Network Function Consumer Data Subscription Filtering

Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems face inefficiencies when an AMF or HSS retrieves or subscribes to UeContextInSmfData from a UDM, as they receive the entire dataset, including non-IMS-related PDU sessions that are unnecessary, leading to increased signaling and data transmission.

Innovation Solution

Implementing new query parameters and subscription filters that allow an NFC to specify which subset of context information is required, such as IMS-related PDU sessions or emergency services, thereby reducing unnecessary data transmission and signaling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the NFC retrieves or subscribes to the entire UeContextInSmfData dataset from the NFP, then the NFC ensures it has all possible context information, but the data transmission bandwidth and signaling increase unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of context informationVSAvoiddata transmission bandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary subset of context information (e.g., IMS-related PDU sessions, emergency services) from the complete UeContextInSmfData dataset. The NFC specifies filter values in its request to extract only the required portions, avoiding transmission of unnecessary data while ensuring reliability for the needed context information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the context information retrieval process by allowing the NFC to request specific subsets of data through filter values. Instead of retrieving the entire dataset as a single unit, the system divides the data transmission into targeted segments based on the NFC's specific needs, reducing overall bandwidth consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If the NFC requests the complete UeContextInSmfData dataset, then the NFC ensures it has all context information, but the signaling between NFC and NFP increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of context informationVSAvoidsignaling duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary subset of context information (e.g., IMS-related PDU sessions, emergency services) from the complete UeContextInSmfData dataset. The NFC specifies filter values in its request to extract only the required portions, avoiding transmission of unnecessary data while ensuring reliability for the needed context information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by having the NFC request only the specific subset of context information it needs rather than the complete dataset. The filter values enable the NFC to obtain exactly the required portion (e.g., IMS-related or emergency services data) without over-requesting, reducing signaling while maintaining information completeness for the needed scope.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If the system transmits all PDU sessions including non-IMS-related ones, then the NFC receives complete session data, but the data size and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of session dataVSAvoiddata size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary subset of context information (e.g., IMS-related PDU sessions, emergency services) from the complete UeContextInSmfData dataset. The NFC specifies filter values in its request to extract only the required portions, avoiding transmission of unnecessary data while ensuring reliability for the needed context information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different parts of the context information to be selectively retrieved based on the NFC's specific needs. The filter values enable the system to apply different quality levels to different data subsets, transmitting only the relevant portion (e.g., IMS-related or emergency services data) with appropriate detail while omitting unnecessary information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250119726A1Data retrieval and subscription optimization

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

According to an aspect, there is provided a method performed by a network function consumer, NFC. The method comprises sending (701) a request (401) to a network function producer, NFP, wherein the request (401) is for context information for a first wireless device, and wherein the request (401) comprises one or more filter values identifying a subset of context information for the first wireless device required by the NFC. The subset of context information for the first wireless device required by the NF consumer is related to specific Protocol Data Unit, PDU, sessions.