NEF GPSI Retrieval for Flexible Network Capability Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
In current network communication systems, edge application servers (EAS) and application functions (AF) cannot actively obtain the generic public subscription identifier (GPSI) of a target terminal device, hindering the exchange of network capability exposure information and affecting service experience.
Innovation Solution
The network exposure function (NEF) actively obtains the GPSI of a target terminal device by interacting with network elements like UPF or PCF, converting it to a GPSI, and provides this identifier to EAS or AF, enabling flexible network capability exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an API for network capability exposure provides a channel for exchanging network capability exposure information based on GPSI, then security is improved, but the EAS or AF cannot actively obtain the GPSI of the target terminal device, affecting service experience
Solution Approach 1:
The NEF acts as an intermediary that receives the terminal address from the EAS/AF, actively obtains the GPSI through network elements (PCF/UPF), converts it to the required format, and provides it back to the EAS/AF. This mediator enables the EAS/AF to actively obtain GPSI without compromising the security channel established by the API.
Solution Approach 2:
The NEF performs preliminary action by proactively obtaining the GPSI information from the network elements before the EAS/AF needs to use it. The NEF initiates the information retrieval process, converts the identifier format, and prepares the data for transmission to the EAS/AF, enabling active obtaining capability while maintaining security.
2Productivity
If the NEF actively obtains the GPSI and provides it to the EAS or AF, then the flexibility and efficiency of network capability exposure is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NEF performs multiple functions: receiving terminal addresses from EAS/AF, actively obtaining GPSI from network elements, converting identifier formats between 3GPP and non-3GPP systems, and providing the converted GPSI back to EAS/AF. This multi-functionality consolidates several operations into a single network element, improving overall system efficiency while managing complexity centrally.
Solution Approach 2:
By centralizing the complex operations of GPSI acquisition, conversion, and distribution in the NEF, the complexity is concentrated in one location rather than distributed across multiple components. The NEF handles the identifier conversion between 3GPP SUPI and non-3GPP GPSI formats, acting as a bridge that simplifies the overall system architecture despite the complexity it encapsulates.
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses a network capability exposure method, apparatus, and system. The method includes: An NEF receives a first request sent by an AF, where the first request includes an address of a target terminal device, and is used to request first information of the target terminal device; sends, to a first network element, a second request including the address, to request a first identifier of the target terminal device; receives the first identifier from the first network element; and sends, to a second network element, a third request including the first identifier, to request the first information.