NF Service Capacity Reporting for Real-Time Load Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring network function (NF) load using general load measurement parameters fail to accurately and timely reflect changes in NF service load, particularly in 5G networks, due to the decoupling of virtual architecture and varying resource relationships between subscriber and common parameters.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for reporting a service capacity load parameter, including issuing, receiving, and determining service capacity load parameters to a network data analytics function (NWDAF) through subscription messages, using service-specific load measurements such as subscriber and traffic usage, and reporting these parameters in real-time to enhance load balancing and traffic routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If general load measurement parameters (CPU, memory, disk) are used to measure NF load, then the measurement is simple and covers common resources, but it cannot accurately and real-timely reflect the change of NF service load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load measurement into two distinct parts: general load parameters (CPU, memory, disk) and service-specific load parameters (subscriber capacity, traffic load). This segmentation allows the system to collect both types of parameters independently and combine them for a comprehensive load assessment, thereby improving measurement accuracy without overwhelming system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to load measurement by introducing service-specific parameters (subscriber capacity load and traffic load) alongside the traditional general parameters. This dimensional expansion transforms the measurement from a single-layer generic assessment to a multi-dimensional service-aware assessment, enabling accurate reflection of NF service load changes.
2Measurement precision
If service-specific resources (UE Context, PDU Session, QoS Flow, Traffic Bandwidth) are included in load measurement, then the reflection of NF service load becomes accurate, but the measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal load measurement framework that can handle both general parameters and service-specific parameters through a unified interface. The network function exposes a standardized set of service-specific parameters (UE Context, PDU Session, QoS Flow, Traffic Bandwidth) that can be measured using consistent methods, making the measurement process manageable despite the increased scope.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the network function acts as a mediator between the complex service-specific resources and the load measurement system. The NF collects and aggregates detailed service-specific metrics internally, then presents them in a standardized format to the measurement system, simplifying the detection and measurement process.
3Productivity
If only general load measurement parameters are used, then the implementation is straightforward, but the load measurement is incomplete and cannot reflect service-related resources in real time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having network functions pre-collect and maintain service-specific load parameters (subscriber capacity and traffic load) alongside general parameters. This advance preparation ensures that when load measurement is needed, both general and service-specific information are already available, enabling complete and timely measurement without compromising implementation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges general load parameters and service-specific load parameters into a unified load measurement approach. By combining CPU/memory/disk metrics with subscriber capacity and traffic load metrics, the system achieves comprehensive load information while maintaining implementation efficiency through standardized collection and reporting mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method and apparatus for reporting a service capacity load parameter, the method comprising: a statistical capability and a reporting capability corresponding to a service capacity load parameter are issued to a network data analytics function (NWDAF); a subscription message sent by the NWDAF and used for acquiring the service capacity load parameter is received; the service capacity load parameter is determined according to the subscription message; and the service capacity load parameter is reported to the NWDAF. By means of the present disclosure, the problem in the related art that measuring a NF load according to a general load measurement parameter cannot accurately and real-timely reflect an NF service load change. By reporting the service capacity load parameter to an NWDAF, the NF service load change can be accurately and real-timely reflected.