Network Exposure Function for Energy-Saving State Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network management systems lack efficient mechanisms for energy saving status monitoring and control across network functions, leading to suboptimal energy consumption and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a network exposure function (NEF) that receives energy saving status requests from application functions (AFs) and interacts with a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) to obtain energy saving attributes of network functions (NFs), enabling dynamic energy management and optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network functions operate continuously to maintain service availability, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic energy management by enabling network functions to transition between active and energy-saving states based on real-time traffic conditions and service requirements. The NEF receives energy saving status requests from AFs and coordinates with NWDAF to determine optimal states, allowing the system to adapt its operational mode dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the energy saving status of network functions. The NEF manages energy saving status indications and communicates with NFs to modify their operational parameters, transitioning them between different energy states (active, dormant, suspended) based on current network conditions and service priorities.
2Use of energy by moving object
If network functions are put into energy-saving mode to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but service responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning network functions in dormant states before actual service requests arrive. The NEF proactively manages energy saving status and coordinates with NWDAF to predict when functions will be needed, allowing for faster transitions from dormant to active states compared to cold starts, thus maintaining responsiveness while saving energy during low-traffic periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the NEF receives energy saving status requests from AFs and receives energy saving status indications from NFs. This feedback loop allows the system to monitor the actual impact of energy-saving modes on service performance and adjust the energy management strategy accordingly, ensuring that energy-saving actions do not critically degrade service responsiveness.
3Measurement precision
If manual energy management is used in traditional systems, then control precision is maintained, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the Network Exposure Function (NEF) as an intermediary between Application Functions (AFs) and Network Functions (NFs) for energy management. The NEF receives energy saving status requests from AFs, coordinates with the Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) to analyze energy opportunities, and manages the energy saving status indications to NFs. This intermediary automates the complex coordination required for precise energy management, reducing operational complexity while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing network functions to autonomously report their energy saving status capabilities and current states to the NEF. The NFs can independently determine their own energy status and communicate it through the standardized interface, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and control while maintaining precise energy management through automated feedback loops.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3
AI summary
A network exposure function (NEF) receives, from an application function (AF), a first request for energy saving status of a network function (NF) associated with at least one of a network slice a QoS flow, and an application identifier. The NEF sends, to a NWDAF, a second request for the energy saving status of the NF, and receives, from the NWDAF, a response message comprising an identifier of the NF and a managed object instance (MOI) attribute of the energy saving status, wherein the MOI attribute comprises one of a notEnergySaving state and an energySaving state. The NEF sends, to the AF and based on the response message, a notification message comprising the MOI attribute and the identifier of the NF.