Network Function Repository Locality-Based Service Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a service-based architecture for communication systems, the current discovery procedures for network functions (NFs) and services can lead to inefficient signaling and performance optimization issues due to restrictive locality queries and potential service unavailability.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves modifying the discovery procedure by allowing the Network Function Repository (NRF) to centrally manage the selection of NFs and services based on locality preferences, filtering results, and adjusting priorities to optimize performance and reduce signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the current discovery procedure with restrictive locality queries is used, then service selection can be performed, but signaling overhead increases and performance optimization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The NRF pre-filters and prioritizes NF service producer information before returning it to the NF service consumer. By performing the filtering and prioritization action in advance (preliminarily) rather than requiring multiple repeated discovery requests, the system reduces signaling overhead while maintaining efficient service selection performance
Solution Approach 2:
The discovery procedure incorporates feedback mechanisms where the NRF learns from previous discovery requests and adjusts its responses. The system uses feedback from locality preferences and service requirements to optimize future discovery responses, reducing redundant signaling while improving service selection accuracy over time
2Reliability
If repeated discovery requests are sent to handle service unavailability, then service availability can be ensured, but signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NRF performs preliminary filtering and prioritization of NF service producers based on locality preferences and service requirements before returning results. This preliminary action ensures that the most suitable and available services are presented first, reducing the need for repeated discovery requests and thereby reducing discovery time while maintaining service availability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts discovery responses based on current service availability and locality preferences. The NRF can adaptively modify its filtering and prioritization criteria based on real-time conditions, ensuring reliable service availability while minimizing the time required for discovery by presenting the most suitable options first
Data Source
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AI summary
Preference information is received at a network repository function from a first network function, the preference information indicating one or more optional preferences for a respective second network function or network function service. Information is provided to the first network function about one or more second network functions or network function services, the one or more second network functions or network function services being selected taking into account the preference information.