Coexistence Function for 4G to 5G UDR Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition from 4G to 5G telecommunication networks poses challenges in accessing and migrating user subscription data, particularly due to differences in data models and architectures between 4G User Data Repositories (UDR) and 5G Unified Data Repositories, leading to complex and costly data migration and double provisioning issues.
Innovation Solution
A coexistence function is introduced to facilitate the access and migration of user subscription data between 4G and 5G UDRs by receiving triggers from Network Functions, determining data availability, and transmitting data through separate communication interfaces, allowing seamless integration and storage in the 5G UDR, thus enabling existing 4G subscribers to access the 5G Core network without double provisioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing 4G UDR is used to store user subscription data, then users can access the network, but the data cannot be accessed by 5G Core network and migration is complex
Solution Approach 1:
A coexistence function is introduced as an intermediary component between the 4G UDR and 5G Core network. This function receives data requests from the 5G Core, queries the 4G UDR through existing interfaces, and forwards the retrieved data to the 5G Core, enabling seamless data access without direct integration between 4G UDR and 5G Core.
Solution Approach 2:
The data access system is segmented into separate functional components: the 4G UDR remains unchanged for backward compatibility, the coexistence function handles data translation and forwarding, and the 5G Core uses standardized Nudr interfaces. This segmentation allows independent evolution of 4G and 5G systems while enabling data sharing.
2Productivity
If data migration services are implemented to move data from 4G UDR to 5G UDR, then users can access 5G network, but the migration process becomes costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coexistence function automatically handles data retrieval and forwarding without requiring manual migration operations. When the 5G Core needs user data, it simply sends a request through the coexistence function, which autonomously queries the 4G UDR and forwards the data, eliminating the need for complex automated migration services.
Solution Approach 2:
The coexistence function acts as a mediator that simplifies the data access path between 4G UDR and 5G Core. Instead of implementing complex migration services to copy data, the system uses this intermediary to retrieve and forward existing data on-demand, reducing both complexity and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both 4G UDR and 5G UDR are provisioned for the same user, then users can access both networks, but double provisioning occurs and resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The coexistence function serves as a bridge that allows the 5G Core to access data stored in the 4G UDR without requiring duplicate storage. The function retrieves data from the 4G UDR on-demand and forwards it to the 5G Core, eliminating the need for double provisioning while maintaining access to both networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The 4G UDR continues to serve multiple functions: it stores user data for 4G network access and simultaneously provides data to the 5G Core through the coexistence function. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate 5G UDR storage for the same data, preventing redundancy.
4Extent of automation
If 5G UDR is re-architected as cloud native application, then flexibility and automation are improved, but existing 4G UDR installed base cannot be leveraged
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into legacy 4G UDR components and new 5G cloud-native functions. The coexistence function, implemented as a cloud-native service, interfaces with the legacy 4G UDR through standardized protocols, enabling automated deployments and scalability while leveraging the existing 4G data storage infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coexistence function is pre-configured to handle data retrieval and forwarding operations. When users need 5G access, the function automatically queries the 4G UDR and forwards data without requiring manual intervention or complex migration processes, simplifying the transition to cloud-native architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of obtaining user subscription data pertaining to a subscriber in a telecommunication network, said method comprising the steps of receiving, by a coexistence function, a trigger from a Network Function, NF, said trigger indicating a need for user subscription data pertaining to said subscriber, determining, by said coexistence function, that said user subscription data is not available in a Unified Data Repository of said telecommunication network, obtaining, by said coexistence function, said user subscription data from a user data repository, upon said determining that said user subscription data is not available with said unified data repository, wherein said user data repository and said unified data repository are accessible by two separate communication interfaces, and transmitting, by said coexistence function, to said NF, said obtained user subscription data. A corresponding coexistence function and computer program product are also presented herein.