Network Function Selection Using Dynamic Capacity Ranking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network function selection methods in 5G telecommunications networks rely on static priority information, which is less effective for dynamic load balancing and can lead to inefficient resource utilization and increased latency.

Innovation Solution

Implement a network function discovery node that calculates dynamic priority based on available capacity using a rank processing algorithm, considering permissible and abatement load thresholds to optimize network function selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If static priority information is used for network function selection, then the selection process is simple and deterministic, but load balancing effectiveness deteriorates and resource utilization becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of selection processVSAvoidload balancing effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static priority information into dynamic priority values that change over time based on network conditions. The priority of network functions is continuously updated according to their current load states, allowing the selection process to adapt to changing network conditions while maintaining computational efficiency through the discovery node's processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of priority from a fixed static value to a dynamic value that varies based on network function load states. By continuously monitoring and updating priority values according to current network conditions, the system achieves effective load balancing while the discovery node manages the computational complexity of these dynamic parameter changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If static priority information is used for network function selection, then implementation is straightforward, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of implementationVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where network functions periodically report their current load states to the discovery node. This feedback loop enables the discovery node to update priority values based on actual resource consumption patterns, thereby improving resource utilization efficiency while the structured feedback protocol maintains implementation clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables network functions to self-report their own load states and capacity information to the discovery node. This self-service approach allows the system to automatically adjust priorities based on actual resource usage without requiring external intervention, improving resource utilization efficiency while keeping the implementation process organized and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If static priority information is used for network function selection, then the system is stable and predictable, but latency increases due to inefficient resource allocation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepredictability of selectionVSAvoidlatency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic priority updates that respond to changing network conditions, allowing the system to adapt to varying loads and reduce latency. The discovery node processes these dynamic changes efficiently, maintaining predictability through structured update mechanisms while reducing the time lost to inefficient resource allocation decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary actions by having network functions periodically report their status in advance, allowing the discovery node to prepare priority updates before they are needed. This proactive approach reduces latency by ensuring that priority information is already optimized when selection decisions are made, while maintaining system stability through scheduled updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If dynamic priority based on available capacity is implemented, then load balancing improves and latency decreases, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload balancing performanceVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a discovery node as an intermediary component that centralizes the complex calculations for determining available capacity and updating priorities. This intermediary structure allows the rest of the network to remain simple while the discovery node handles the computational complexity of processing load states and capacity information from multiple network functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the network into producer network functions that report their status and consumer network functions that make selection decisions. The discovery node acts as a separate processing entity that handles the complex calculations, dividing the overall system complexity into manageable segments that can be processed independently and efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4238295B1Methods, systems, and computer readable media for rank processing for network function selection
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 ORACLE INT CORP
  • EP4238295B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4238295B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4238295B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and computer readable media for rank processing in network function selection. A method includes periodically receiving, at a network function discovery node, and from each producer network function of a number of producer network functions, a current load value specifying a computing load carried by the producer network function. The network function discovery node is configured for performing service discovery between network functions of a telecommunications core network. The method includes determining, for each producer network function, an available capacity for the producer network function based on the current load value and a published capacity of the producer network function. The method includes responding to a network function discovery request from a consumer network function using the available capacity of each producer network function.