Network Function Communication Switching on SCP Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Some communication models in 5G NR cellular networks are statically configured or switched manually, leading to potential failures or partial shut-offs, compromising the network's performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that allows for dynamic switching between direct and indirect communication models for network functions (NFs) in a cellular network, using a component within the consumer NF to monitor the status of a service communication proxy (SCP) and adjust the communication model accordingly based on SCP failure or recovery messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If communication models are statically configured or switched manually, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but system reliability deteriorates and adaptability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between direct and indirect communication models based on real-time SCP status monitoring. The consumer NF automatically transitions from indirect communication (via SCP) to direct communication when SCP failure is detected, and switches back to indirect communication when SCP recovers. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the communication model flexible rather than static, improving reliability without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback mechanism where the consumer NF continuously monitors SCP status through health check messages and failure notifications. When the SCP sends a failure notification or stops responding, the consumer NF detects this feedback and automatically switches communication models. This feedback-driven approach enables automatic adaptation to changing network conditions, improving system reliability while maintaining simple operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If communication models are statically configured, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to dynamic network conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The consumer NF performs self-service by autonomously monitoring SCP status and deciding when to switch between communication models without external control. The NF independently detects SCP failures, switches to direct communication, and automatically returns to indirect communication when SCP recovers. This self-service mechanism provides high adaptability to dynamic network conditions while keeping the switching logic simple and integrated within the NF itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the communication model parameter (direct vs. indirect) based on SCP status conditions. When SCP is healthy, the system uses indirect communication with SCP as the default model. When SCP fails, the system switches to direct communication between consumer and producer NFs. This parameter change approach enables automatic adaptation to network conditions while maintaining a clear, binary switching mechanism that is easy to implement and manage.
3Reliability
If indirect communication model with SCP is used, then network function discovery and selection are simplified, but system performance deteriorates when SCP fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for SCP failure by implementing a fallback mechanism to direct communication. The consumer NF is pre-configured with the capability to communicate directly with producer NFs, and this direct communication path is activated when SCP fails. This beforehand cushioning ensures that network operations can continue without interruption, maintaining both reliability and productivity even when the SCP becomes unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The SCP acts as an intermediary for indirect communication, providing centralized service discovery and selection. However, when the SCP fails, the system bypasses this intermediary and establishes direct communication between consumer and producer NFs. This dual-mode approach allows the system to benefit from SCP-mediated communication when available, while ensuring continuous operation through direct communication when the intermediary fails, thus maintaining both reliability and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies for dynamic switching of network function (NF) communication models in a cellular network are described. One method include receiving, by a first NF, from a service communication proxy (SCP), a first message during the first NF running in an indirect communication model, wherein the first message indicates a failure of the SCP, and wherein, in the indirect communication model, the first NF and a second NF of a set of second NFs communicate through the SCP; responsive to receiving the first message, switching, by the first NF, from running in the indirect communication model to running in a direct communication model, wherein, in the direct communication model, the first NF and the second NF of the set of second NFs communicate without the SCP; and running the first NF in the direct communication model.