Application Function 5G Virtual Network Topology Update

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems face challenges in dynamically managing connectivity between 5G Core network interfaces and data networks, particularly in scenarios involving changes in User Plane Functions and Virtual Network topologies.

Innovation Solution

An application function (AF) is configured to subscribe to event exposure from the 5G Core network, allowing it to receive notifications of changes in User Plane Functions and Virtual Network topologies. This AF then dynamically manages connectivity by configuring or modifying VPN tunnels and interfaces accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the application function manually monitors and manages connectivity changes in 5G Virtual Networks, then connectivity management can be performed, but the system complexity and manual intervention requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity managementVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the Application Function subscribes to event exposure from the 5G Core Network. The network automatically notifies the AF of changes in User Plane Functions and Virtual Network topologies through standardized event subscriptions and notifications, eliminating the need for manual monitoring while reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an event exposure mechanism as an intermediary between the 5G Core Network and the Application Function. This intermediary layer standardized the information flow, allowing the AF to receive structured notifications about network changes without directly complex interactions with multiple network functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the application function dynamically configures connectivity based on real-time network changes, then network flexibility improves, but the speed of detecting and responding to changes becomes critical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidresponse speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The Application Function performs preliminary configuration setup by subscribing to relevant network events in advance. When changes occur in User Plane Functions or Virtual Network topologies, the pre-established subscription ensures immediate notification and rapid response, combining proactive preparation with reactive adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The event exposure mechanism provides real-time feedback to the Application Function about network topology changes. This continuous feedback loop enables the AF to dynamically adjust connectivity configurations promptly, maintaining network flexibility while ensuring fast response times through automated notifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the system implements automated event exposure and notification mechanisms for network changes, then operational efficiency improves, but the complexity of implementing and managing event subscriptions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsubscription management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal event exposure interface that serves multiple functions: monitoring User Plane Function changes, detecting Virtual Network topology modifications, and notifying the Application Function. This multi-functional standardized interface simplifies subscription management while maintaining high operational efficiency across different network scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the application function configures multiple VPN tunnels and interfaces dynamically, then connectivity adaptability improves, but the complexity of managing multiple network interfaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity adaptabilityVSAvoidinterface management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The event exposure mechanism acts as an intermediary that consolidates information about multiple network interfaces and VPN tunnels. Instead of the Application Function directly managing complex interactions with each interface, the standardized notification system provides unified information about topology changes, simplifying the management of multiple network interfaces while maintaining connectivity adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12323304B2Method to update 5G VN group topology update to AF for efficient network management

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY

AI summary

There is provided a computer program, method and apparatus for an application function that causes the application function to: signal, to a first network function, a first request to be notified of at least one change in first user plane functions associated with a first virtual network, the first virtual network comprising the first user plane functions and a first interface interfacing the first user plane functions with a first data network; receive, from the first network function, a first indication that said at least one change has occurred; and configure connectivity with at least one interface to the first virtual network in dependence on the at least one change indicated in the said first indication.