NRF Location Preference Prioritization for NF Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Network Repository Function (NRF) APIs in 3GPP communication networks do not support multiple location preferences or granularities for Network Function (NF) discovery, limiting the ability of NF consumers to find the best matching NF producers based on location preferences and prioritization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where NFs register multiple location descriptions with associated types and priorities, and NF consumers can specify multiple location preferences with corresponding priorities, enabling the Network Repository Function (NRF) to prioritize candidate NF profiles accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the NRF API supports only single location preference for NF discovery, then the system complexity remains low, but the NF consumer cannot find the best matching NF producer based on location preferences and prioritization
Solution Approach 1:
The location preference is segmented into multiple discrete location descriptions, each with its own priority level. Instead of a single monolithic location parameter, the system divides location preferences into separate entries (e.g., home location, visited locations, roaming locations) that can be independently configured and prioritized, allowing flexible matching without overwhelming complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a priority dimension to location preferences by introducing a hierarchical structure with multiple location descriptions ordered by priority. This transforms a single-dimension location parameter into a multi-dimensional preference system where each location has both spatial and priority attributes, enabling more sophisticated matching capabilities
2Measurement precision
If the system stores detailed location information for all NFs, then the NF discovery accuracy improves, but the memory requirements and data storage complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential location matching information needed for NF discovery - specifically the prioritized list of location descriptions - rather than storing complete detailed location data for all NFs. The NRF maintains a compact representation of location preferences that can be efficiently queried and matched
Solution Approach 2:
Location preferences are pre-configured and stored in a structured format with assigned priorities before NF discovery occurs. The NF consumer prepares its location preference list in advance, allowing the NRF to perform efficient matching without requiring complex real-time calculations or storage of extensive location databases
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided an apparatus comprising: means for providing, to a network repository function, a discovery request comprising a preferred locality query parameter, wherein the preferred locality query parameter comprises a plurality of location descriptions, and means for receiving, from the network repository function, a response to the discovery request, wherein the response comprises one or more service producers that match the preferred locality query parameter.