Network Function Registration Redirection for Overloaded NRFs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication networks face issues with network function registration inefficiencies, leading to performance degradation and outages when a single Network Repository Function (NRF) experiences excessive registrations of a specific network function type, resulting in the loss of that function type within the network.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes communication and processing circuitry to manage network function registrations, determining when an NRF has reached capacity for a particular type and redirecting registrations to a more suitable NRF based on geolocation and performance metrics, ensuring effective load balancing and preventing network function outages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single NRF handles all registrations for a network function type, then registration management is simplified, but the system becomes vulnerable to performance degradation and outages when the NRF experiences excessive registrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single NRF into multiple NRF instances distributed across different geolocations. Each NRF handles registrations for a specific geographic region, segmenting the registration management workload. This segmentation reduces the burden on individual NRFs while maintaining simplified registration management through standardized interfaces, thereby improving system reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a registration management system that acts as an intermediary between network functions and multiple NRFs. This intermediary receives registration requests, determines the appropriate target NRF based on geolocation and load conditions, and redirects requests accordingly. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall management while distributing the actual registration handling across multiple NRFs, improving reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple NRFs are deployed to distribute registrations, then system reliability improves, but the registration management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the registration management system continuously monitors the status, load, and geolocation information of multiple NRFs. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically determines the most appropriate target NRF for each registration request. This feedback-driven approach automates the complexity of managing multiple NRFs, making the system appear simple to external entities while maintaining high reliability through intelligent load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the registration management system to autonomously handle the complexity of multi-NRF coordination without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically selects target NRFs based on predefined criteria (geolocation, load conditions) and manages the registration process end-to-end. This self-service capability masks the underlying complexity while ensuring reliable registration distribution across multiple NRFs.
3Ease of operation
If all network functions register with any available NRF, then registration process is simple, but load balancing is ineffective and performance degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific geographic regions to specific NRFs. Network functions in a particular geolocation are directed to register with the NRF best suited for that region, rather than allowing random registration. This local optimization maintains simplicity for end users while significantly improving registration handling efficiency by reducing cross-geographic traffic and balancing load according to regional demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic load balancing where the registration management system adapts its target NRF selection based on real-time conditions. Instead of a static assignment, the system dynamically adjusts which NRF handles registrations from which regions based on current load conditions, capacity, and geolocation. This dynamic approach maintains operational simplicity for users while optimizing registration handling efficiency through adaptive load distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication network serves wireless data services to wireless user devices. In the wireless communication network, communication circuitry receives a registration from a source Network Repository Function (NRF) for a registering Network Function (NF). The communication circuitry transfers the registration to processing circuitry. The processing circuitry determines when the source NRF has an excessive amount of the NF type. When the source NRF does not have the excessive amount of the NF type, the processing circuitry a registration approval to the communication circuitry. The communication circuitry transfers the registration approval to the source NRF. When the source NRF has an excessive amount of the NF type, the processing circuitry selects a target NRF based on the geolocation of the registering NF. The processing circuitry transfers a registration redirection that indicates the target NRF to the communication circuitry. The communication circuitry transfers the registration redirection to the source NRF.