5G Core Feature Discovery for Compatible Non-Direct Notifications
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is currently no mechanism to negotiate features to be used in non-direct subscribed notifications between network functions in 5G Core Networks, leading to potential errors or unsuccessful notifications due to unawareness of feature support by the receiver.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining whether features are to be used for notification by registering the Notification URI and supported features in the NF profile, or by transmitting the NF instance ID and supported features, allowing network nodes to discover and verify feature support before initiating notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-direct subscription is used for notifications, then notification routing flexibility is improved, but feature compatibility reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring the NF service consumer to discover and verify feature support of the NF service producer before establishing the non-direct subscription. The consumer queries the NRF for supported features of the producer and confirms compatibility in advance, preventing future notification failures due to feature mismatches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the NF service consumer receives feedback information about the NF service producer's supported features through NRF queries. This feedback loop allows the consumer to adjust its notification requirements and ensure feature compatibility before and during the notification delivery process.
2Reliability
If feature negotiation is added to non-direct subscription, then notification reliability is improved, but procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by utilizing the existing NRF (Network Repository Function) for multiple purposes: both for NF discovery and for feature support queries in non-direct subscriptions. This multi-functionality avoids adding separate complex negotiation systems while still achieving reliable feature compatibility verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The NF service consumer performs self-service by independently querying the NRF for feature support information and making its own compatibility determination. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex centralized negotiation procedures while ensuring reliable notification delivery through autonomous feature verification.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to methods and network nodes for feature discovery in non-direct subscription scenarios. A method at a first network node for determining whether one or more first features are to be used for notification from the first network node to a second network node or not is provided. The notification is subscribed by a non-direct subscription operation. The method includes: receiving information indicating whether the one or more first features are supported by the second network node or information from which whether the one or more first features are supported by the second network node is able to be derived; and determining whether the one or more first features are to be used for the notification based on at least the received information.