5G AMF SMF Selection via NRF Capability Discovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G networks, the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) lacks the capability to select the Session Management Function (SMF) based on SMF capabilities, such as V-SMF, H-SMF, or I-SMF, which can lead to suboptimal service performance and limited deployment possibilities, especially in roaming scenarios where specific SMF capabilities are required.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where the UE service management network element sends a request to the network function discovery network element indicating its preferred capability, and the network function discovery network element performs discovery to provide information on candidate network elements matching the preferred capability, allowing the network function selection network element to select the appropriate SMF.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the AMF selects SMF without capability information, then the selection process is simple, but the service performance is suboptimal and deployment possibilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSMF selection process simplicityVSAvoiddeployment possibilities

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The NRF stores capability information of SMF network elements in advance (before selection is needed). When the AMF queries for SMF candidates, the capability information is already available, enabling informed selection without complicating the selection process itself. This preliminary storage action resolves the contradiction by preparing data beforehand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The NRF acts as an intermediary between the AMF and SMF network elements. It collects, stores, and provides capability information about SMFs to the AMF, enabling the AMF to make informed selections without direct complex interactions with SMFs. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by simplifying the AMF's task while enabling versatile deployment scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If the AMF selects SMF without capability information, then the selection process is fast, but service performance is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSMF selection timeVSAvoidservice performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Capability information is stored in the NRF in advance, so when selection is needed, the AMF can quickly query and receive pre-organized capability data. This eliminates the need for time-consuming capability discovery during selection, maintaining fast selection while improving service performance through informed decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by storing capability information in the NRF based on SMF registrations and updates. This feedback loop ensures the NRF always has current capability information, allowing the AMF to make reliable selections quickly without needing to perform complex real-time capability assessments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If capability information is stored and used for SMF selection, then service performance improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice performanceVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The NRF serves as an intermediary that centralizes the storage and management of capability information. Instead of each network element maintaining complex capability data, the NRF consolidates this information, reducing overall system complexity while enabling reliable capability-based selection. The AMF simply queries the NRF without needing to implement complex capability assessment logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

SMF network elements autonomously register their capability information with the NRF and update it when capabilities change. This self-service approach eliminates the need for centralized capability management, reducing system complexity while ensuring accurate capability information is available for selection decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20230370830A1Methods and devices for network function discovery and selection

Publication Date: 2023.11.16 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method for a UE service management network element to affect profile of the UE service management network element stored in a network function discovery network element in a communication network, including: sending a request to the network function discovery network element, wherein the request indicates capability of the UE service management network element. Other corresponding network elements, and the corresponding devices, computer readable storage medium, carrier, etc. thereof are also provided.