NWDAF Analytics for Abnormal Network Function Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in managing network functions efficiently, particularly in identifying and addressing abnormal operations of network function (NF) instances, which can impact overall system performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A network data analytic function (NWDAF) entity is introduced to collect and analyze NF instance data from orchestration and management (OAM), network repository function (NRF), and other NF entities, detecting abnormal operations and providing information to consumer NF entities for proactive management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network functions are virtualized and managed in 5G communication systems, then service flexibility and resource efficiency are improved, but system complexity and difficulty in detecting abnormal operations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function) as an intermediary component that collects data from multiple NFs (Network Functions), processes it, and provides analytics to consumers. This mediator approach simplifies the complexity by centralizing the analytics function rather than requiring each NF to perform self-diagnosis and cross-function monitoring independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network management function into distinct components: data collection (from NFs), data processing (NWDAF), and service consumption (by AFs). This segmentation allows each component to have specialized functionality, making the overall system more manageable despite the virtualized architecture.
2Reliability
If comprehensive monitoring of NF instances is implemented, then abnormal operation detection capability is improved, but information processing load and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary data collection and processing at the NWDAF before abnormal operation detection is needed. By continuously gathering NF instance data (service information, load, performance metrics) in advance, the system can quickly identify abnormalities when they occur without time-consuming real-time analysis during critical moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the NWDAF provides analytics results back to consumer NFs (such as AFs) that can then adjust their operations. This feedback loop enables proactive response to abnormal conditions, reducing the effective time loss by allowing preventive actions before complete system failure occurs.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a 5G or 6G communication system for supporting a higher data transmission rate. Provided is a method performed by a network data analytic function (NWDAF) entity in a communication system. The method may include receiving, from a consumer network function (NF) entity, an analytic information request message or subscription message including threshold information; in response to the reception of the analytic information request message or the subscription message, collecting first analytic information from an orchestration and management (OAM) entity, a network repository function (NRF) entity, or at least one NF entity; deriving second analytic information based on the first analytic information; and transmitting, to the consumer NF entity, the second analytic information related to the at least one NF that operates abnormally.