DCCF Token Management Reduces NRF Signaling Overhead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for data collection in 5G networks face challenges with access token management, leading to inefficiencies and increased workload for Network Repository Functions (NRFs) during failover scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves methods for data consumers in 5G networks to request and obtain access tokens for data collection services provided by the Data Collection Coordination Function (DCCF), optimizing the token generation and verification process to reduce signaling and workload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional access token management is used for data collection in 5G networks, then data access authorization can be achieved, but the workload and signaling for Network Repository Functions (NRFs) increases significantly during failover scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the token generation function from the NRF and creates a separate Data Collection Coordination Function (DCCF). This separation removes the burden of token management from the NRF, allowing it to focus on its core repository functions while the DCCF handles the complex token generation and validation operations during failover scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The DCCF acts as an intermediary between data consumers and the NRF. It receives data collection requests, generates appropriate access tokens, and manages the authorization process without requiring the NRF to directly handle each token generation request, thereby reducing signaling overhead and workload on the NRF.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access tokens are generated for data collection services, then comprehensive authorization can be provided, but the number of tokens to be managed and verified increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple authorization checks into a single unified token generation process at the DCCF. Instead of generating separate tokens for different authorization checks, the DCCF creates comprehensive tokens that encapsulate multiple authorization scopes, reducing the total number of tokens that need to be managed and verified across the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The DCCF performs preliminary token generation and validation before data collection operations begin. By pre-generating appropriate access tokens and validating authorization requirements in advance, the system avoids repeated verification overhead during actual data collection, thereby reducing the time lost to token management operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for a data consumer network function, NF, of a communication network to collect data from a data producer NF, the method comprising: ∘sending (810), to a network repository function, NRF, in the communication network, a request for an access token for a service provided by a data collection coordination function, DCCF, in the communication network; ∘receiving (820), from the NRF, at least one access token for the service provided by the DCCF; and ∘using (830) the at least one access token, collecting data from the data producer NF in the communication network via the DCCF service.