N32-f Inter-Network Communication with TTL-Based hSEPP Discovery

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G SA roaming, n32-f connections between vSEPP and hSEPP often time out uncontrollably due to uncontrolled changes in the hSEPP, leading to uncontrolled termination of running tasks.

Innovation Solution

Implement a method where the vSEPP sends a second FQDN message to the hDNS when the TTL expires, comparing lists to assess changes in hSEPPs, allowing controlled transitions to new hSEPPs for ongoing communications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the n32-f connection is maintained continuously between vSEPP and hSEPP, then communication reliability is improved, but the system cannot adapt to hSEPP changes and causes uncontrolled task termination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to hSEPP changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic action by sending FQDN messages at regular intervals (based on TTL expiration) to query the current state of hSEPPs. This periodic refresh mechanism allows the system to maintain continuous communication while adapting to changes in hSEPP configuration, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and adaptability to changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where the vSEPP receives responses from hDNS about current hSEPP status and uses this information to adjust its communication behavior. The feedback loop enables the system to detect hSEPP changes and respond appropriately by redirecting traffic or updating routing information, thus maintaining both reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the n32-f connection is released to allow hSEPP changes, then adaptability to changes is improved, but running tasks are terminated uncontrollably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to hSEPP changesVSAvoidtask execution continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting hSEPP changes through FQDN message responses before they affect ongoing communications. By proactively identifying changes in hSEPP status and preparing alternative routing or connection paths in advance, the system can switch seamlessly without interrupting running tasks, thus maintaining both adaptability and task continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If automatic hSEPP discovery is implemented based on SIM information, then ease of operation is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic configurationVSAvoiddiscovery mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by enabling vSEPP to automatically discover and configure hSEPP information using data from SIM cards and FQDN resolution. The automatic discovery mechanism eliminates manual configuration requirements while using standardized protocols and existing infrastructure (DNS, SIM data), thus achieving ease of operation without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4601244A1Techniques to enable efficient communication between two networks
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP4601244A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4601244A1 patent drawingFigure 1.1
  • EP4601244A1 patent drawingFigure 1.2

AI summary

Techniques for efficient operating of n32-f communications between two networks comprising the following steps: • sending a communication request of a first network function within a first network to communicate with a first network function within a second network; • resolving the communication request by sending a first FQDN message from a vDNS of the first network to a hDNS of the second network, wherein the hDNS sends a first list of at least one first hSEPP of the second network, along with its communication address and a time-to-live, TTL, value; • providing the list to a vSEPP of the first network to establish a n32-f communication between the vSEPP and the hSEPP; wherein if the n32-f communication between the vSEPP and the hSEPP is still active and if the TTL value has expired, the vSEPP asks the vDNS to send a second FQDN message to the hDNS, wherein the hDNS sends a second list to the vDNS, wherein an algorithm within the first network compares the first list with the second list and provides the result of the comparison to the vSEPP.