5G Service Function Chaining via NEF User Plane Capability Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3GPP standards do not allow third parties to request or utilize specific service function chaining for their applications beyond the (S)Gi interface, limiting the flexibility and functionality of service function chaining in 5G networks.
Innovation Solution
A new API is introduced in the Nnef northbound interface that enables Application Functions (AFs) to request and manage User Plane (UP) capabilities, allowing for service function chaining on a per application and per user session basis, facilitating the configuration and control of UP capabilities through the Network Exposure Function (NEF) and network entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If service function chaining is limited to the (S)Gi interface as per current 3GPP specifications, then the system maintains architectural simplicity and defined scope, but third parties cannot request specific service function chaining for their applications, reducing service flexibility and adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Service Chain Selection Function (SCSF) as an intermediary component that mediates between Application Functions and the core network. The SCSF receives service function chaining requests from third-party applications, processes them according to network policies, and translates them into appropriate network configurations. This intermediary enables flexible third-party service requests without requiring direct modifications to the core network architecture, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the N6-LAN interface is excluded from service function chaining scope as stated in TS 22.101, then the specification remains manageable and implementation is simplified, but User Plane capabilities cannot be accessed by third parties, limiting service customization options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the service function chaining capability into two distinct parts: control plane functions (handled by SCSF and existing network elements) and user plane functions (handled by UPF and N6-LAN elements). This segmentation allows third-party access to User Plane capabilities through the N6-LAN interface while keeping the control plane architecture intact and manageable. The separation enables independent optimization and configuration of each segment, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and specification complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a computer-implemented method for enabling an Application Function (AF) to request User Plane capabilities of a Mobile Network Operator (MNO). The method comprises requesting, by the AF from a Network Exposure Function (NEF), one or more UP capability groups for a first application identifier (App-ID) and/or one or more UP capabilities for the first App-ID, providing, from the NEF to a network entity, information associated with the one or more UP capability groups for the first App-ID and/or one or more UP capabilities for the first App-ID, storing, at the network entity, the one or more UP capability groups for the first App-ID and/or one or more UP capabilities for the first App-ID; and providing an indication from the NEF to the AF to indicate that the request has been accepted.