NRF Location-Based NF Discovery in 5G Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless networks, especially 5G core networks, existing technologies face challenges in efficiently selecting and communicating with Network Functions (NFs) deployed in geographically diverse locations, leading to increased latency and resource consumption due to the lack of location-based discovery mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The Network Repository Function (NRF) responds to discovery requests from consumer NFs by ranking producer NFs based on geographical proximity, network load, Quality of Service, and Service-Level Agreements, ensuring that communications are optimized by selecting instances closest to the consumer NF, thereby reducing latency and resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If producer NFs are selected without location-based ranking, then any NF instance can be selected, but communication latency increases and network resources are consumed inefficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the selection parameter from random or arbitrary NF instance selection to location-based selection. The NRF ranks producer NFs based on geographic proximity to the consumer NF, using location parameters (latitude, longitude, altitude) to determine the optimal NF instance. This parameter change directly reduces communication latency by selecting geographically closer NF instances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by selecting NF instances based on their geographic location relative to the consumer NF. Instead of treating all NF instances equally, the system identifies and selects the locally optimal NF instance (the one closest to the consumer), thereby improving communication speed and reducing latency for that specific local context.
2Reliability
If NF instances are distributed across geographically diverse locations, then network coverage and availability improve, but selecting the optimal NF instance becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the NRF pre-rank producer NFs based on location information before actual service requests are made. The NRF maintains an up-to-date ranking of NF instances by geographic proximity, so when a consumer NF needs service, the ranked list is already prepared and available, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations during service delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The NRF acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of NF instance selection. Instead of consumer NFs directly evaluating multiple distributed NF instances (which would be complex), the NRF pre-processes location information and provides a simplified ranked list, mediating between the distributed NF infrastructure and the service requests.
3Productivity
If location-based NF selection is implemented, then communication efficiency improves, but additional location tracking and ranking mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The NRF performs multiple functions: it maintains NF registry information, tracks geographic locations of NF instances, ranks NFs based on proximity, and responds to discovery requests. By consolidating these functions in a single entity, the patent avoids the need for separate location tracking and ranking systems at each NF, improving network efficiency while managing complexity centrally.
Data Source
AI summary
A system described herein may provide a technique for location-based handling of discovery requests in a service-based network in which different instances of network functions (“NFs”) may be deployed in geographically diverse locations. For example, a Network Repository Function (“NRF”) may maintain location information for the various NF instances and may respond to discovery requests by identifying particular NF instances based on locations associated with the discovery requests. For example, such discovery requests may include a “preferred-locality” parameter or some other indication of location associated with the discovery request, based on which the NRF may identify one or more NF instances to provide in response to the discovery request.