NRF-Based CHF Discovery in 5G Core Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 5G charging architecture has a static nature that does not align with the Service-Based Architecture principles, requiring tight coordination between entities and making it difficult to differentiate between Charging Functions (CHFs) based on charging capabilities, especially when Charging Characteristics do not include addressing information.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus where a Network Function Repository Function (NRF) registers and discovers CHFs based on their supported charging characteristics, using charging profile identifiers to dynamically select appropriate CHFs for packet data connections, allowing for flexible charging solutions and alignment with Service-Based Architecture principles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If charging characteristics are statically configured in 5G networks without addressing information, then configuration simplicity is improved, but the ability to differentiate between CHFs based on charging capabilities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Service-Based Architecture (SBA) as an intermediary layer between the charging characteristics configuration and the CHF selection mechanism. This SBA enables dynamic CHF discovery and selection based on charging capabilities without requiring static addressing information in the charging characteristics, thus resolving the contradiction between configuration simplicity and CHF differentiation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static CHF selection mechanism into a dynamic one by implementing real-time CHF discovery and selection based on charging capabilities through SBA. This allows the system to adaptively select appropriate CHFs without relying on pre-configured addressing information, maintaining configuration simplicity while enabling CHF differentiation
2Stability of the object's composition
If a static charging architecture is used in 5G networks, then system stability is improved, but flexibility in selecting appropriate CHFs for different charging characteristics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic CHF selection mechanism within a stable SBA framework. The SBA provides system stability through standardized interfaces and procedures, while the dynamic CHF discovery and selection process based on charging capabilities provides the needed flexibility, resolving the contradiction between system stability and CHF selection flexibility
3Manufacturing precision
If tight coordination between network entities is required for CHF selection, then charging accuracy is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the SBA autonomously handles CHF discovery and selection based on charging characteristics without requiring tight coordination between network entities. The system automatically matches charging characteristics with appropriate CHFs through standardized SBA procedures, reducing system complexity while maintaining charging accuracy
Data Source
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AI summary
One aspect provides a method performed by a network node implementing a network function repository function in a core network. The network function repository function has access to a repository of network functions. The method comprises: receiving a registration request message to register a CHF in the repository of network functions, the registration request message comprising an indication of one or more sets of charging characteristics supported by the CHF and addressing information to reach the CHF; registering each CHF in the repository; receiving, from a requesting network node, a discovery request message comprising one or more search parameters for identifying a CHF, including at least an indication of a set of charging characteristics to be applied for the packet data connection; identifying, from the repository and based on the one or more search parameters, a CHF that supports the indicated set of charging characteristics; and transmitting, to the requesting network node, a discovery response message comprising the addressing information to reach the identified CHF.