Network Function Discovery Using Subscriber Groups to Reduce NRF Requests

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing network function discovery methods in 5G communication networks face inefficiencies due to the flexible grouping of subscribers' identifiers, leading to increased requests to the Network Repository Function (NRF) and varying subscriber identifiers, which degrade network performance.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for network function discovery that reduces the number of requests to the NRF by determining group identifiers and addressing information for network function instances based on subscriber identifiers, allowing direct communication between network functions without needing extensive NRF queries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flexible grouping of subscribers' identifiers is implemented to allow different types of NF instances for different subscriber types, then adaptability is improved, but the number of requests to NRF increases and network performance degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrouping flexibilityVSAvoidnetwork performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the AMF pre-determine the Group ID for the subscriber based on the SUPI before initiating NF discovery. This pre-computation eliminates the need for multiple NRF discovery requests, as the AMF already has the grouping information needed to directly query for the appropriate NF instances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the AMF to autonomously determine the Group ID from the subscriber's SUPI without requiring external assistance from the NRF. This self-determination capability allows the AMF to independently perform subscriber grouping and proceed with NF discovery, reducing network load on the NRF.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If multiple discovery requests are submitted to NRF for each NF instance, then complete NF information is obtained, but network load increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveNF discovery completenessVSAvoiddiscovery efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the Group ID determination logic from the NRF discovery process and places it in the AMF. By extracting this function, the system eliminates redundant discovery requests to the NRF, as the AMF independently determines the Group ID and uses it to directly query for NF instances, reducing network load while maintaining discovery completeness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If different Group IDs are assigned to different NF types (AUSF, UDM, UDR), then service specialization is improved, but the complexity of identifier mapping increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice specializationVSAvoididentifier mapping complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the AMF to autonomously determine the Group ID from the subscriber's SUPI without requiring external assistance from the NRF. This self-determination capability allows the AMF to independently perform subscriber grouping and proceed with NF discovery, reducing network load on the NRF.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the AMF pre-determine the Group ID for the subscriber based on the SUPI before initiating NF discovery. This pre-computation eliminates the need for multiple NRF discovery requests, as the AMF already has the grouping information needed to directly query for the appropriate NF instances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12395832B2Methods and devices for network function discovery in communication network

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

A method for network function discovery in a communication network is provided. The method includes receiving a discovery request from a first network function NF to request one or more NF instance of a first group type for a first subscriber. The discovery request may include a first group type identifier of the first group type. The method may further include determining one or more group identifier for one or more groups of NF instances managing the first subscriber. The one or more groups of NF instances are of the first group type and one or more other group types. The method may further include sending a discovery response to the first network function, including the one or more group identifiers and addressing information to reach the one or more groups of NF instances.