NWDAF Dynamic Event Registration for Custom Network Analytics

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) is inflexible and requires operators to push for new event definitions or rely on third-party implementation, leading to inefficiencies and increased network overhead.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic event definition method that allows operators to define custom events and register them at network functions (NFs) without requiring new software versions, enabling efficient packet filtering and event subscription.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If operators use the current NWDAF with standardized event definitions, then system stability and standard compliance are maintained, but flexibility and adaptability to new event types are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility to define custom eventsVSAvoidcomplexity of event definition process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic event definitions that can be created, modified, and deleted at runtime without requiring software version updates. The NWDAF allows operators to dynamically define custom events by providing event descriptors that specify event types, filters, and aggregation parameters, enabling the system to adapt to new analytics needs without changing the underlying NF software.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the NWDAF acts as a mediator between operators and network functions. Operators can define custom events through the NWDAF, which then translates these definitions into actionable analytics requests to relevant NFs. This intermediary layer abstracts the complexity from operators while enabling flexible event customization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If operators push for new event definitions into the standard or rely on third-party implementation, then custom event support is achieved, but responsibility and implementation burden are shifted to third parties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for custom event typesVSAvoidease of implementing new events
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables operators to self-define custom events without requiring third-party involvement or standardization processes. The NWDAF provides a self-service interface where operators can directly create event definitions by specifying event descriptors, filters, and aggregation parameters. This self-service capability eliminates the need to push for standard changes or rely on third-party implementations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic event definitions are registered at NFs, then flexibility and continuous adjustment are enabled, but verification and security control become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous adjustment capabilityVSAvoidsecurity verification of event definitions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary verification of event definitions before they are registered at network functions. The NWDAF validates event descriptors against predefined criteria and security policies prior to registration, ensuring that only safe and compliant event definitions are deployed. This preliminary action prevents malicious or invalid definitions from entering the system while enabling continuous adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4298771B1A network data analytics function with dynamic event registration
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP4298771B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4298771B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4298771B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A system for network data analytics comprising a network data analytics function, NWDAF, and one or more network functions, NF, wherein the NWDAF is arranged to obtain a dynamic event definition, wherein the dynamic event definition defines a custom data analytics function for processing data, and register the dynamic event definition at the one or more NFs, where an NF is associated with one or more NF entrypoints for the data, wherein at least one of the NFs is arranged to receive the dynamic event definition from the NWDAF, verify the dynamic event definition in accordance with one or more pre-determined verification criteria, and, if the verification criteria are fulfilled: assign an identifier to the received dynamic event definition, transmit the identifier back to the NWDAF, and register the dynamic event definition in an event definition store of the NF, wherein the NWDAF is arranged to receive the identifier associated with the registered dynamic event definition from the at least one NF.