Data collection optimization in a communications network

Abstract

This disclosure provides a method for optimizing data collection in a communications network. The method comprises transmitting from a first network node to a second network node a subscription request including a first indication to reduce reporting from the second network node to the first network node, particularly wherein the first indication includes instructions or criteria for reduced reporting; and transmitting from the second network node to the first network node event reports based on the first indication, particularly wherein the transmitting comprises reducing or skipping event reports based on the first indication. In some embodiments, the first network node is a Network Function Service Consumer, NF Consumer, and the second network node is a User Plane Function, UPF.

Description

[0001] DATA COLLECTION OPTIMIZATION IN A COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention generally relates to data collection in telecommunications, mobile or communications networks, and more specifically, the present invention relates to methods for enhancing data collection efficiency using optimized protocols to reduce unnecessary data transfers.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) reference model (in service-based interface representation and in reference point representation) of the Nupf interface of the User Plane Function (UPF) is illustrated in Figure 2. The Nupf is a standardized SBI interface for UPF data collection, before that, only the Session Management Function (SMF) had an interface towards the UPF (N4 interface), based on the PFCP protocol. The Service- Based Interface (SBI) interface does not replace the N4 interface and is not limited to SMF, instead is used by other Network Functions (NFs) as the Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) to perform data collection from the UPF. The Nupf interface, enables data collection from the User Plane Function (UPF). Similarly, the Nnwdaf interface, facilitates data collection from network functions within the control plane. These interfaces are crucial for enabling the Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) to gather the necessary data from various network sources, which is essential for analytics, automation, and optimization tasks.

[0006] The NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function) represents operator managed network analytics logical function. The NWDAF is part of the 5GC (5G Core) architecture and uses the mechanisms and interfaces specified for 5GC and Operations, Administration and Maintenance (OAM). The NWDAF interacts with different entities for different purposes: data collection based on event subscription, provided by the Access and Management Function (AMF), SMF, Policy and Control Function (PCF), User Data Management (UDM), Application Function (AF) (directly or via the Network Exposure Function, NEF), and OAM; retrieval of information from data repositories (e.g. UDR via UDM for subscriber-related information); retrieval of information about NFs (e.g. NRF for NF-related information, and NSSF for slice- related information); and on demand provision of analytics to consumers.

[0007] The Session Management function (SMF) supports different functionalities. The SMF is in charge of Session Management e.g. PDU Session Establishment, modification and release, including setting up and maintaining the tunnel between UPF and AN node. The SMF receives PCC rules for the Session from the PCF and configures the UPF accordingly using Packet Detection Rules (PDRs) and other rules associated with Quality of Service (QoS), forwarding or reporting instructions among other. Based on the PCC Rules, the SMF determines which QoS Flows that need to be established between the User Equipment (UE) and the UPF and instructs the UE, AN (via AMF), and UPF accordingly. The SMF also manages indirect subscriptions to the UPF exposure when the subscription is per a certain UE or groups of UEs.

[0008] The User Plane function (UPF) supports handling of user plane traffic based on the rules received from the SMF, e.g., packet inspection and different enforcement actions such as Sponsored Data or QoS handling.

[0009] Regarding Artificial Intelligence (Al) and Machine Learning (ML) Data Collection from the UPF, the service-based architecture in 5G facilitates flexible information exchange between network functions via standardized Service Based Interfaces (SBI). This definition provides a suitable framework for 5G system especially the AI / ML functions (e.g. NWDAF) to collect required data from various sources.

[0010] As AI / ML adoption grows for 5G use cases like network automation, analytics and others, there is a need for an optimized protocol to efficiently collect data from sources in the user plane (e.g. Nupf interface) and / or control plane (e.g. Nnwdaf interface) over the SBI. This is especially critical when frequent or huge data volumes need to be transferred, to ensure responsiveness and scalability of AI / ML systems without impacting or lowering the impact on network performance.

[0011] Data collection from the User Plane Function can be carried out by means of Network Exposure functionality (i.e., the Nupf_EventExposure service).

[0012] A problematic aspect of the existing solutions is that the existing solutions are based on extensive reporting of network events, entailing a large reporting and signaling load. E.g. reports are reported from the source NF to the consumer NF periodically. This is not energy efficient as the source NF and consumer NF have to support a high signaling load. A further problematic aspect of the existing solutions is that the standardized Service Based Interfaces (SBI) for data collection in 5G networks do not enable to reduce unnecessary data reports, such as zero byte reports, which leads to inefficient use of network resources and energy.

[0013] A further problematic aspect of the existing solutions is that the current data collection protocols do not provide flexibility for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to adapt the data collection and the reporting events, resulting in the transmission of a high volume of irrelevant data that overloads the network.

[0014] A further problematic aspect of the existing solutions is that the lack of optimized data collection mechanisms hampers the ability of Al and ML functions to process and analyze data efficiently, thereby limiting the effectiveness of network automation and real-time analytics in 5G environments.

[0015] A further problematic aspect of the existing solutions is that reporting every instance where no data was transmitted could result in an overwhelming amount of records that do not provide significant value.

[0016] SUMMARY

[0017] The invention is set out in the appended set of claims.

[0018] An object of the invention is to optimize data collection protocols in 5G networks by introducing a mechanism that allows Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to selectively filter and skip unnecessary periodic reports, thereby reducing the amount of signaling in the event reporting procedures, enhancing energy efficiency, and reducing unnecessary data transfer.

[0019] This disclosure provides a method for optimizing data collection in a communications network. The method comprises transmitting from a first network node to a second network node a subscription request including a first indication to reduce reporting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer, particularly wherein the first indication includes instructions or criteria for reduced reporting; and transmitting from the second network node to the first network node event reports based on the first indication, particularly wherein the transmitting of the event reports comprises reducing or skipping event reports based on the first indication. In some embodiments, the first indication includes at least one condition to skip event reporting when the condition is met. In some embodiments, the at least one condition comprises at least one validity time, at least one spatial condition, at least one threshold condition, or at least one indication to skip the event report. In some embodiments, the at least one validity time comprises a list of periods of time during which the UPF performs the measurement and generate the event reports, particularly wherein the UPF skips event reports when it is outside the at least one validity time. In some embodiments, the at least one spatial condition comprises a list of locations so that the UPF performs the measurement and generate event reports only when a User Equipment (UE) is camping in these locations, particularly wherein the UPF skips event reports when the UE is outside these locations. In some embodiments, the at least one threshold condition comprises a lower threshold, an upper threshold, and / or a threshold action. In some embodiments, the threshold action indicates any one of:

[0020] - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is smaller than the lower threshold,

[0021] - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is larger than the upper threshold,

[0022] - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold,

[0023] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold,

[0024] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is smaller than the lower threshold, or

[0025] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is larger than the upper threshold. In some embodiments, the at least one indication to skip the event report comprises an indication to skip reports without bytes or an operator configured value which is considered as zero byte. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the NF Service Consumer to the UPF an Event Exposure Reduced Report, EERR, supported feature indicating support to skip event exposure according to the first indication. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer an Event Exposure Reduced Report, EERR, supported feature indicating support to skip event exposure according to the first indication. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer an indication of a reason why it has skipped at least one report, particularly wherein the indication further includes the criteria for which reports have been skipped or the number of skipped reports. In some embodiments, the first network node is a Network Function Service Consumer, NF Consumer, and the second network node is a User Plane Function, UPF. A first aspect of the invention relates to a method performed by a first network node for optimizing data collection in a communications network. The method comprises transmitting from a first network node to a second network node a subscription request including a first indication to reduce reporting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer, particularly wherein the first indication includes instructions or criteria for reduced reporting. In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving at the first network node from the second network node event reports based on the first indication, particularly wherein the receiving of the event reports comprises reducing or skipping event reports based on the first indication. In some embodiments, the first indication includes at least one condition to skip event reporting when the condition is met. In some embodiments, the at least one condition comprises at least one validity time, at least one spatial condition, at least one threshold condition, or at least one indication to skip the event report. In some embodiments, the at least one validity time comprises a list of periods of time during which the UPF performs the measurement and generate the event reports, particularly wherein the UPF skips event reports when it is outside the at least one validity time. In some embodiments, the at least one spatial condition comprises a list of locations so that the UPF performs the measurement and generate event reports only when a UE is camping in these locations, particularly wherein the UPF skips event reports when the UE is outside these locations. In some embodiments, the at least one threshold condition comprises a lower threshold, an upper threshold, and / or a threshold action. In some embodiments, the threshold action indicates any one of:

[0026] - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is smaller than the lower threshold,

[0027] - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is larger than the upper threshold,

[0028] - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold,

[0029] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold,

[0030] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is smaller than the lower threshold, or

[0031] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is larger than the upper threshold. In some embodiments, the at least one indication to skip the event report comprises an indication to skip reports without bytes or an operator configured value which is considered as zero byte. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the NF Service Consumer to the UPF an Event Exposure Reduced Report, EERR, supported feature indicating support to skip event exposure according to the first indication. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer an Event Exposure Reduced Report, EERR, supported feature indicating support to skip event exposure according to the first indication. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer an indication of a reason why it has skipped at least one report, particularly wherein the indication further includes the criteria for which reports have been skipped or the number of skipped reports. In some embodiments, the first network node is a Network Function Service Consumer, NF Consumer, and the second network node is a User Plane Function, UPF.

[0032] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method performed by a second network node for optimizing data collection in a communications network. The method comprises receiving at a second network node from a first network node a subscription request including a first indication to reduce reporting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer, particularly wherein the first indication includes instructions or criteria for reduced reporting. In some embodiments, the method further comprises transmitting from the second network node to the first network node event reports based on the first indication, particularly wherein the transmitting of the event reports comprises reducing or skipping event reports based on the first indication. In some embodiments, the first indication includes at least one condition to skip event reporting when the condition is met. In some embodiments, the at least one condition comprises at least one validity time, at least one spatial condition, at least one threshold condition, or at least one indication to skip the event report. In some embodiments, the at least one validity time comprises a list of periods of time during which the UPF performs the measurement and generate the event reports, particularly wherein the UPF skips event reports when it is outside the at least one validity time. In some embodiments, the at least one spatial condition comprises a list of locations so that the UPF performs the measurement and generate event reports only when a UE is camping in these locations, particularly wherein the UPF skips event reports when the UE is outside these locations. In some embodiments, the at least one threshold condition comprises a lower threshold, an upper threshold, and / or a threshold action. In some embodiments, the threshold action indicates any one of:

[0033] - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is smaller than the lower threshold,

[0034] - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is larger than the upper threshold, - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold,

[0035] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold,

[0036] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is smaller than the lower threshold, or

[0037] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is larger than the upper threshold. In some embodiments, the at least one indication to skip the event report comprises an indication to skip reports without bytes or an operator configured value which is considered as zero byte. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the NF Service Consumer to the UPF an Event Exposure Reduced Report, EERR, supported feature indicating support to skip event exposure according to the first indication. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer an Event Exposure Reduced Report, EERR, supported feature indicating support to skip event exposure according to the first indication. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer an indication of a reason why it has skipped at least one report, particularly wherein the indication further includes the criteria for which reports have been skipped or the number of skipped reports. In some embodiments, the first network node is a Network Function Service Consumer, NF Consumer, and the second network node is a User Plane Function, UPF.

[0038] Other aspects of the invention relate to mobile network nodes, particularly a second network node (103, 700), a first network node (116, 600) configured to perform the respective methods as described herein. Other aspects of the invention relate to computer program and computer program products.

[0039] In some embodiments, the second network node is a User Plane Function (UPF). In some embodiments, the first network node is a Network Function Service Consumer (NF Service Consumer).

[0040] Advantageously, the solution disclosed herein enables the network to specify precise data reporting requirements, thereby optimizing data collection processes.

[0041] Further advantageously, the solution disclosed herein enables the network entities and NFs to understand and implement the specific reporting instructions, ensuring that only relevant data is collected and transmitted. Further advantageously, the solution disclosed herein enables the capability to filter out unnecessary reports, such as zero-byte reports, enhancing the efficiency of data management.

[0042] Further advantageously, the solution disclosed herein enables reducing unnecessary data transfers, minimizes the load on network resources and improves the energy efficiency of data collection procedures.

[0043] Further advantageously, the solution disclosed herein enables the network operator to reduce footprint due to data collection and increase energy efficiency.

[0044] Further advantageously, the solution disclosed herein enables avoiding the risk of unnecessary reports to be included in the collected data, potentially overshadowing useful reports.

[0045] Additional objectives, features and advantages of the concepts disclosed herein will be apparent from the following description, claims and drawings, or may be learned by practice of the described technologies and concepts as set forth herein.

[0046] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] In order to best describe the manner in which the disclosed concepts may be implemented, as well as define other objects, advantages and features of the disclosure, a more particular description is provided below and is illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting in scope, the examples will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Figure 1 illustrates an example networked system in accordance with particular embodiments of the solution described herein.

[0049] Figure 2 illustrates an example networked system in accordance with particular embodiments of the solution described herein.

[0050] Figure 3 illustrates an example signaling diagram showing a procedure according to particular embodiments of the solution described herein. Figure 4 illustrates an example flowchart showing a method performed by a mobile network node according to particular embodiments of the solution described herein.

[0051] Figure 5 illustrates an example flowchart showing a method performed by a mobile network node according to particular embodiments of the solution described herein.

[0052] Figure 6 illustrates an example block diagram of a mobile network node configured in accordance with particular embodiments of the solution described herein.

[0053] Figure 7 illustrates an example block diagram of a mobile network node configured in accordance with particular embodiments of the solution described herein.

[0054] Figure 8 illustrates an example block diagram of a virtualized environment.

[0055] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The invention will now be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which examples of embodiments or implementations of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied or implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of present invention to those skilled in the art. It should also be noted that these embodiments are not mutually exclusive. Components from one embodiment may be tacitly assumed to be present / used in another embodiment. These embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are presented as teaching examples and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosed subject matter. For example, certain details of the described embodiments may be modified, omitted, or expanded upon without departing from the scope of the described subject matter.

[0057] The example embodiments described herein arise in the context of a telecommunications network, including but not limited to a telecommunications network that conforms to and / or otherwise incorporates aspects of a fifth generation (5G) architecture. Figure 1 is an example networked system 100 in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1 specifically illustrates User Equipment (UE) 101 , which may be in communication with a (Radio) Access Network (RAN) 102 and Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 106 and User Plane Function (UPF) 103. The AMF 106 may, in turn, be in communication with core network services including Session Management Function (SMF) 107 and Policy Control Function (PCF) 111. The core network services may also be in communication with an Application Server / Application Function (AS / AF) 113. Other networked services also include Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) 108, Authentication Server Function (AUSF) 105, User Data Management (UDM) 112, Network Exposure Function (NEF) 109, Network Repository Function (NRF) 110, Unified Data Repository (UDR) 114, Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) 115, and Data Network (DN) 104. In some example implementations of embodiments of the present disclosure, each one of the entities in the networked system 100 are considered to be a Network Function (NF). One or more additional instances of the NFs may be incorporated into the networked system.

[0058] The solution described herein aims to optimize data collection protocols in 5G networks by introducing a mechanism that allows Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to selectively filter and skip unnecessary periodic reports, thereby reducing the amount of signaling in the event reporting procedures, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing unnecessary data transfer.

[0059] This disclosure provides a method for optimizing data collection in a communications network. The method comprises transmitting from a first network node to a second network node a subscription request including a first indication to reduce reporting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer, particularly wherein the first indication includes instructions or criteria for reduced reporting; and transmitting from the second network node to the first network node event reports based on the first indication, particularly wherein the transmitting comprises reducing or skipping event reports based on the first indication. In some embodiments, the first indication includes at least one condition to skip event reporting when the condition is met. In some embodiments, the at least one condition comprises at least one validity time, at least one spatial condition, at least one threshold condition, or at least one indication to skip the event report. In some embodiments, the at least one validity time comprises a list of periods of time during which the UPF performs the measurement and generate the event reports, particularly wherein the UPF skips event reports when it is outside the at least one validity time. In some embodiments, the at least one spatial condition comprises a list of locations so that the UPF performs the measurement and generate event reports only when the UE is camping in these locations, particularly wherein the UPF skips event reports when the UE is outside these locations. In some embodiments, the at least one threshold condition comprises a lower threshold, an upper threshold, and / or a threshold action. In some embodiments, the threshold action indicates any one of:

[0060] - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is smaller than the lower threshold, - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is larger than the upper threshold,

[0061] - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold,

[0062] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold,

[0063] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is smaller than the lower threshold, or

[0064] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is larger than the upper threshold. In some embodiments, the at least one indication to skip the event report comprises an indication to skip reports without bytes or an operator configured value which is considered as zero byte. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the NF Service Consumer to the UPF an Event Exposure Reduced Report, EERR, supported feature indicating support to skip event exposure according to the first indication. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer an Event Exposure Reduced Report, EERR, supported feature indicating support to skip event exposure according to the first indication. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer an indication of a reason why it has skipped at least one report, particularly wherein the indication further includes the criteria for which reports have been skipped or the number of skipped reports. In some embodiments, the first network node is a Network Function Service Consumer, NF Consumer, and the second network node is a User Plane Function, UPF.

[0065] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method performed by a first network node for optimizing data collection in a communications network. The method comprises transmitting from a first network node to a second network node a subscription request including a first indication to reduce reporting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer, particularly wherein the first indication includes instructions or criteria for reduced reporting. In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving at the first network node from the second network node event reports based on the first indication, particularly wherein the transmitting comprises reducing or skipping event reports based on the first indication. In some embodiments, the first indication includes at least one condition to skip event reporting when the condition is met. In some embodiments, the at least one condition comprises at least one validity time, at least one spatial condition, at least one threshold condition, or at least one indication to skip the event report. In some embodiments, the at least one validity time comprises a list of periods of time during which the UPF performs the measurement and generate the event reports, particularly wherein the UPF skips event reports when it is outside the at least one validity time. In some embodiments, the at least one spatial condition comprises a list of locations so that the UPF performs the measurement and generate event reports only when the UE is camping in these locations, particularly wherein the UPF skips event reports when the UE is outside these locations. In some embodiments, the at least one threshold condition comprises a lower threshold, an upper threshold, and / or a threshold action. In some embodiments, the threshold action indicates any one of:

[0066] - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is smaller than the lower threshold,

[0067] - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is larger than the upper threshold,

[0068] - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold,

[0069] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold,

[0070] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is smaller than the lower threshold, or

[0071] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is larger than the upper threshold. In some embodiments, the at least one indication to skip the event report comprises an indication to skip reports without bytes or an operator configured value which is considered as zero byte. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the NF Service Consumer to the UPF an Event Exposure Reduced Report, EERR, supported feature indicating support to skip event exposure according to the first indication. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer an Event Exposure Reduced Report, EERR, supported feature indicating support to skip event exposure according to the first indication. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer an indication of a reason why it has skipped at least one report, particularly wherein the indication further includes the criteria for which reports have been skipped or the number of skipped reports. In some embodiments, the first network node is a Network Function Service Consumer, NF Consumer, and the second network node is a User Plane Function, UPF.

[0072] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method performed by a second network node for optimizing data collection in a communications network. The method comprises receiving at a second network node from a first network node a subscription request including a first indication to reduce reporting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer, particularly wherein the first indication includes instructions or criteria for reduced reporting. In some embodiments, the method further comprises transmitting from the second network node to the first network node event reports based on the first indication, particularly wherein the transmitting comprises reducing or skipping event reports based on the first indication. In some embodiments, the first indication includes at least one condition to skip event reporting when the condition is met. In some embodiments, the at least one condition comprises at least one validity time, at least one spatial condition, at least one threshold condition, or at least one indication to skip the event report. In some embodiments, the at least one validity time comprises a list of periods of time during which the UPF performs the measurement and generate the event reports, particularly wherein the UPF skips event reports when it is outside the at least one validity time. In some embodiments, the at least one spatial condition comprises a list of locations so that the UPF performs the measurement and generate event reports only when the UE is camping in these locations, particularly wherein the UPF skips event reports when the UE is outside these locations. In some embodiments, the at least one threshold condition comprises a lower threshold, an upper threshold, and / or a threshold action. In some embodiments, the threshold action indicates any one of:

[0073] - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is smaller than the lower threshold,

[0074] - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is larger than the upper threshold,

[0075] - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold,

[0076] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold,

[0077] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is smaller than the lower threshold, or

[0078] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is larger than the upper threshold. In some embodiments, the at least one indication to skip the event report comprises an indication to skip reports without bytes or an operator configured value which is considered as zero byte. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the NF Service Consumer to the UPF an Event Exposure Reduced Report, EERR, supported feature indicating support to skip event exposure according to the first indication. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer an Event Exposure Reduced Report, EERR, supported feature indicating support to skip event exposure according to the first indication. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer an indication of a reason why it has skipped at least one report, particularly wherein the indication further includes the criteria for which reports have been skipped or the number of skipped reports. In some embodiments, the first network node is a Network Function Service Consumer, NF Consumer, and the second network node is a User Plane Function, UPF.

[0079] This disclosure also provides mobile network nodes, particularly a second network node (103, 700), a first network node (116, 600) configured to perform the respective methods as described herein. In some embodiments, the second network node is a User Plane Function (UPF) 103. In some embodiments, the first network node is a Network Function Service Consumer (NF Service Consumer) 116.

[0080] This disclosure also provides the corresponding computer program and computer program products comprising code, for example in the form of a computer program, that when run on processing circuitry of the mobile network nodes causes the mobile network nodes to perform the disclosed methods.

[0081] Advantageously, the solution disclosed herein enables the network to specify precise data reporting requirements, thereby optimizing data collection processes.

[0082] Further advantageously, the solution disclosed herein enables the network entities and NFs to understand and implement the specific reporting instructions, ensuring that only relevant data is collected and transmitted.

[0083] Further advantageously, the solution disclosed herein enables the capability to filter out unnecessary reports, such as zero-byte reports, enhancing the efficiency of data management.

[0084] Further advantageously, the solution disclosed herein enables reducing unnecessary data transfers, minimizes the load on network resources and improves the energy efficiency of data collection procedures.

[0085] Further advantageously, the solution disclosed herein enables the network operator to reduce footprint due to data collection and increase energy efficiency.

[0086] Further advantageously, the solution disclosed herein enables avoiding the risk of unnecessary reports to be included in the collected data, potentially overshadowing useful reports. The solution and the features comprised therein are further described in what follows.

[0087] The solution disclosed herein comprises a simple mechanism for MNOs to be able to decide whether the UPF shall skip report events to the consumer under certain conditions, e.g. zero reports. This method is based on extending the SBI interface of the UPF to support a new indication to configure whether to skip reporting.

[0088] The solution disclosed herein includes:

[0089] • Extend Nupf_EventExposure_Subscribe with an Information Element (IE) to indicate reduced report instructions information.

[0090] • Extend Nupf_EventExposure_Subscribe with an Information Element (IE) to indicate support for the new optional feature: Event Exposure Reduced Report.

[0091] • Include an IE in UpfEvent as part of the subscription of Nupf_EventExposure Service, defining event reporting skip conditions. Whether one of the conditions may be an indication to skip reporting events with zero bytes.

[0092] • Include an IE to indicate support of the Event Exposure Reduced Report as part of the optional features.

[0093] • Create a new object for Reduced report instructions information

[0094] • Update UpfEvent to include the new reducedReportlnstructionsInfo

[0095] • Create a new atribute: reducedReportlndication for reducedReportlnstructionsInfo

[0096] • Create a new value: SKIP_ZERO_BYTE_REPORT for reducedReportlndication

[0097] • Define a new optional feature: Event Exposure Reduced Report

[0098] In summary, the solution disclosed herein introduces a mechanism that enables MNOs to minimize the footprint of UPF data collection, based on extending UPF SBI to indicate whether reports shall be reported or not.

[0099] Hereinafter, drawings showing examples of embodiments of the solution are described in detail.

[0100] Figure 3 is a signaling diagram illustrating a procedure for data collection optimization in a communications network. The procedure is performed by a second network node (103, 700), a first network node (116, 600). In some embodiments, the second network node is a User Plane Function (UPF) 103. In some embodiments, the first network node is a Network Function Service Consumer (NF Service Consumer) 116.

[0101] The steps of the procedure are as follows: In step 1 , the NF Service Consumer transmits to the UPF a "CreateEventSubscription" message including the parameter "ReducedReportlnfo." This message requests the UPF to skip some events notification messages accordingly. This message includes Reduced report instructions information, which specify instructions to skip periodic reporting (e.g. indicating to skip reports without bytes).

[0102] In some embodiments, step 1 comprises reduced report instructions information, specifying additional instructions to the UPF to refine the event reports, e.g., to skip the reporting if the measurement is zero and below threshold.

[0103] In step 2a, the UPF responds to the NF Service Consumer with a "201 Created" message, which is a "CreatedEventSubscription" including an optional event report. This message confirms that the UPF will handle the events notification according to the "ReducedReportlnfo" parameter.

[0104] In step 2b, alternatively, the UPF may respond to the NF Service Consumer with either a "4xx / 5xx" message indicating "ProblemDetails" or a "3xx" message indicating "RedirectResponse."

[0105] In some embodiments, the Subscription inputs to UPF, comprise Reduced report instructions information.

[0106] The following embodiments pertain to any of the steps of the procedure in Figure 3. The steps may include one or more of the parameters described in what follows. Particularly, these parameters pertain to the type UpfEvent, the type ReducedReportlnstructionsInformation or the type Reportlnstructionslnformation, the type ThresholdCond, the enumeration ThresholdAction, the enumeration ReducedReportlndication, the supported features in the feature negotiation, the type Notificationitem and the type SkippedReportlnfo.

[0107] In some embodiments, the type UpfEvent comprises the following:

[0108] Table 1 : Definition of type UpfEvent

[0109] In some embodiments, the type ReducedReportlnstructionsInformation comprises the following:

[0110] Table 2: Definition of type ReducedReportingSuggestionlnformation

[0111] In some embodiments, the type ThresholdCond comprises the following:

[0112] Table 3: Definition of type ThresholdCond

[0113] In some embodiments, the enumeration ThresholdAction comprises the following:

[0114] Table 4: Enumeration ThresholdAction

[0115] In some embodiments, the enumeration ReducedReportlndication comprises the following:

[0116] Table 5: Enumeration ReducedReportlndication

[0117] In some embodiments, the feature negotiation comprises the following:

[0118] Table 6: Supported Features In some embodiments, the type Notificationitem comprises the following:

[0119] Table 7: Definition of type Notificationitem ln some embodiments, the type SkippedReportlnfo comprises the following:

[0120] Table 8: Definition of type SkippedReportlnfo

[0121] Hereinafter, flowcharts showing examples of embodiments of the solution are described in detail.

[0122] The embodiments correspond to methods performed by and involving a second network node (103, 700), and a first network node (116, 600).

[0123] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by the first network node for optimizing data collection in a communications network.

[0124] In step S-401 , the first network node transmits to a second network node a subscription request including a first indication to reduce reporting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer, particularly wherein the first indication includes instructions or criteria for reduced reporting.

[0125] In step S-402, the first network node receives from the second network node event reports based on the first indication, particularly wherein the transmitting comprises reducing or skipping event reports based on the first indication.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first indication includes at least one condition to skip event reporting when the condition is met.

[0127] In some embodiments, the at least one condition comprises at least one validity time, at least one spatial condition, at least one threshold condition, or at least one indication to skip the event report. In some embodiments, the at least one validity time comprises a list of periods of time during which the UPF performs the measurement and generates the event reports, particularly wherein the UPF skips event reports when it is outside the at least one validity time.

[0128] In some embodiments, the at least one spatial condition comprises a list of locations so that the UPF performs the measurement and generates event reports only when the UE is camping in these locations, particularly wherein the UPF skips event reports when the UE is outside these locations.

[0129] In some embodiments, the at least one threshold condition comprises a lower threshold, an upper threshold, and / or a threshold action.

[0130] In some embodiments, the threshold action indicates any one of:

[0131] - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is smaller than the lower threshold,

[0132] - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is larger than the upper threshold,

[0133] - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold,

[0134] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold,

[0135] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is smaller than the lower threshold, or

[0136] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is larger than the upper threshold.

[0137] In some embodiments, the at least one indication to skip the event report comprises an indication to skip reports without bytes or an operator configured value which is considered as zero byte.

[0138] In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the NF Service Consumer to the UPF an Event Exposure Reduced Report, EERR, supported feature indicating support to skip event exposure according to the first indication.

[0139] In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer an Event Exposure Reduced Report, EERR, supported feature indicating support to skip event exposure according to the first indication. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer an indication of a reason why it has skipped at least one report, particularly wherein the indication further includes the criteria for which reports have been skipped or the number of skipped reports.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first network node is a Network Function Service Consumer, NF Consumer, and the second network node is a User Plane Function, UPF.

[0141] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method performed by the second network node for optimizing data collection in a communications network.

[0142] In step S-501 , the second network node receives from a first network node a subscription request including a first indication to reduce reporting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer, particularly wherein the first indication includes instructions or criteria for reduced reporting.

[0143] In step S-502, the second network node transmits to the first network node event reports based on the first indication, particularly wherein the transmitting comprises reducing or skipping event reports based on the first indication.

[0144] In some embodiments, the first indication includes at least one condition to skip event reporting when the condition is met.

[0145] In some embodiments, the at least one condition comprises at least one validity time, at least one spatial condition, at least one threshold condition, or at least one indication to skip the event report.

[0146] In some embodiments, the at least one validity time comprises a list of periods of time during which the UPF performs the measurement and generate the event reports, particularly wherein the UPF skips event reports when it is outside the at least one validity time.

[0147] In some embodiments, the at least one spatial condition comprises a list of locations so that the UPF performs the measurement and generate event reports only when the UE is camping in these locations, particularly wherein the UPF skips event reports when the UE is outside these locations.

[0148] In some embodiments, the at least one threshold condition comprises a lower threshold, an upper threshold, and / or a threshold action.

[0149] In some embodiments, the threshold action indicates any one of:

[0150] - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is smaller than the lower threshold, - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is larger than the upper threshold,

[0151] - the event report shall be reported if the measurement is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold,

[0152] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold,

[0153] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is smaller than the lower threshold, or

[0154] - the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is larger than the upper threshold.

[0155] In some embodiments, the at least one indication to skip the event report comprises an indication to skip reports without bytes or an operator configured value which is considered as zero byte.

[0156] In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the NF Service Consumer to the UPF an Event Exposure Reduced Report, EERR, supported feature indicating support to skip event exposure according to the first indication.

[0157] In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer an Event Exposure Reduced Report, EERR, supported feature indicating support to skip event exposure according to the first indication.

[0158] In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting from the UPF to the NF Service Consumer an indication of a reason why it has skipped at least one report, particularly wherein the indication further includes the criteria for which reports have been skipped or the number of skipped reports.

[0159] In some embodiments, the first network node is a Network Function Service Consumer, NF Consumer, and the second network node is a User Plane Function, UPF.

[0160] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating elements of a mobile network node 600 of a mobile communications network. In some embodiments, the mobile network node 600 is a NF Service Consumer 116. As shown, the mobile network node may include network interface circuitry 601 (also referred to as a network interface) configured to provide communications with other nodes of the core network and / or the network. The mobile network node may also include a processing circuitry 602 (also referred to as a processor) coupled to the network interface circuitry, and memory circuitry 603 (also referred to as memory) coupled to the processing circuitry. The memory circuitry 603 may include computer readable program code that when executed by the processing circuitry 602 causes the processing circuitry to perform operations according to embodiments disclosed herein. According to other embodiments, processing circuitry 602 may be defined to include memory so that a separate memory circuitry is not required. As discussed herein, operations of the mobile network node may be performed by processing circuitry 602 and / or network interface circuitry 601 . For example, processing circuitry 602 may control network interface circuitry 601 to transmit communications through network interface circuitry 601 to one or more other network nodes and / or to receive communications through network interface circuitry from one or more other network nodes. Moreover, modules may be stored in memory 603, and these modules may provide instructions so that when instructions of a module are executed by processing circuitry 602, processing circuitry 602 performs respective operations (e.g., operations discussed below with respect to Example Embodiments relating to core network nodes).

[0161] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating elements of a mobile network node 700 of a mobile communications network. In some embodiments, the mobile network node 700 is a UPF 103. As shown, the mobile network node may include network interface circuitry 701 (also referred to as a network interface) configured to provide communications with other nodes of the core network and / or the network. The mobile network node may also include a processing circuitry 702 (also referred to as a processor) coupled to the network interface circuitry, and memory circuitry 703 (also referred to as memory) coupled to the processing circuitry. The memory circuitry 703 may include computer readable program code that when executed by the processing circuitry 702 causes the processing circuitry to perform operations according to embodiments disclosed herein. According to other embodiments, processing circuitry 702 may be defined to include memory so that a separate memory circuitry is not required. As discussed herein, operations of the mobile network node may be performed by processing circuitry 702 and / or network interface circuitry 701 . For example, processing circuitry 702 may control network interface circuitry 701 to transmit communications through network interface circuitry 701 to one or more other network nodes and / or to receive communications through network interface circuitry from one or more other network nodes. Moreover, modules may be stored in memory 703, and these modules may provide instructions so that when instructions of a module are executed by processing circuitry 702, processing circuitry 702 performs respective operations (e.g., operations discussed below with respect to Example Embodiments relating to core network nodes). Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating a virtualization environment 800 in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized. In the present context, virtualizing means creating virtual versions of apparatuses or devices which may include virtualizing hardware platforms, storage devices and networking resources. As used herein, virtualization can be applied to any device described herein, or components thereof, and relates to an implementation in which at least a portion of the functionality is implemented as one or more virtual components. Some or all of the functions described herein may be implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines (VMs) implemented in one or more virtual environments 800 hosted by one or more of hardware nodes, such as a hardware computing device that operates as a network node, UE, core network node, or host. Further, in embodiments in which the virtual node does not require radio connectivity (e.g., a core network node or host), then the node may be entirely virtualized. In some embodiments, the virtualization environment 800 includes components defined by the O-RAN Alliance, such as an O-Cloud environment orchestrated by a Service Management and Orchestration Framework via an 0-2 interface.

[0162] Applications 802 (which may alternatively be called software instances, virtual appliances, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.) are run in the virtualization environment Q400 to implement some of the features, functions, and / or benefits of some of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0163] Hardware 804 includes processing circuitry, memory that stores software and / or instructions executable by hardware processing circuitry, and / or other hardware devices as described herein, such as a network interface, input / output interface, and so forth. Software may be executed by the processing circuitry to instantiate one or more virtualization layers 806 (also referred to as hypervisors or virtual machine monitors (VMMs)), provide VMs 808a and 808b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as VMs 808), and / or perform any of the functions, features and / or benefits described in relation with some embodiments described herein. The virtualization layer 806 may present a virtual operating platform that appears like networking hardware to the VMs 808.

[0164] The VMs 808 comprise virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interface and virtual storage, and may be run by a corresponding virtualization layer 806. Different embodiments of the instance of a virtual appliance 802 may be implemented on one or more of VMs 808, and the implementations may be made in different ways. Virtualization of the hardware is in some contexts referred to as network function virtualization (NFV). NFV may be used to consolidate many network equipment types onto industry standard high volume server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage, which can be located in data centers, and customer premise equipment.

[0165] In the context of NFV, a VM 808 may be a software implementation of a physical machine that runs programs as if they were executing on a physical, non-virtualized machine. Each of the VMs 808, and that part of hardware 804 that executes that VM, be it hardware dedicated to that VM and / or hardware shared by that VM with others of the VMs, forms separate virtual network elements. Still in the context of NFV, a virtual network function is responsible for handling specific network functions that run in one or more VMs 808 on top of the hardware 804 and corresponds to the application 802.

[0166] Hardware 804 may be implemented in a standalone network node with generic or specific components. Hardware 804 may implement some functions via virtualization. Alternatively, hardware 804 may be part of a larger cluster of hardware (e.g. such as in a data center or CPE) where many hardware nodes work together and are managed via management and orchestration 810, which, among others, oversees lifecycle management of applications 802. In some embodiments, hardware 804 is coupled to one or more radio units that each include one or more transmitters and one or more receivers that may be coupled to one or more antennas. Radio units may communicate directly with other hardware nodes via one or more appropriate network interfaces and may be used in combination with the virtual components to provide a virtual node with radio capabilities, such as a radio access node or a base station. In some embodiments, some signaling can be provided with the use of a control system 812 which may alternatively be used for communication between hardware nodes and radio units.

[0167] Embodiments within the scope of the present invention may also include computer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such tangible computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or combination thereof) to a computer, the computer properly views the connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly termed a computer- readable medium. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of the tangible computer-readable media.

[0168] Computer-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device to perform a certain function or group of functions. Computer-executable instructions also include program modules that are executed by computers in standalone or network environments. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer executable instructions, associated data structures, and program modules represent examples of the program code means for executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such executable instructions or associated data structures represent examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions described in such steps.

[0169] Those of skill in the art will appreciate that other embodiments of the invention may be practiced in network computing environments with many types of computer system configurations, including personal computers, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Embodiments may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by local and remote processing devices that are linked (either by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination thereof) through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0170] Communication at various stages of the described system can be performed through a local area network, a token ring network, the Internet, a corporate intranet, 802.11 series wireless signals, fiber-optic network, radio or microwave transmission, etc. Although the underlying communication technology may change, the fundamental principles described herein are still applicable.

[0171] The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. For example, the principles herein may be applied to any remotely controlled device. Further, those of skill in the art will recognize that communication between the remote the remotely controlled device need not be limited to communication over a local area network but can include communication over infrared channels, Bluetooth or any other suitable communication interface. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the present invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0172] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. 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 "includes," "including," "comprises," and "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, or components, and combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, or components, and combinations thereof. Further, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a / an / the element, apparatus, component, means, module, step, etc." are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, module, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.

[0173] ABBREVIATIONS

[0174] 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

[0175] 5G Fifth-Generation Mobile Network

[0176] 5GC Fifth-Generation Core

[0177] AF Application Function

[0178] AMF Access and Mobility Management Function

[0179] AN Access Network

[0180] AUSF Authentication Server Function

[0181] DN Data Network

[0182] DNN Data Network Name

[0183] EERR Event Exposure Reduced Report

[0184] MNO Mobile Network Operator

[0185] N4 Interface between SMF and UPF (PFCP-based)

[0186] Nnwdaf Service-Based Interface between NWDAF Consumers and NWDAF

[0187] NSSF Network Slice Selection Function

[0188] NEF Network Exposure Function

[0189] NF Network Function

[0190] NRF Network Repository Function

[0191] Nupf Service-Based Interface between UPF and NF Consumers

[0192] NWDAF Network Data Analytics Function

[0193] OAM Operations, Administration and Maintenance

[0194] PCF Policy Control Function

[0195] PCC Policy and Charging Control

[0196] PFCP Packet Forwarding Control Protocol

[0197] PDR Packet Detection Rule QoS Quality of Service

[0198] RAN Radio Access Network

[0199] SB I Service-Based Interface

[0200] SMF Session Management Function UE User Equipment

[0201] UDM User Data Management

[0202] UDR Unified Data Repository

[0203] UL CL Uplink Classifier

[0204] UPF User Plane Function

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A method for optimizing data collection in a communications network, the method comprising: transmitting (S-401) from a first network node (600) to a second network node (700) a subscription request including a first indication to reduce reporting from the second network node to the first network node, particularly wherein the first indication includes instructions or criteria for reduced reporting; and transmitting (S-502) from the second network node to the first network node event reports based on the first indication, particularly wherein the transmitting of the event reports comprises reducing or skipping event reports based on the first indication.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first indication includes at least one condition to skip event reporting when the condition is met.

3. The method of any one of claims from claim 1 to claim 2, wherein the at least one condition comprises at least one validity time, at least one spatial condition, at least one threshold condition, or at least one indication to skip the event report.

4. The method of any one of claims from claim 1 to claim 3, wherein the at least one validity time comprises a list of periods of time during which the second network node performs the measurement and generate the event reports, particularly wherein the second network node skips event reports when it is outside the at least one validity time.

5. The method of any one of claims from claim 1 to claim 4, wherein the at least one spatial condition comprises a list of locations so that the second network node performs the measurement and generate event reports only when a User Equipment, UE, is camping in these locations, particularly wherein the second network node skips event reports when the UE is outside these locations.

6. The method of any one of claims from claim 1 to claim 5, wherein the at least one threshold condition comprises a lower threshold, an upper threshold, and / or a threshold action.

7. The method of any one of claims from claim 1 to claim 6, wherein the threshold action indicates any one of:- the event report shall be reported if the measurement is smaller than the lower threshold,- the event report shall be reported if the measurement is larger than the upper threshold,- the event report shall be reported if the measurement is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold,- the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold,- the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is smaller than the lower threshold, or- the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is larger than the upper threshold.

8. The method of any one of claims from claim 1 to claim 7, wherein the at least one indication to skip the event report comprises an indication to skip reports without bytes or an operator configured value which is considered as zero byte.

9. The method of any one of claims from claim 1 to claim 8, wherein the method further includes transmitting from the first network node to the second network node an Event Exposure Reduced Report, EERR, supported feature indicating support to skip event exposure according to the first indication.

10. The method of any one of claims from claim 1 to claim 9, wherein the method further includes transmitting from the second network node to the first network node an Event Exposure Reduced Report, EERR, supported feature indicating support to skip event exposure according to the first indication.11 . The method of any one of claims from claim 1 to claim 10, wherein the method further includes transmitting from the second network node to the first network node an indication of a reason why it has skipped at least one report, particularly wherein the indication further includes the criteria for which reports have been skipped or the number of skipped reports.

12. The method of any one of claims from claim 1 to claim 11 , wherein the first network node is a Network Function Service Consumer, NF Consumer, and the second network node is a User Plane Function, UPF.

13. A method performed by a first network node for optimizing data collection in a communications network, the method comprising:transmitting (S-401) from the first network node (600) to a second network node (700) a subscription request including a first indication to reduce reporting from the second network node to the first network node, particularly wherein the first indication includes instructions or criteria for reduced reporting; and receiving (S-402) at the first network node from the second network node event reports based on the first indication, particularly wherein the receiving of the event reports comprises reducing or skipping event reports based on the first indication.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first indication includes at least one condition to skip event reporting when the condition is met.

15. The method of any one of claims from claim 13 to claim 14, wherein the at least one condition comprises at least one validity time, at least one spatial condition, at least one threshold condition, or at least one indication to skip the event report.

16. The method of any one of claims from claim 13 to claim 15, wherein the at least one validity time comprises a list of periods of time during which the second network node performs the measurement and generate the event reports, particularly wherein the second network node skips event reports when it is outside the at least one validity time.

17. The method of any one of claims from claim 13 to claim 16, wherein the at least one spatial condition comprises a list of locations so that the second network node performs the measurement and generate event reports only when a User Equipment, UE, is camping in these locations, particularly wherein the second network node skips event reports when the UE is outside these locations.

18. The method of any one of claims from claim 13 to claim 17, wherein the at least one threshold condition comprises a lower threshold, an upper threshold, and / or a threshold action.

19. The method of any one of claims from claim 13 to claim 18, wherein the threshold action indicates any one of:- the event report shall be reported if the measurement is smaller than the lower threshold,- the event report shall be reported if the measurement is larger than the upper threshold,- the event report shall be reported if the measurement is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold,- the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold,- the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is smaller than the lower threshold, or- the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is larger than the upper threshold.

20. The method of any one of claims from claim 13 to claim 19, wherein the at least one indication to skip the event report comprises an indication to skip reports without bytes or an operator configured value which is considered as zero byte.21 . The method of any one of claims from claim 13 to claim 20, wherein the method further includes transmitting from the first network node to the second network node an Event Exposure Reduced Report, EERR, supported feature indicating support to skip event exposure according to the first indication.

22. The method of any one of claims from claim 13 to claim 21 , wherein the method further includes transmitting from the second network node to the first network node an Event Exposure Reduced Report, EERR, supported feature indicating support to skip event exposure according to the first indication.

23. The method of any one of claims from claim 13 to claim 22, wherein the method further includes transmitting from the second network node to the first network node an indication of a reason why it has skipped at least one report, particularly wherein the indication further includes the criteria for which reports have been skipped or the number of skipped reports.

24. The method of any one of claims from claim 13 to claim 23, wherein the first network node is a Network Function Service Consumer, NF Consumer, and the second network node is a User Plane Function, UPF.

25. A method performed by a second network node for optimizing data collection in a communications network, the method comprising: receiving (S-501) at the second network node (700) from a first network node (600) a subscription request including a first indication to reduce reporting from the second network node to the first network node, particularly wherein the first indication includes instructions or criteria for reduced reporting; andtransmitting (S-502) from the second network node to the first network node event reports based on the first indication, particularly wherein the transmitting of the event reports comprises reducing or skipping event reports based on the first indication.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the first indication includes at least one condition to skip event reporting when the condition is met.

27. The method of any one of claims from claim 25 to claim 26, wherein the at least one condition comprises at least one validity time, at least one spatial condition, at least one threshold condition, or at least one indication to skip the event report.

28. The method of any one of claims from claim 25 to claim 27, wherein the at least one validity time comprises a list of periods of time during which the second network node performs the measurement and generate the event reports, particularly wherein the second network node skips event reports when it is outside the at least one validity time.

29. The method of any one of claims from claim 25 to claim 28, wherein the at least one spatial condition comprises a list of locations so that the second network node performs the measurement and generate event reports only when a User Equipment, UE, is camping in these locations, particularly wherein the second network node skips event reports when the UE is outside these locations.

30. The method of any one of claims from claim 25 to claim 29, wherein the at least one threshold condition comprises a lower threshold, an upper threshold, and / or a threshold action.31 . The method of any one of claims from claim 25 to claim 30, wherein the threshold action indicates any one of:- the event report shall be reported if the measurement is smaller than the lower threshold,- the event report shall be reported if the measurement is larger than the upper threshold,- the event report shall be reported if the measurement is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold,- the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold,- the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is smaller than the lower threshold, or- the event report shall not be reported if the measurement is larger than the upper threshold.

32. The method of any one of claims from claim 25 to claim 31 , wherein the at least one indication to skip the event report comprises an indication to skip reports without bytes or an operator configured value which is considered as zero byte.

33. The method of any one of claims from claim 25 to claim 32, wherein the method further includes transmitting from the first network node to the second network node an Event Exposure Reduced Report, EERR, supported feature indicating support to skip event exposure according to the first indication.

34. The method of any one of claims from claim 25 to claim 33, wherein the method further includes transmitting from the second network node to the first network node an Event Exposure Reduced Report, EERR, supported feature indicating support to skip event exposure according to the first indication.

35. The method of any one of claims from claim 25 to claim 34, wherein the method further includes transmitting from the second network node to the first network node an indication of a reason why it has skipped at least one report, particularly wherein the indication further includes the criteria for which reports have been skipped or the number of skipped reports.

36. The method of any one of claims from claim 25 to claim 35, wherein the first network node is a Network Function Service Consumer, NF Consumer, and the second network node is a User Plane Function, UPF.

37. Apparatus for optimizing data collection in a communications network, the apparatus comprising a processor and a memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the processor such that the apparatus is operable to perform the method of any one of claims from claim 13 to claim 24.

38. Apparatus for optimizing data collection in a communications network, the apparatus comprising a processor and a memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the processor such that the apparatus is operable to perform the method of any one of claims from claim 25 to claim 36.

39. A system comprising an apparatus as claimed in claim 37, and an apparatus as claimed in claim 38.

40. A computer-implemented system comprising one or more processors and one or more computer storage media storing computer-usable instructions that, when used by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform a method according to any one of claims from claim 13 to claim 36.41 . A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform a method according to any of claims from claim 13 to claim 36.

42. A computer program product, embodied on a non-transitory machine-readable medium, comprising instructions which are executable by a processor, causing the processor to perform the method according to any of claims from claim 13 to claim 36.

Images