Network Capability Exposure Function for 5G User Plane Path Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G communication protocols lack mechanisms for efficiently providing network control capabilities to third-party entities, hindering effective user plane path selection and reselection in communications networks.
Innovation Solution
A method for user plane path selection and notification in 5G networks, involving a network capability exposure function that receives UP change notification requests from third-party entities, transmits configuration requests to control plane functions, and enforces UP change notifications through policy control and session management functions, enabling UP path selection or reselection and notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 5G communication protocols are implemented without network capability exposure mechanisms, then network control and security are maintained, but third-party entities cannot efficiently manage user plane path selection and reselection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Network Capability Exposure Function (NCEF) as an intermediary component that bridges the control plane and third-party entities. The NCEF receives requests from third-party entities, validates them against network policies, and translates them into appropriate control plane actions. This intermediary structure enables third-party control capabilities while maintaining network security and policy enforcement, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network control architecture into distinct functional components: the NCEF for exposure and validation, the policy control function for rule management, and the session management function for execution. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific tasks, enabling third-party entity control without creating monolithic complexity in the overall system.
2Productivity
If centralized control mechanisms are implemented for user plane path management, then network performance and resource management are improved, but coordination effort between network operator and third-party entities increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the NCEF receives notifications from the session management function about user plane path changes and forwards them to the requesting third-party entity. This feedback loop enables automated coordination, reducing manual effort while maintaining centralized control for optimized network resource management.
Solution Approach 2:
Third-party entities can independently manage their own user plane path selection and reselection through standardized API interfaces provided by the NCEF. This self-service capability allows them to optimize their traffic flows without requiring direct coordination with the network operator for each individual path management decision, thereby improving productivity while reducing coordination overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for performing User Plane (UP) path selection or reselection over a communications network with a 3rd party entity, and for notifying network entities of UP changes in a communications network, are disclosed. The method includes: receiving an application program interface based request for UP path selection from the 3rd party entity; performing a validation and authorization procedure with the request; transmitting a UP path selection configuration request to a Control Plane Function that maintains configuration data; obtaining a reference number confirming the UP path selection configuration request; and installing the UP path selection according to the reference number.