Dynamic Service Chain Management via NEF and NRF
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G systems lack the ability to dynamically manage service chains and fully utilize network resources, leading to inefficiencies in service provisioning and monetization, as they require applications to provide all necessary services and fail to adapt to changing network conditions, resulting in missed revenue opportunities for operators.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for dynamically managing service chains by transmitting service chain requests from applications, using Network Exposure Function (NEF) and Network Repository Function (NRF) devices to determine and update service profiles based on application identities and lists of services, enabling flexible and adaptive service configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 5G systems require applications to provide all necessary services, then service functionality is complete, but system complexity and resource duplication increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments service functionality into two parts: applications provide core service logic while the network provides supporting services through service chains. This division separates concerns and reduces duplication by allowing the network to share common services across multiple applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal service chains in the network that can serve multiple applications. The NRF (Network Repository Function) maintains a repository of available services that can be dynamically allocated to different applications based on their needs, reducing the need for each application to implement its own complete service stack.
2Stability of the object's composition
If service chains are statically configured, then network stability is maintained, but adaptability to changing network conditions and application needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic service chain configuration where the NRF can modify service chains in real-time based on network conditions and application requirements. Service chains are not fixed but can be updated, added, or removed dynamically while maintaining operational stability through controlled transition mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the NRF monitors network conditions and service performance, then uses this information to dynamically adjust service chain configurations. This closed-loop control allows the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining stability through gradual, controlled changes.
3Manufacturing precision
If service chains are manually configured, then configuration accuracy is high, but provisioning time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the NRF automatically discovers available services, determines appropriate service chains for applications, and configures them without manual intervention. The system uses automated service matching algorithms that analyze application requirements and network capabilities to generate optimal configurations, maintaining high accuracy through structured service descriptions and validation rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-registering and cataloging available network services in the NRF repository before they are needed. Service chain templates and configurations are prepared in advance, allowing rapid deployment when applications are provisioned without requiring time-consuming manual configuration at deployment time.
4Reliability
If network resources are over-provisioned to ensure service availability, then service reliability is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where service chain instances are created, scaled, or terminated based on real-time demand and network conditions. The NRF monitors service usage and automatically adjusts resource provisioning, ensuring sufficient capacity for reliable service delivery while avoiding permanent over-provisioning that would reduce utilization efficiency during low-demand periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, device and computer readable medium for service chain is provided. Dynamic service chain is achieved and the service chain request is transmitted from the application. The device determines the service chain based on a profile of the application. Further, implicit service chain subscribing is also achieved. Thus, a more flexible service chain is achieved. Further, management of service chain related to NF service is also achieved.