5G Deep Service Path Discovery Through SDN-NRF Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G networks face challenges in providing visibility into network call flows and service paths due to the dynamic nature of containerized network functions, making troubleshooting and performance management difficult for mobile network operators.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a software-defined networking (SDN) controller that integrates with a network repository function (NRF) to manage and synchronize service paths through real-time notifications and pooling algorithms, utilizing Kubernetes APIs to maintain a comprehensive view of containerized network functions and their connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If containerized network functions are used to enable dynamic service deployment, then adaptability and service flexibility are improved, but visibility into network call flows and service paths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an SDN controller as an intermediary component that sits between the containerized network functions and the network operators. This controller maintains a centralized view of all service paths and call flows by receiving notifications from container instances through NRF pooling algorithms, thereby restoring visibility without compromising the dynamic nature of containerized deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where containerized network functions send real-time notifications to the SDN controller about service path changes and call flow status. The controller processes these notifications and maintains an updated view of the network state, enabling operators to monitor and troubleshoot services despite the dynamic container environment
2Ease of repair
If real-time service path tracking is implemented, then troubleshooting capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SDN controller is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions: it tracks service paths, monitors call flows, manages container lifecycle events, and provides troubleshooting information. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single controller, the system avoids the complexity that would arise from implementing separate specialized systems for each function
3Productivity
If deep service path discovery is enabled, then performance monitoring is improved, but information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential information needed for performance monitoring from the vast amount of data generated by containerized network functions. The SDN controller selectively processes notifications about service path changes and call flow events, filtering out redundant information and focusing on key performance indicators, thereby reducing the data processing load while maintaining effective monitoring capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A software defined network (SDN) can add network repository functions (NRF) into a configurations database to enable NF discovery. The SDN can subscribe to NRF notifications to receive new cloud native functions (CNF), registrations, or any other update to the CNF status in 5G system. In addition to listening to NRF notifications, the SDN can implement CNF pooling processes to periodically retrieve CNF from an NRF repository and stay in sync with 5G systems. Thus, a deep service path discovery can be developed from network service configurations and container call flows to enable an accurate alarm correlation and troubleshooting for the operations. This service path deep discovery can be designed and implemented as a standalone system or in an SDN framework with integration of a container management framework such as K8 kubernetes.