Message Broker Race Condition Handling in 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 5G service-based communication networks, race conditions occur due to parallel execution of service procedures, leading to inconsistent service operations and potential circular deadlocks, which existing solutions address inadequately, especially in multivendor environments with increasing autonomous Network Functions (NFs).
Innovation Solution
A Message Broker (MB) is embedded with Race Condition Handling (RCH) functionality to detect and intervene in service procedures by receiving start and end messages, applying priority queuing, delaying, or aborting procedures to prevent race conditions, thereby maintaining service consistency without additional network signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If race condition handling is implemented separately in each Network Function, then each NF can detect and handle race conditions independently, but it requires additional signaling over the control plane and increases processing delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the Race Condition Handling function with the Message Broker function into a single integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for separate RCH signaling messages between NFs and the standalone RCH, as the MB already receives all service procedure messages. The integration reduces control plane signaling overhead and processing delay while maintaining reliable race condition detection through the MB's existing message mediation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The Message Broker is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating race condition handling capabilities into its existing message mediation role. The MB continues to perform its universal function of mediating messages between different NFs while simultaneously detecting race conditions through its access to service procedure start and end messages. This eliminates the need for dedicated RCH functionality in each NF and reduces overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If a standalone Race Condition Handler is used, then race conditions are solved in a straightforward manner, but it implies additional signaling over the control plane and additional standardization effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the standalone Race Condition Handler with the Message Broker into a single integrated function. This eliminates the need for separate RCH standardization and control plane signaling interfaces. The MB's existing standardized interfaces for message mediation are sufficient for the integrated RCH functionality, reducing standardization effort and device complexity while maintaining reliable race condition handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The Message Broker is enhanced with universal multi-functionality by integrating race condition handling into its existing message mediation role. This eliminates the need for dedicated RCH standardization documents and interfaces, as the MB's standardized message handling capabilities are extended to include race condition detection and resolution. The integration reduces overall system complexity and standardization burden.
3Adaptability or versatility
If service procedures are serialized in a distributed way with multiple NFs, then autonomy of each NF is maintained, but it risks circular deadlock problems
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated Race Condition Handling function within the Message Broker acts as an intermediary that coordinates service procedure execution across multiple NFs. The MB monitors service procedure start and end messages and can intervene to prevent circular deadlocks by serializing procedures when race conditions are detected. This intermediary approach maintains NF autonomy for normal operations while providing centralized coordination to prevent deadlocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated RCH function in the MB performs preliminary anti-action by detecting potential race conditions before they can cause circular deadlocks. By monitoring service procedure messages and identifying conflicting procedures in advance, the MB can intervene to serialize execution or prevent conflicting operations from proceeding simultaneously, thereby preventing circular deadlocks before they occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting race conditions in a service based communication architecture network (600) comprising a Message Broker, MB, function (210) mediating messages, relating to service procedures, between one or more services available to a User Equipment, UE, (11) communicating within the service based communication architecture network (600). The method comprising receiving, by the MB (210), from the services, a message relating to at least one of start and end of a service procedure. Determining, by the MB (210), based on the received message, that the service procedure causes a race condition, and intervening, upon detection of a race condition, in executing the service procedures. There is also provided a Message Broker, MB, function (210) arranged for detecting and handling race conditions, a communication network (600) comprising an integrated message broker and race condition handler (210) and a computer program product.