5G Network Function Coordination for Conflict Resolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The rise in network complexity and operating expenses due to inconsistent behavior between network functions (NFs) in 5G networks, resulting from implementation-specific actions based on analytics from Network Data Analytic Functions (NWDAFs), leads to sub-optimal network behavior and conflicts.
Innovation Solution
A coordination entity is introduced to detect and resolve conflicts by configuring network functions to output notifications or disable conflicting actions, using a scalable approach that involves a conflict management entity and a conflict bus for communication between NFs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network functions take actions based on internal/vendor configuration and analytics from NWDAF, then network automation and adaptability are improved, but inconsistent behavior and conflicts between NFs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The coordination entity establishes a feedback mechanism where NFs report their intended actions to the coordination entity, which then provides feedback by resolving conflicts and coordinating actions. This ensures that while NFs maintain their autonomy and adaptability, their actions are coordinated to prevent conflicts, thus maintaining consistent network behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
A coordination entity is introduced as an intermediary between network functions. This mediator receives action indications from multiple NFs, resolves conflicts between them, and coordinates their actions. The intermediary enables autonomous NFs to work together consistently without requiring changes to their internal decision-making logic.
2Productivity
If multiple NFs take independent actions based on analytics, then network responsiveness and productivity are improved, but conflicts and sub-optimal network behavior occur
Solution Approach 1:
The coordination entity performs preliminary conflict resolution before NFs execute their actions. By receiving action indications in advance and resolving potential conflicts beforehand, the system maintains rapid response times while ensuring that coordinated actions lead to optimal network behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The coordination entity acts as a mediator that receives action indications from multiple NFs, resolves conflicts between them, and coordinates their execution. This enables NFs to maintain their responsiveness and independence while ensuring their combined actions result in optimal network behavior through centralized coordination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network complexity increases due to slicing and virtualization, then network functionality and adaptability are improved, but operating complexity and OPEX rise
Solution Approach 1:
The coordination entity provides a universal mechanism that handles conflict resolution for all network functions across different network slices. This multi-functional approach coordinates actions across diverse NFs and slices through a single entity, managing operating complexity centrally while maintaining the functionality and adaptability of individual slices.
Data Source
AI summary
A coordination entity of a mobile network comprising one or more processors arranged to receive an indication that a first action of a first network function of the mobile network is in conflict with a second action of a second network function of the mobile network. The one or more processors are further arranged to, responsive to receiving the indication, configure the first network function such that, when the first action has been, is being, or will be performed by the first network function, the first network function outputs a notification indicating that the first action has been, is being, or will be performed by the first network function.