NRF Service Discovery Response Limit Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing 5G core network service discovery mechanism faces challenges in providing complete and relevant results due to the introduction of query parameters like 'limit' and 'max-payload-size', which can lead to incomplete or irrelevant service producer lists, especially in roaming scenarios, and fails to support efficient load sharing.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves the Network Repository Function (NRF) informing the requestor NF of the total number of matching NF instances exceeding the response limit, providing an object identifier for fetching complete results, and allowing the requestor to obtain additional matching NF profiles using the object identifier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the NRF limits the number of NF profiles returned in the discover response using query parameters like 'limit' and 'max-payload-size', then the response size is controlled and transmission efficiency is improved, but the completeness of service discovery results is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse sizeVSAvoidcompleteness of service discovery results

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the complete service discovery process into multiple segments: an initial discover response containing a subset of NF profiles (controlled by limit/max-payload-size parameters), and subsequent supplemental responses that provide additional profiles. The requestor can indicate it wants more results by setting a flag or making another request, allowing the complete set of NF profiles to be retrieved in manageable chunks rather than requiring one large response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If the NRF returns a complete list of matching NF service producers, then service discovery completeness is improved, but the response payload size increases and may exceed transmission limits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice discovery completenessVSAvoidresponse payload size

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic control mechanisms where the requestor NF can indicate its capacity and information needs through query parameters (limit, max-payload-size, and indicators such as moreFlag or additional information requests). The NRF dynamically adjusts the response content based on these indicators, providing a balanced approach that adapts to different operational scenarios and requestor capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If query parameters are used to trim the discover response, then transmission efficiency is improved, but load sharing capability is reduced due to incomplete NF instance lists

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission efficiencyVSAvoidload sharing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous service discovery actions by allowing the requestor NF to request additional NF profiles beyond the initial limited response. Through mechanisms like the moreFlag indicator or subsequent discovery requests, the system maintains the ability to accumulate a comprehensive list of NF instances over time, ensuring that load sharing capabilities are preserved while initial transmission remains efficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4192119B1Methods and apparatuses for service discovery

Publication Date: 2025.11.26 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

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AI summary

In one aspect, an NRF is configured to inform an NF instance that has sent a discover request toward the NRF that the number of NF instances that match the search criteria used by the NRF in response to the discover request is greater than the number of NF instance profiles included in the nfinstances array of the discover response.