5G Non-3GPP Location Reporting via NEF Event Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 5G network architecture lacks comprehensive support for location reporting events from all possible 5G non-3GPP accesses, limiting the ability of external service consumers to subscribe to location change notifications for terminal devices across various access types.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves enhancements to the Network Exposure Function (NEF), User Data Management (UDM), and Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) to support location reporting for terminal devices from 5G non-3GPP accesses by extending the accuracy levels and data structures used in event exposure subscriptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the 5G network architecture uses existing location reporting mechanisms, then the system maintains simplicity and compatibility, but it cannot support location reporting for all possible non-3GPP accesses with comprehensive accuracy levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the existing location reporting mechanism to serve multiple access types (3GPP and non-3GPP) through a unified architecture. The NEF, UDM, and AMF entities are enhanced to handle both 3GPP and non-3GPP access location reporting using common interfaces and data structures, allowing one system to perform multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each access type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specific accuracy level parameters (N3IWF, TNGF, IP address, UDP port, WAGF, line identifier, HFC identifier) that segment location accuracy into distinct granularities suitable for different non-3GPP access types. This segmentation allows the system to provide appropriate levels of location detail for each access technology while maintaining a unified reporting framework.
2Loss of information
If the network exposes detailed location information for all access types, then external service consumers can subscribe to comprehensive location notifications, but the information exposure management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an accuracy parameter in the event exposure subscription that can take different values (N3IWF, TNGF, IP address, UDP port, WAGF, line identifier, HFC identifier) depending on the desired location granularity. This parameter-based approach allows external service consumers to subscribe to location notifications at different levels of detail without changing the underlying subscription mechanism, simplifying information exposure management while providing comprehensive coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for event exposure are disclosed. According to an embodiment, a network exposure function (NEF) entity receives, from an application function (AF) entity, a first request for subscribing to an event exposure of location reporting for a terminal device. The first request indicates at least one location reporting accuracy for 5th generation (5G) non-3rd generation partnership project (non-3GPP) access of the terminal device. The NEF entity sends, to a unified data management (UDM) entity, a second request for subscribing to an event exposure of location reporting for the terminal device. The second request indicates the at least one location reporting accuracy. The NEF entity receives, from an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity, location information of the terminal device and sends the location information of the terminal device to the AF entity.