5G Network Function Status Notifications for Faster Reconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G networks employing Service-Based Architecture (SBA), existing systems fail to timely notify consumer network functions (CNFs) about the availability changes of producer network functions (PNFs), leading to potential service impairment due to delayed reconnection attempts.
Innovation Solution
The system implements a mechanism where a Network Repository Function (NRF) retains subscription information for a deregistered PNF and notifies consumer network functions (CNFs) when the PNF re-registers with another NRF, allowing immediate reconnection without waiting for a configurable timer to expire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the NRF deletes subscription information when a PNF deregisters, then the system maintains data consistency, but consumer network functions experience delayed notification when the PNF re-registers
Solution Approach 1:
The NRF retains subscription information in advance of actual need, keeping it available in the database even after PNF deregistration. This preliminary retention allows the system to immediately notify CNFs when the PNF re-registers, eliminating notification delays while maintaining data consistency through controlled deletion based on subscription expiration timers.
2Loss of time
If the NRF retains subscription information for deregistered PNFs, then CNFs receive timely notifications upon PNF re-registration, but the NRF database maintains unnecessary data
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary retention of subscription information only for the duration needed to enable immediate notifications. The NRF keeps subscription data in the database after PNF deregistration but implements automated deletion based on subscription expiration timers, retaining data only long enough to provide timely notifications while automatically removing it to prevent unnecessary data accumulation.
3Reliability
If CNFs wait for a configurable timer to expire before reconnection attempts, then the system avoids premature reconnection failures, but service impairment occurs during the waiting period
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements an active feedback mechanism where the NRF proactively notifies CNFs of PNF availability changes. When a PNF re-registers, the NRF sends a notification to subscribed CNFs, enabling them to immediately attempt reconnection without waiting for timer expiration. This feedback-driven approach maintains reconnection reliability while eliminating service impairment delays.
Data Source
AI summary
A 5G telecommunications network system for sending timely status notifications regarding network functions. The system includes at least two network repository functions (NRF), a consumer network function (CNF), and a producer network function (PNF). The CNF creates a subscription with the first NRF to receive updates about the PNF. The first NRF, upon detecting loss of connectivity to a PNF previously connected to it and upon learning from a second NRF that the PNF is now connected to the peer NRF, the first NRF notifies a CNF that was subscribed to receive updates about the PNF that the PNF is now connected to the peer NRF. As such, the CNF does not have to wait until the expiry of a Subscription Validity Timer to reconnect to the PNF. Instead, the CNF can immediately establish connection with the PNF through the second NRF.