5G Network Error Originator Identification via HTTP Headers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G communication networks, identifying the originator of errors in indirect communication is challenging, leading to inefficient error handling and adaptation of communication behavior, as error responses often do not specify the intermediary entity responsible, preventing NF clients or intermediate entities from adapting subsequent communications effectively.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an indication of the error originator into error responses, allowing NF clients to apply appropriate error handling by retransmitting requests through alternative network entities or pathways, such as service communication proxies (SCPs), by including error information in HTTP error messages that specify the entity responsible for the error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If indirect communication via service communication proxies is implemented, then communication flexibility and network functionality are improved, but error handling efficiency deteriorates because the error originator cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (error indication field in HTTP responses) that allows intermediate entities (service communication proxies) to forward error information while maintaining their mediating role. This enables the NF client to identify the error originator through the error indication field without disrupting the indirect communication architecture, thus resolving the contradiction between communication flexibility and error handling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where error responses from NF servers or intermediate entities include an error indication field that identifies the error originator. This feedback loop allows the NF client to receive detailed error information, identify the problematic entity, and adapt subsequent communications accordingly, thereby improving error handling efficiency while preserving the flexible indirect communication structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If error responses are relayed through intermediate entities, then communication routing flexibility is maintained, but information about the error originator is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having intermediate entities (service communication proxies) prepare and forward error indication fields in the error response before the NF client can process the error. This ensures that the error originator information is preserved and transmitted through the relay path, allowing the NF client to identify the source even when communication is indirect, thus preventing information loss while maintaining routing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The service communication proxy acts as an intermediary that carefully forwards error responses while preserving the error indication field. This intermediary mechanism ensures that error originator information is not lost during relay operations, allowing the NF client to identify the source entity while maintaining the flexible routing capability of indirect communication.
3Device complexity
If the NF client cannot identify the error originator, then communication simplicity is maintained, but the ability to adapt subsequent communications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where error responses include an error indication field that identifies the error originator. This feedback provides the NF client with the necessary information to adapt subsequent communications, such as selecting alternative service communication proxies or adjusting communication parameters, thereby improving adaptability without significantly increasing the complexity of error handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the error response into distinct components, including the error indication field that identifies the originator and the actual error message. This segmentation allows the NF client to easily extract the error originator information and adapt communications accordingly, maintaining simplicity while enhancing adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, apparatus, and computer program product provide for network communication error originator identification with a header, such as an HTTP header. In the context of a method, the method causes a service request from a NF client to be transmitted to a NF server via one or more intermediary network proxy functions. The method receives a service response with error information identifying the type or identity of the originator of the error response or identifying the type or identity of network proxy function having relayed the error response. The method may also enable to redirect a service request to a different NF server or a different network proxy function, and enables the NF client to determine whether to redirect the request to a different NF server or a different network proxy function.