Core Network Element Selection via Subscription-Based Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems with RAN-as-a-service, selecting a core network element for a terminal device becomes challenging due to the presence of multiple interfaces between the access network device and core network elements, necessitating a method to efficiently determine the appropriate core network element for service delivery.
Innovation Solution
A network element selection method involving a selection function network element that receives a request message with a terminal device identifier and type information, obtains subscription data, and selects a target core network element based on this data, optionally considering network information requested by the terminal device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If RAN-as-a-service is introduced to implement end-to-end unified orchestration, then service discovery and service invoking are unified, but the number of interfaces between access network device and core network elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a selection function network element as an intermediary between the access network device and multiple core network elements. This mediator receives service requests from the access network device, determines the appropriate target core network element based on subscription data and service requirements, and forwards requests to the selected element. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining unified service orchestration while managing interface complexity through a centralized selection function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple core network elements are introduced for service delivery, then service capabilities are enhanced, but the difficulty of selecting the appropriate core network element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the selection function network element obtains subscription data of terminal devices and uses this information to dynamically determine the most appropriate target core network element. The selection process considers service requirements, terminal device characteristics, and network element capabilities, creating a feedback loop that optimizes the matching between services and core network elements. This reduces selection difficulty by providing structured decision-making criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The selection function network element serves as an intelligent intermediary that manages the complexity of selecting among multiple core network elements. It receives service requests, queries subscription data, applies selection algorithms, and returns the appropriate target element identification. This mediator abstracts the complex selection process from the access network device, making service delivery manageable despite the presence of multiple core network elements with different capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and discloses a network element selection method and an apparatus. The method includes: A selection function network element receives a first request message from an access network device, where the first request message is for requesting to select a target core network element for a terminal device, the first request message includes an identifier of the terminal device and type information, and the type information indicates a type of the target core network element. Then, the selection function network element obtains subscription data of the terminal device based on the identifier of the terminal device, selects a first core network element as the target core network element based on the subscription data, and sends address information of the first core network element to the access network device.