5G Terminal Data Association Across Distributed Network Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in 5G communications networks is associating data of a terminal distributed across different network elements, which is essential for effective policy formulation by the NWDAF network element using big data analytics.
Innovation Solution
A data processing method and apparatus that enables the data analytics network element to associate data from multiple network elements by using identifiers and association information, such as identifiers assigned by different network elements, to integrate data from access, AMF, UPF, SMF, and PCF elements, facilitating comprehensive data analytics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If data is collected from multiple distributed network elements, then the quantity and comprehensiveness of data increases, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases due to the need to associate data across different elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an identifier (such as terminal identifier, PDU session identifier, or QoS flow identifier) as an intermediary element that bridges data from different network elements. These identifiers act as mediators that enable the data analytics network element to associate and correlate data collected from multiple distributed network elements (AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF) without requiring complex direct relationships between them.
2Reliability
If data from multiple network elements is integrated, then the quality and completeness of analytics improves, but the device complexity increases due to the need to manage associations across different elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data association process by introducing specific identifier types for different network elements and data types. Instead of managing all data associations uniformly, the system divides the association mechanism into distinct identifier categories (terminal identifiers for device-level association, PDU session identifiers for session-level association, QoS flow identifiers for flow-level association), making the complex data management task more manageable and structured.
3Adaptability or versatility
If identifiers from different network elements are used for association, then the adaptability of the system improves, but the ease of operation decreases due to the complexity of managing multiple identifier types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal identifier framework where a common set of identifier types (terminal identifier, PDU session identifier, QoS flow identifier) can be applied across multiple different network elements (AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF). This multi-functional identifier system allows the same identifier types to serve association purposes across different network elements and data types, providing adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized identifier usage.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes obtaining, by a data analytics device, data of a terminal on an access device and data of the terminal on an access and mobility management function device, where the data of the terminal on the access device includes a first identifier, and the access device is an access device, the data of the terminal on the access and mobility management function device includes the first identifier, and the first identifier includes an identifier assigned by the access device to the terminal, associating, by the data analytics device, the data of the terminal on the access device with the data of the terminal on the access and mobility management function device based on the first identifier.