested policy indicates a requested quality of service for a session management policy.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: the function comprises a network exposure function; the method further comprises receiving, by the network exposure function from an application function, a request to create a session meeting the requested quality of service and comprising the minimum required time for which the requested quality of service is needed; the sending the request comprise sending, from the network exposure function to the policy function in the core network, the request that the policy authorization should be created meeting the requested quality of service and comprising theminimum required time for which the requested quality of service is needed; and the method further comprises sending, from the network exposure function to the application function, a response to request to create the session and comprising indications of the periods of risk.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein: the function comprises an application function; the sending comprises sending, by the application function toward the policy function via a network exposure function in the core network, a request to create a session meeting the requested quality of service and comprising the minimum required time for which requested quality of service is needed; the receiving the response to the request comprises receiving, by the application function from the network exposure function, a response to create the session and comprising indications of the periods of risk; and the method further comprises determining, by the application function, whether to update or terminate the request for the quality of service based at least on the periods of risk.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein the requested policy indicates a requested service area restriction for an access and mobility management policy.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: the function comprises a network exposure function; the method further comprises receiving, at the network exposure function from an application function, a request for authorization of an access and mobility management Policy, the request comprising indication of the requested service area restriction and the indication about the minimum required time for which the service area restriction is needed;the sending comprises sending, from the network exposure function to a policy function in the core network, the request that the policy authorization should be created meeting the requested service area restriction and comprising the minimum required time for which the requested service area restriction is needed; the receiving the response comprises receiving, at the network exposure function from the policy function, the response to the request; and the method further comprises sending, from the network exposure function to the application function, a response indicating the access and mobility management policy is authorized and comprising indications of the periods of risk.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein: the function comprises an application function; the method further comprises: sending, by the application function toward the policy function via a network exposure function in the core network, a request for authorization of the access and mobility management policy, the request comprising indication of the service area restriction and the indication about the minimum time for which the service area restriction is needed; receiving, by the application function from the network exposure function, the response comprising the periods of risk where the requested service area restriction might not be satisfied due to congestion in the core network and indicating the access and mobility management policy is authorized; and determining, by the application function, whether to update or terminate the request for the access and mobility management policy based at least on the periods of risk.

13. An apparatus, comprising means for performing: storing, by a database in a core network of a cellular network and from a policy function in the core network, information about planned time-sensitive streams that the policy function has previously received by any application function; and participating, by the database, in a process with a network data analytics function so the network data analytics function collects from the stored information about negotiated background data transfers and time-sensitive-related information that has been previously stored.

14. An apparatus, comprising means for performing: receiving, by a network data analytics function in a core network of a cellular network and from a policy function in the core network, a subscription for congestion analytics of the core network; participating, by the network data analytics function, in a process with a database in the core network so the network data analytics function collects from the database information about negotiated background data transfers and time-sensitive- related information that has been previously stored by the database; computing, by the network data analytics function, congestion analytics considering, among other information, the information collected from the database; and sending, by the network data analytics function to the policy function and in response to the subscription, notification of results of the congestion analytics.

15. An apparatus, comprising means for performing: sending, by a policy function in a core network of a cellular network and to a network data analytics function in the core network, a subscription for congestion analytics of the core network; receiving, by the policy function from the network data analytics function in response to the subscription, notification of results of the congestion analytics;receiving, by the policy function from a function in the core network, a request that a policy authorization should be created meeting a requested policy and comprising a minimum required time for which the requested policy is needed; authorizing, by the policy function, the request based at least on an ability to initially meet the requested policy; determining, by the policy function, periods of risk within the minimum required time where the requested policy might not be satisfied based on information received in the notification of results of the congestion analytics; and sending, from the policy function toward the function, a response to the request from the function, the response indicating the determined periods of risk.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the function comprises a network exposure function.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 or 16, wherein: the means are further configured for performing: storing, from the policy function into a database in the core network, information about planned time-sensitive streams that the policy function has previously received by any application function; and the results of the congestion analytics are based at least in part on the information stored in the database.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the requested policy indicates a requested quality of service for a session management policy.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the requested policy indicates a requested service area restriction for an access and mobility management policy.

20. An apparatus, comprising means for performing: sending, from a function in a core network of a cellular network toward a policy function in the core network, a request that a policy authorization should be created meeting a requested policy and comprising a minimum required time for which the requested policy is needed; and receiving, at the function, a response to the request, the response indicating periods of risk within the minimum required time where the requested policy might not be satisfied due to congestion in the core network.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the requested policy indicates a requested quality of service for a session management policy.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein: the function comprises a network exposure function; the means are further configured for performing: receiving, by the network exposure function from an application function, a request to create a session meeting the requested quality of service and comprising the minimum required time for which the requested quality of service is needed; the sending the request comprise sending, from the network exposure function to the policy function in the core network, the request that the policy authorization should be created meeting the requested quality of service and comprising the minimum required time for which the requested quality of service is needed; and the means are further configured for performing: sending, from the network exposure function to the application function, a response to request to create the session and comprising indications of the periods of risk.

23. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein: the function comprises an application function;the sending comprises sending, by the application function toward the policy function via a network exposure function in the core network, a request to create a session meeting the requested quality of service and comprising the minimum required time for which requested quality of service is needed; the receiving the response to the request comprises receiving, by the application function from the network exposure function, a response to create the session and comprising indications of the periods of risk; and the means are further configured for performing: determining, by the application function, whether to update or terminate the request for the quality of service based at least on the periods of risk.

24. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the requested policy indicates a requested service area restriction for an access and mobility management policy.

25. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein: the function comprises a network exposure function; the means are further configured for performing: receiving, at the network exposure function from an application function, a request for authorization of an access and mobility management Policy, the request comprising indication of the requested service area restriction and the indication about the minimum required time for which the service area restriction is needed; the sending comprises sending, from the network exposure function to a policy function in the core network, the request that the policy authorization should be created meeting the requested service area restriction and comprising the minimum required time for which the requested service area restriction is needed; the receiving the response comprises receiving, at the network exposure function from the policy function, the response to the request; andthe means are further configured for performing: sending, from the network exposure function to the application function, a response indicating the access and mobility management policy is authorized and comprising indications of the periods of risk.

26. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein: the function comprises an application function; the means are further configured for performing: sending, by the application function toward the policy function via a network exposure function in the core network, a request for authorization of the access and mobility management policy, the request comprising indication of the service area restriction and the indication about the minimum time for which the service area restriction is needed; receiving, by the application function from the network exposure function, the response comprising the periods of risk where the requested service area restriction might not be satisfied due to congestion in the core network and indicating the access and mobility management policy is authorized; and determining, by the application function, whether to update or terminate the request for the access and mobility management policy based at least on the periods of risk.

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