NRF Blocking Service for Malfunctioning Network Functions

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G networks, malfunctioning network function (NF) instances can still be discovered and utilized, leading to undesired consequences such as failed services and inaccurate billing, and manual intervention is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A blocking service is integrated into the Network Repository Function (NRF) of the 5G network to prevent malfunctioning NF instances from being discovered by consumer NF instances, by adding them to a block list and preventing their return during discovery requests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual scaling down or route removal is performed to block malfunctioning NF instances, then the malfunctioning NF is prevented from being discovered, but the process is time-consuming and requires manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of malfunctioning NF discoveryVSAvoidtime required for manual intervention

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-blocking of malfunctioning NF instances through the NRF's automated detection and blocking mechanisms. When an NF instance malfunctions, the system automatically adds it to the block list without requiring manual intervention, allowing the network to self-correct and eliminate faulty nodes autonomously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The NRF maintains a pre-configured block list mechanism that is ready to immediately block malfunctioning NF instances upon detection. The system performs preliminary preparation of blocking capabilities and automatically executes blocking actions when malfunction is detected, eliminating the need for manual route removal or scaling down operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual actions are taken to block problematic NF instances, then they are removed from the network, but the complexity increases due to different NF designs and architectures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblocking of malfunctioning NF instancesVSAvoidcomplexity of manual blocking operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The NRF's blocking service provides a universal mechanism that works across all NF types and network architectures. The block list mechanism is architecture-agnostic and can block any NF instance regardless of its specific design, eliminating the need for architecture-specific manual blocking procedures and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The NRF acts as an intermediary between malfunctioning NF instances and consumer NF instances. By maintaining a centralized block list, the NRF mediates the blocking process and automatically prevents malfunctioning NFs from being discovered, eliminating the need for complex manual interventions in various network locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If malfunctioning NF instances remain in the network registry, then they continue to be discoverable and receive service requests, but this leads to failed services and inaccurate billing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuity of service requestsVSAvoidservice success rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts malfunctioning NF instances from the network registry by adding them to the block list. This removal prevents consumer NF instances from discovering and contacting malfunctioning providers, thereby eliminating failed services and inaccurate billing while maintaining continuous operation for valid service requests.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the harmful presence of malfunctioning NF instances into a beneficial blocking mechanism. By automatically detecting malfunction and adding instances to the block list, the system transforms potential service failures into improved network reliability, ensuring that only healthy NF instances receive service requests.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS20250113221A1Blocking malfunctioning network functions in a cellular telecommunications network

Publication Date: 2025.04.03 BOOST SUBSCRIBERCO LLC

AI summary

According to various embodiments, the systems and methods disclosed herein can utilize a blocking service to prevent malfunctioning NF instances from being discovered by consumer NF instances in discovery requests within a wireless network (e.g., a 5G network). The blocking service can be integrated into an NRF of the wireless network and can be used to add a malfunctioning NF instance to a block list. Additionally, the blocking service can prevent any malfunctioning NF instance on the block list from being returned to a consumer NF instance during a discovery request. When an NF producer instance is determined to be malfunctioning and subsequently added to the block list, the blocking service can trigger a notification to be sent to an NF consumer instance that is utilizing the affected NF producer instance. Upon receipt of this notification, the NF producer instance can cease its consumption of the malfunctioning producer NF instance.