Network Function Handover for Seamless Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication systems, when user equipment (UE) changes position, the current data collection coordination function (DCCF) may not be able to provide data to the user, leading to a need for network function reselection to ensure continuous data collection service without requiring the consumer to re-subscribe.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for handover, where a first network function entity selects or discovers a second network function entity based on UE position information, transferring or transmitting data subscriptions or requests to the second entity, allowing seamless reselection of DCCF and ensuring data collection continuity without re-subscription.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a DCCF has a fixed data collection region, then the association between data source NF and DCCF is simple and stable, but the system cannot adapt to UE position changes and loses data collection capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic DCCF selection by establishing a mapping relationship between UE location areas and DCCFs, allowing the system to adapt to UE position changes. When UE moves to a different location area, the system dynamically selects a new DCCF based on the updated location, transforming the fixed association into a dynamic one that responds to mobility conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a location area as an intermediary element between UE and DCCF. Instead of directly associating UE with a specific DCCF, the system uses location areas as intermediaries to manage the mapping relationship. This intermediary structure simplifies the complexity by providing a hierarchical organization where location areas serve as intermediaries for DCCF selection based on UE position.
2Reliability
If UE position changes require DCCF reselection, then data collection continuity is maintained, but the process requires consumer re-subscription and causes service interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing the mapping relationship between location areas and DCCFs before UE movement occurs. The system proactively configures the association between location areas and available DCCFs, so when UE moves to a new location area, the appropriate DCCF is already prepared and can be selected immediately without requiring consumer re-subscription or causing service interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system monitors UE location changes and automatically triggers DCCF reselection based on the updated location information. This feedback loop enables the system to respond automatically to UE mobility, maintaining data collection continuity without manual intervention or service interruption by continuously updating the DCCF association based on real-time location feedback.
3Productivity
If the system implements automatic DCCF reselection based on position, then service continuity is improved, but the network function complexity and message processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the network into location areas and associating each with specific DCCFs. This segmentation strategy organizes the complex task of tracking individual UE positions across the entire network into manageable units (location areas). Each location area has a predefined DCCF association, which simplifies the processing complexity by breaking down the overall system into smaller, independent segments that can be managed separately.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a switching method and apparatus, a network function, and a storage medium. The method comprises: a first network function selects or discovers, on the basis of location information of one or more user equipment (UE), a second network function corresponding to each UE; and the first network function decides to respectively transfer or transmit a data subscription or data request about the one or more UE to the second network function corresponding to each UE.