Multi-Tier NRF Routing for Cross-PLMN Service Requests

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 5G networks face challenges in managing multiple Network Repository Functions (NRFs) and their interrelations, particularly in scenarios involving roaming partners and different public land mobile networks (PLMNs), leading to inefficiencies in network management and service request processing.

Innovation Solution

A multi-tiered NRF architecture is introduced, comprising a centralized NRF and local NRFs, where the centralized NRF serves as a gateway for routing service requests among local NRFs based on routing tables, and can communicate with other centralized NRFs across different PLMNs or access technology independent networks, optimizing network management and service request handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple NRFs are deployed in a 5G network to manage network functions, then the network management capability and coverage are improved, but the complexity of managing multiple NRFs and their interrelations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork management capabilityVSAvoidNRF management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments NRF management into hierarchical levels: local NRFs handle regional network function registration and service requests within their own PLMN, while centralized NRFs manage cross-PLMN and roaming partner NFs. This segmentation reduces management complexity by distributing responsibilities appropriately across different NRF levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized NRF acts as an intermediary between local NRFs and roaming partner NFs. It receives service requests from local NRFs, determines the appropriate target NRF using routing tables, and forwards requests accordingly. This intermediary role simplifies the interrelation management between multiple NRFs by providing a standardized coordination mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If local NRFs process all service requests independently, then the processing speed and local responsiveness are improved, but the ability to handle cross-PLMN and roaming scenarios deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice request processing speedVSAvoidcross-PLMN handling capability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements local quality by enabling local NRFs to independently process service requests for NFs within their own PLMN, providing fast local response. Simultaneously, centralized NRFs provide specialized handling for cross-PLMN and roaming scenarios. This differentiated approach allows each NRF level to optimize for its specific functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

NRFs perform preliminary actions by maintaining routing tables that pre-contain information about target NRFs for different PLMNs and roaming partners. When a service request arrives, the centralized NRF can quickly determine the appropriate target using these pre-prepared routing tables, avoiding complex real-time decisions and maintaining fast processing speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a centralized NRF manages all network functions across all PLMNs, then the unified management and routing capability are improved, but the system scalability and distributed processing efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunified management capabilityVSAvoiddistributed processing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the centralized management function into hierarchical levels: centralized NRFs provide unified management for cross-PLMN and roaming NFs, while local NRFs independently manage their own PLMN NFs. This segmentation allows unified management where needed while preserving distributed processing efficiency for local operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized NRF provides universal management capabilities by serving multiple functions: it acts as a gateway for cross-PLMN service requests, maintains routing tables for multiple target PLMNs, and coordinates with multiple local NRFs. This multi-functionality allows a single centralized NRF to efficiently manage diverse cross-PLMN scenarios without requiring separate specialized systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260005911A1System and method for multi-tier network repository function

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 JIO PLATFORMS LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a network repository function architecture for a telecommunication network. The telecommunication network includes a multi-tiered network repository function (NRF) architecture serving one or more network functions (NFs) associated with the telecommunication network, where the multi-tiered NRF includes a centralized NRF associated with one or more local NRFs, wherein at least one of the one or more local NRFs receives a NF service request associated with a serving public land mobile network (PLMN), determines whether the NF service request is processed by the local NRF, and forwards the NF service request to the centralized NRF based on the local NRF being unable to process the NF service request.