Federated Learning UE Selection via NEF in 3GPP LTE and NR

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is no efficient way to perform federated learning operations in 3GPP LTE and New Radio (NR) systems, which are essential for advanced mobile communication scenarios.

Innovation Solution

Implement methods and apparatuses for communication involving Application Function (AF), Network Exposure Function (NEF), and User Equipment (UE) to facilitate UE member selection and PDU session establishment, enabling efficient federated learning operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If federated learning operations are implemented in 3GPP LTE and NR systems, then communication efficiency and system capability are improved, but there is no efficient way to perform the operations involved in FL

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefederated learning operation efficiencyVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The Network Exposure Function (NEF) acts as an intermediary between the Application Function (AF) and the 5G Core Network. The NEF receives subscription messages from the AF, determines candidate UEs based on network information, and transmits notification messages back to the AF. This intermediary approach simplifies the FL operation complexity by providing a standardized interface and automated UE selection process, thereby improving FL operation efficiency without requiring complex direct interactions between AF and individual UEs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If UE member selection assistance is implemented, then UE selection for application operation is improved, but additional signaling messages are required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUE member selection capabilityVSAvoidsignaling message complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by establishing subscription messages that contain predefined criteria for UE selection before the actual FL operation begins. The AF sends a subscription message with selection criteria to the NEF in advance, and the NEF prepares a list of candidate UEs based on these criteria. This preliminary setup simplifies the actual UE selection process during FL operations, making it easier to operate despite the additional initial signaling required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4664843A1Federated learning
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4664843A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4664843A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4664843A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of performing communication by an AF. The method may include: transmitting a subscription message related to UE member selection assistance to a NEF for selecting a UE for application operation; and receiving a notification message associated with UE member selection assistance from the NEF.