AMF-Based RAN Node Configuration for Load Balancing and Failover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for configuring radio access network (RAN) nodes in 5G communication systems are manual and error-prone, leading to inefficient load balancing and slow failure recovery, and coordination between different operator domains is challenging due to the lack of direct access to network repository function (NRF) servers by RAN nodes.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an access and mobility management function (AMF) that automatically configures RAN nodes based on tracking area identities (TAIs) and relative AMF capacity (RAC) values, and proactively notifies RAN nodes of AMF status changes via a network repository function (NRF) server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual configuration of RAN nodes is performed, then configuration can be done with existing tools, but configuration errors increase and load balancing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The AMF automatically configures RAN nodes by retrieving their locality information from the NRF server and determining serving localities autonomously, eliminating manual configuration operations and associated errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors AMF status through NRF heartbeat mechanisms and dynamically adjusts RAN node configurations based on real-time feedback about AMF availability and load conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If all AMFs are reconfigured when a RAN node is added or removed, then configuration consistency is maintained, but network flexibility and PLMN independence are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration consistencyVSAvoidnetwork flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Each AMF independently determines its own serving localities based on its specific capacity and the RAN nodes in its coverage area, allowing localized configuration changes without affecting other AMFs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically updates only the specific AMF's configuration when RAN nodes are added or removed, rather than statically reconfiguring all AMFs, enabling flexible adaptation to network changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If RAN nodes detect AMF failure through timeout mechanisms, then failure detection is achieved, but detection time is excessive and recovery is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefailure detection accuracyVSAvoidfailure detection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The NRF server implements a heartbeat mechanism that continuously monitors AMF status and provides immediate feedback when an AMF fails or is removed, enabling rapid detection without timeout delays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system proactively notifies RAN nodes of AMF status changes before the RAN nodes would otherwise detect the failure through timeout, allowing preemptive recovery actions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If OAM is used to notify RAN nodes of AMF status changes, then notification is achieved, but coordination between different operator domains is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenotification reliabilityVSAvoidoperator coordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The NRF server serves as a universal notification mechanism that works across different operator domains and PLMNs, replacing the operator-specific OAM system with a standardized interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The NRF server acts as an intermediary between the AMF and RAN nodes, centralizing the notification function and eliminating the need for direct coordination between different operator domains

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12598486B2Methods and apparatus for managing RAN nodes in a communication network

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a pre-5th-generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-generation (4G) communication system, such as long term evolution (LTE). A method and an apparatus for managing radio access network (RAN) nodes in a communication network are provided. The method includes receiving tracking area identity (TAI) indicating locality, from added RAN nodes, determining whether locality of RAN nodes corresponds to primary or secondary serving localities of access and mobility management function (AMF), based on pre-stored TAI list, identifying relative AMF capacity (RAC) value for RAN nodes and transmitting RAC value to RAN nodes. The disclosure relates to method and AMF for notifying status of AMFs to RAN nodes, comprising transmitting request including identifier of AMF set, to network repository function (NRF) server, receiving notification indicating status of other AMFs in AMF set, from NRF server and notifying status of at least one AMF from other AMFs to RAN nodes associated with at least one AMF, when status is one of pre-defined status.