Analytics Discovery Function for 5G NWDAF Service Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G service-based architecture networks, the proliferation of multiple independent Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) instances with varying service capabilities and filter support creates challenges in discovering suitable NWDAF instances for specific analytics needs, as existing solutions lack mechanisms for efficient discovery and collision resolution.
Innovation Solution
An Analytics Discovery Function (ADF) is introduced to register and manage service capabilities of NWDAF instances, allowing network functions to discover and select suitable NWDAF instances based on requested service capabilities, filters, and criteria such as model accuracy and location, facilitating efficient service provisioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent NWDAF instances are deployed to provide analytics services, then service coverage and capability diversity are improved, but discovery complexity and collision resolution difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Analytics Discovery Function (ADF) as an intermediary component that mediates between network functions seeking analytics services and multiple NWDAF instances. The ADF maintains a registry of available analytics functions and their capabilities, receives discovery requests from network functions, and resolves collisions by selecting appropriate NWDAF instances based on service requirements. This intermediary approach enables multiple NWDAF instances to coexist without increasing discovery complexity for network functions.
2Measurement precision
If NWDAF instances register detailed service capabilities and filters, then service matching precision is improved, but registration overhead and information management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service registration mechanism where NWDAF instances automatically register their service capabilities, supported filters, and metadata with the Analytics Discovery Function. The registration process is initiated and managed by the NWDAF instances themselves rather than requiring manual configuration or complex centralized management. Each analytics function publishes its capabilities in a standardized format, enabling precise service matching while keeping information management simple and automated.
3Measurement precision
If the ADF maintains comprehensive registry of analytics functions and capabilities, then discovery accuracy is improved, but memory resources and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analytics function registry into manageable components organized by service type, filter categories, and capability domains. Rather than maintaining a single large monolithic registry, the ADF divides the information structure into smaller logical segments that can be efficiently stored, searched, and managed. This segmentation enables accurate discovery by allowing targeted queries on specific service attributes without requiring the entire registry to be loaded or processed, thereby reducing memory resources and processing overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatus for analytics function discovery in a service based architecture comprising a network function. A method, in an analytics discovery function, ADF, comprises receiving a request from the network function for requested analytics information; determining whether the requested analytics information matches a first registration entry; wherein the requested analytics information matches the first registration information if the request analytics information matches first analytics information in the first registration entry; and responsive to the requested analytics information matching the first registration entry, selecting the first analytics function in the first registration entry.