Network Management Function for Centralized NF Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for managing network functions in a network core, such as a 5G network core, are inefficient and labor-intensive, often resulting in rough transitions and throughput loss due to the decentralized and poorly coordinated nature of network function node sites.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a Network Management Function (NMF) that includes a database with maintenance mode flags and control logic, allowing for centralized management of network functions. The NMF is placed between network functions and the Network Repository Function (NRF), enabling automated centralized control to direct traffic away from problematic or maintenance-required network functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual configuration and de-registration of network functions is used, then individual network functions can be controlled, but the process becomes labor intensive and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual control of network functionsVSAvoidtime required for manual configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network function performs self-registration with the NRF by automatically sending a registration request message containing its own identification and service information. The system eliminates manual configuration by enabling network functions to autonomously establish their presence in the network, thereby reducing operational time and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The NRF sends feedback messages to network functions to confirm registration status and provide updates on network state changes. This feedback mechanism enables automated monitoring and control, allowing the system to respond dynamically to network conditions without requiring manual intervention for status verification or configuration updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If decentralized management of network functions is used, then local autonomy is maintained, but coordination between different NF node sites becomes poor resulting in rough transitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocal autonomy of network functionsVSAvoidcoordination between NF node sites

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The NRF acts as an intermediary between multiple network functions and the central management system. It maintains a unified database of all registered network functions and mediates communication between them, ensuring coordinated management while preserving local autonomy. The NRF enables centralized control policies to be distributed effectively across the network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The NRF serves multiple functions: it registers network functions, stores their service information, manages service discovery, and coordinates traffic routing. This multi-functional approach consolidates management capabilities in a single universal system that can handle various network management tasks while maintaining adaptability at the local network function level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If manual de-registration of network functions is used, then individual NF control is achieved, but throughput loss and disruptions occur during traffic redirection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol of individual network functionsVSAvoidtraffic throughput during transitions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables proactive management where the NRF can pre-identify alternative network functions before a primary function needs to be de-registered. When maintenance or updates are required, the system can prepare backup routing paths in advance, ensuring continuous traffic flow without disruption while maintaining the ability to control individual network functions as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12206742B1Methods and apparatus for managing network functions in a network core

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 CHARTER COMM OPERATING LLC

AI summary

A new type of Network Function (NF), referred to as Network Management Function (NMF), is introduced and included in communications network. The NMF implemented in accordance with some embodiments of the invention includes a Network Management Function database (NMFDB) including maintenance mode (MM) flag(s) and control logic for processing received messages from NFs, said control logic using the maintenance mode flag value information in determining which processing operations to perform. The NMF is placed between NFs, which are to be managed by the NMF, and a Network (function) Repository Function (NRF), which includes a typical NRF database which does not include any MM flags. By using the MM flags at the NMF, it is possible to centrally manage the traffic flow and use of individual instances of NFs in the network allowing instances of NFs to be easily taken in and out of service, e.g., as maintenance is required.