Network Repository Function Administration Weight for 5G Service Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G core networks face challenges in selecting the most appropriate Network Function (NF) devices for network services due to insufficient information about their performance capabilities, particularly in meeting specific requirements such as latency, which hinders efficient network slicing and service delivery.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Network Repository Function (NRF) that maintains an administration weight for NF devices based on transport network Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), allowing requesting NFs to determine the suitability of NF devices for network services by providing a weighted score reflecting their performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional NF device selection methods are used, then network service delivery can proceed, but the selection cannot meet specific service requirements such as latency due to insufficient performance information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where transport network KPIs are continuously monitored and fed back to update the administration weight of NF devices. The NRF receives KPI information from transport networks, processes it to generate updated weights, and makes this information available for NF device selection. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that NF device selection is based on current, accurate performance data, enabling both precise measurement and reliable service requirement fulfillment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional manual or rule-based NF device selection with an automated system that uses transport network KPIs and administration weights. Instead of relying on static configurations or simple load balancing algorithms, the system substitutes a dynamic, data-driven mechanism that automatically calculates suitability scores based on real-time network performance metrics, enabling precise measurement of NF device capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If administration weights based on transport network KPIs are implemented, then NF device selection accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the NRF multi-functional by combining several functions into a single network function: maintaining the repository of NF devices, receiving and processing transport network KPIs, calculating administration weights, and supporting NF device selection. This universal approach allows the NRF to handle multiple tasks within a single system structure, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the administration weight as an intermediary metric that simplifies the complex relationship between multiple transport network KPIs and NF device selection. Instead of directly comparing multiple raw KPIs, the system uses the calculated administration weight as a consolidated measure of NF device suitability. This intermediary abstraction makes the selection process more manageable while maintaining precise assessment capabilities.
3Productivity
If real-time KPI monitoring is implemented, then service delivery efficiency improves, but information processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential transport network KPIs needed for NF device selection from the broader set of available network performance data. By selectively monitoring and processing only the relevant KPIs (such as latency, throughput, and error rates) rather than all possible network metrics, the system improves service delivery efficiency while minimizing information processing overhead. This extraction approach focuses resources on the most critical performance indicators.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer device may include a memory storing instructions and processor configured to execute the instructions to maintain a repository of network function devices in a network; obtain a transport network key performance indicator (KPI) for a particular network function device in the network; and generate an administration weight based on the obtained transport network KPI, wherein the administration weight corresponds to a measure of performance associated with the particular network function device. The processor may be further configured to receive, from a requesting network function device, a network function discovery request for a network function type associated with the particular network function device; and provide a network function discovery answer to the requesting network function device, wherein the network function discovery answer includes the generated administration weight for the particular network function device.