Inter-PLMN Subscription Routing With NRF Location Hints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for processing inter-public land mobile network (PLMN) messages relating to existing subscriptions fail when a subscriber is roaming, leading to delayed or failed processing of subscription updates or deletions due to the lack of information about the NRF where the subscription is created.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a hint into the subscription creation response message that identifies the NRF where the subscription is located, allowing subsequent messages to be routed correctly to the appropriate NRF.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the NRF forwards the subscription creation request to another NRF that has the requested data, then the subscription can be created successfully, but the response message does not include information about the identity or location of the NRF where the subscription was created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the first NRF include a hint about its identity or location in the subscription creation response message before the consumer NF needs to send subsequent messages. This advance inclusion of location information ensures that when the consumer NF later needs to update or delete the subscription, the receiving NRF can immediately forward the message to the correct NRF without needing to query or search for the subscription location.
2Device complexity
If the NRF does not include location information in the response message, then the message format remains simple and standardized, but subsequent subscription update or deletion messages cannot be routed correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the message routing function into two parts: the subscription creation response message carries location information (the hint) from the first NRF to the consumer NF, and subsequent subscription messages carry this hint from the consumer NF to the receiving NRF. This segmentation allows location information to be transmitted efficiently without complicating the overall message format structure, as the hint is simply included as an additional field that enables routing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If subsequent subscription messages are sent without including the hint, then the message format remains standardized, but the messages may be discarded or forwarded to the wrong NRF
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the hint as a mediator between the consumer NF and the NRF system. The hint, included in both the subscription creation response and subsequent subscription messages, acts as an intermediary information element that enables correct routing without requiring complex query mechanisms or modifying the fundamental message format. This intermediary hint allows messages to be forwarded efficiently to the correct NRF while maintaining compatibility with existing message structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for facilitating processing of inter-public land mobile network (PLMN) messages relating to existing subscriptions includes receiving, at a first network function (NF) repository function (NRF), an inter-PLMN subscription creation request message for creating a subscription. The method further includes determining, by the first NRF, that the first NRF includes a resource for which the subscription is requested. The method further includes, in response to determining that the first NRF includes a resource for which the subscription is requested, generating, by the first NRF, a subscription creation response message indicating creation of the subscription. The first NRF includes, in the subscription creation response message, a hint indicating that the subscription is located on the first NRF and forwards the first NRF, the subscription creation response message towards a consumer NF.