Network Repository Function for RAN Service Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems lack the ability to efficiently manage and provide information about network functions located within a radio access network, particularly regarding their mobility and service areas.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for a network repository function that receives indications from network functions about their location within a radio access network and signals this information to other network functions upon request, enabling discovery and service requests based on this information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network functions are deployed in radio access network to improve service efficiency and reduce latency, then service delivery performance is improved, but network complexity and difficulty of managing mobile functions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network repository function as an intermediary that centralizes the management and tracking of network functions deployed in radio access networks. This mediator maintains location information and mobility status of network functions, allowing other network functions to discover and interact with them without directly managing the complexity of their deployment and movement within the RAN.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network functions are made mobile to improve adaptability and service continuity, then service availability is improved, but ability to track and manage function location deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where mobile network functions periodically report their location and mobility status to the network repository function. This feedback loop ensures that the central repository maintains up-to-date information about the location and status of mobile network functions, enabling other functions to discover and interact with them despite their mobility.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive information about network functions is stored to improve service discovery, then discovery accuracy is improved, but information management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and centralizes the storage of network function location and status information in a dedicated network repository function. This separation allows comprehensive information to be maintained for accurate service discovery while reducing the information management burden on individual network functions and the overall system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method for, a computer program for, an apparatus for a network repository function, for causing the following operations to be performed: receiving, from a first network function, a first indication of whether the first network function is located in a radio access network; and in response to receiving a request for information about the first network function from a second network function, signalling to the second network function a second indication of whether the first network function is located in the radio access network.