Network Repository Function for Slice-Based Address Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network architectures lack a solution for terminals to obtain the address of network elements that support specific network functions within network slices, hindering access to necessary network functions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus where a terminal determines the need to access a network element supporting a specific network function within a network slice, sends the type of the network function and slice information to a network repository element, and receives address information to access the corresponding network element, with optional registration and policy-based access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network slices are divided from a common network infrastructure to implement network service isolation, then network service isolation and adaptability are improved, but the complexity of address management and network element access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Network Repository Function (NRF) as an intermediary component that centralizes the management of network element addresses and their associations with network slices. The NRF stores and manages the mapping relationships between network element identifiers, supported network function types, and network slice identifiers. When a terminal needs to access a network element in a specific network slice, it queries the NRF which then returns the appropriate address information, thereby simplifying address management complexity while maintaining network slice isolation.
2Reliability
If terminals are restricted to access only network functions allowed in their subscribed network slices, then network security and isolation are improved, but the ease of operation and access to network functions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables terminals to autonomously obtain the address information of network elements they need to access by querying the NRF. The terminal includes the network slice identifier and network function type in its query, and the NRF automatically returns the appropriate address information without requiring manual configuration or complex authentication procedures. This self-service mechanism maintains network slice isolation while significantly improving the ease of operation for terminals.
3Measurement precision
If a terminal queries the network repository for address information of network elements in specific network slices, then the precision and reliability of network element access are improved, but the communication overhead and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a mechanism where network elements proactively register their address information, supported network function types, and associated network slice identifiers with the NRF in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the NRF maintains an up-to-date repository of network element information. When a terminal needs to access a network element, it can quickly query the pre-populated NRF without needing to perform complex discovery or negotiation procedures, thereby reducing query time while maintaining high precision in address information.
Data Source
AI summary
Address information obtaining methods and apparatuses are described. It is determined that a network element that supports a type of a first NF and that is in a first network slice needs to be accessed. The type of the first NF and information about the first network slice is sent to a network repository network element to obtain address information of the network element that supports the type of the first NF and is in the first network slice. Address information of a first network element is received from the network repository network element. The first network element is the network element that supports the type of the first NF and that is in the first network slice. A terminal can obtain the address information of the network element that supports the type of the first NF and that is in the first network slice.