Application Function Mediator for UE Data Analytics in 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network operators face challenges in collecting information from third-party service applications, making it difficult to measure user service experience and optimize network performance and automation effectively in 5G Core Systems, which also applies to LTE and 4G networks.
Innovation Solution
The method involves online services applications or Application Functions providing User Equipment-generated information to Network Data Analytics, which is then used to generate network automation and optimization information and sent to the Radio Access Network, utilizing interfaces such as RESTful APIs and Network Exposure Function, to enhance network decision-making and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If network operators collect information only through traditional O&M functions, then network operator domain information is available, but information from third-party service applications is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an Application Function (AF) as an intermediary entity that bridges the gap between third-party service applications and the network operator's O&M system. The AF collects information from service applications and forwards it to the O&M function, enabling information acquisition without direct integration complexity. This mediator approach allows network operators to obtain service application data while maintaining system simplicity.
2Reliability
If network operators implement comprehensive information collection mechanisms, then complete network picture is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information collection system into distinct functional components: service applications generate data, AFs collect and process data from multiple applications, and O&M functions analyze aggregated data. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while achieving comprehensive information collection for reliable network optimization.
3Loss of information
If network operators access data from multiple sources, then comprehensive network analytics is enabled, but data integration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data collection framework where the AF serves multiple functions: collecting data from various service applications, standardizing data formats, and forwarding to O&M systems. This multi-functional approach enables comprehensive network data aggregation while simplifying the integration process through a single universal interface rather than multiple specialized connections.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for online services applications and application functions to provide User Equipment (UE)-generated information to network data analytics to support network automation and optimization are provided. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for an online services application or Application Function (AF) to provide UE-Generated Information (UGI) to support network automation and optimization comprises, at a Network Data Analytics (NWDA) function: receiving UGI that was collected by a UE or by an online services AF; generating network automation and optimization information based on at least some of the received UGI; and sending the network automation and optimization information to a Radio Access Network (RAN).