Network Function Zone Locator for 5G Cloud Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of fifth-generation and beyond cellular networks, the increasing complexity and abstraction in cloud computing platforms make it challenging for mobile operators to locate specific network functions actively serving clients, leading to inefficiencies in network operation visibility.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a programming script that logs into pods within cloud computing zones, executes commands to identify network functions, and reports whether they are serving a client, using inputs like IMSI to locate instances of network functions such as AMF, SMF, or UPF, enabling efficient zone identification with a single input click.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cloud computing platforms are used to implement cellular networks, then network flexibility and scalability are improved, but network operation visibility and ability to locate network functions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a location service as an intermediary component that mediates between the mobile operator and the cloud computing platform. This service maintains location information about network functions and their serving areas, enabling the operator to locate network functions without direct access to cloud platform internals, thus preserving visibility while utilizing cloud flexibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of network functions increases in 5G networks, then network capability and service diversity are improved, but the complexity of locating specific network functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The location service acts as a centralized intermediary that maintains and manages location information for all network functions. Instead of directly searching through numerous network functions, the operator queries this intermediary service which provides location information, thereby simplifying the locating process despite the increased number of network functions
Solution Approach 2:
The location service pre-computes and maintains location information about network functions and their serving areas before location queries are made. This preliminary organization of data enables fast location retrieval without requiring complex real-time searches through the network function inventory
3Reliability
If cloud computing platforms divide into multiple zones, then network distribution and fault tolerance are improved, but the difficulty of identifying which zone contains a specific network function deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The location service serves as an intermediary that tracks which network functions are deployed in which cloud zones. When the operator needs to locate a network function, they query this service which provides the zone information, eliminating the need for the operator to manually search through multiple cloud zones while maintaining the distributed architecture
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed method may include (i) receiving identifying input identifying a client receiving telecommunication service through a cloud-native mobile network that is operated by a mobile operator and that is implemented at least in part through a cloud computing platform that divides itself into at least a plurality of different zones and (ii) executing a programming script using the identifying input to further identify a zone, from among the plurality of zones, that contains an instance of a network function that is implemented on the cloud computing platform and that is actively serving the client.