Network Function Discovery Queries for Scalable Combo NF Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanisms for discovering Network Function (NF) service producers supporting multiple NFs (combo nodes) are inefficient and require complex logic, making them non-scalable.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the generation and transmission of discovery messages with specific query parameters to the Network Repository Function (NRF) to efficiently identify combo nodes, utilizing new information elements in NF profiles and query parameters to indicate preference for or requirement of combo nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current mechanisms for discovering NF service producers supporting multiple NFs are used, then discovery functionality is provided, but the mechanism is inefficient and requires complex logic making it non-scalable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces new query parameters (supportedFeatures, preferredComboNFTypes, requiredComboNFTypes) and information elements (comboNFSupportInd, supportedComboNFTypes) to the existing NF discovery mechanism. These parameter changes enable the NRF to efficiently filter and identify combo nodes without requiring complex discovery logic, directly resolving the contradiction between discovery efficiency and logic complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the NF types supported by a combo node into distinct information elements (nfType and addNfTypeList) in the NF profile. This segmentation allows the NRF to process and match combo node capabilities systematically through structured data fields, improving discovery efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If combo nodes supporting multiple NF types are discovered using existing methods, then service producer identification is achieved, but the approach is non-scalable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal query parameter structure (supportedFeatures, preferredComboNFTypes, requiredComboNFTypes) that can handle both single-NF and multi-NF (combo) discovery scenarios. This universal approach allows the same discovery mechanism to adapt to different NF configurations without requiring separate scalable processes, enabling both combo node support and scalability
Data Source
AI summary
A method (400) performed by an NF service consumer. The method includes invoking (s402) a discovery service for discovering NF service producers. Invoking the discovery service comprises: generating (s404) a discovery message (253) comprising a query; and transmitting (s406) to an NRF (204), the discovery message comprising the query. The query included in the discovery message (253) comprises a first query parameter comprising a first NF type value identifying an NF type of a target NF being discovered. The query further comprises at least one of: i) a second query parameter comprising a supported features value specifying that the NF service consumer invoking the discovery service supports selection of combined NFs, or ii) a third query parameter comprising a second NF type value identifying a set of one or more NF types. The third query parameter indicates either a) that the NF service consumer prefers the NRF to return a set of NF instance profiles wherein each NF instance profile included in the set is for an NF instance that supports all of the NF types identified by the first and second NF type values.