N3IWF Data Collection for Network Slice QoS Analytics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems lack efficient methods for network data analytics in 5G networks to monitor and ensure quality of service (QoS), service level agreements (SLAs), and key performance indicators (KPIs) for network slices, particularly through a Non-Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) InterWorking Function (N3IWF), which is critical for providing secure connections over non-3GPP access networks.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) to collect and analyze data from an N3IWF on a per-slice basis, using network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI) to monitor and ensure that network slices meet QoS, SLAs, and KPIs, and detect abnormal behaviors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual methods are used to obtain network data from N3IWF, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity and measurement precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The NWDAF automatically collects and analyzes network data from N3IWF without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages data collection, processing, and analytics generation, improving productivity while the automated nature eliminates the need for complex manual procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual data collection processes are replaced with automated electronic data collection mechanisms. The NWDAF uses programmed interfaces to automatically retrieve data from N3IWF, substituting mechanical manual operations with automated digital processes that improve efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive data collection is implemented, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity and loss of information increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveQoS monitoring accuracyVSAvoiddata processing overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the necessary data elements from N3IWF for QoS monitoring and analytics. By selectively collecting specific parameters rather than all available data, the system achieves measurement precision while minimizing data processing overhead and information loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Data collection is segmented into specific categories relevant to network slicing and QoS monitoring. The NWDAF organizes collected data into structured segments that can be processed efficiently, improving measurement precision while reducing the complexity of handling comprehensive datasets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If real-time monitoring is implemented, then reliability and productivity improve, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork slice performance assuranceVSAvoidNWDAF energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The NWDAF implements periodic data collection intervals rather than continuous monitoring. By sampling network data at optimized intervals, the system maintains reliability for QoS monitoring while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous real-time processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts monitoring parameters and data collection frequency based on network conditions. By changing operational parameters such as sampling intervals and data granularity, the NWDAF maintains reliable monitoring while optimizing energy consumption according to actual network needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250338154A1Systems and methods for obtaining data for network analytics from a non-3GPP interworking function

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

A method may include providing a network data analytics function (NWDAF) in a network and providing, a non-third generation partnership project (3GPP) interworking function (N3IWF) in the network. The method may also include subscribing, by the N3IWF, to the NWDAF, and obtaining, by the NWDAF and from the N3IWF, data associated with processing performed by the N3IWF.