5G NWDAF Feature Mapping for Training and Inference Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

The 5G systems lack a mechanism to properly control the use of collected data in multiple analytics phases, leading to increased processing load, operational costs, and the risk of imprecise analytics outputs due to the lack of distinction between training and inference datasets, and inadequate data management among different NWDAF instances.

Innovation Solution

An enhanced entity with feature control capability is introduced to manage and process data samples for analytics models, creating feature mapping data structures based on relationships and properties, enabling separation of training and inference datasets, and controlling data exchange among NWDAF instances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the same datasets are used for both model training and model inference, then data collection and processing is simplified, but the analytics output becomes imprecise and identical to training output

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata management complexityVSAvoidanalytics output precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the dataset into two distinct parts: a training dataset and an inference dataset. This segmentation is achieved through the NWDAF's ability to collect data samples and divide them into separate sets, each with specific characteristics. The training dataset is used for model training while the inference dataset is used for generating analytics outputs, ensuring they remain distinct and preventing data leakage between phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If dedicated hardware for data model training is implemented, then model training capability is enhanced, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel training capabilityVSAvoidoperational cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional NWDAF architecture that can perform both model training and model inference operations. The NWDAF is designed with versatile capabilities to collect data samples, prepare training datasets, execute model training, and perform model inference using the same infrastructure. This universal design eliminates the need for separate dedicated hardware for training, reducing operational costs while maintaining reliable model training capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If all NWDAF instances collect and process data for both training and inference, then data availability is improved, but processing load and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata availabilityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and separates the data collection and processing functions from individual NWDAF instances. Instead of every NWDAF collecting and processing all data, the system designates specific NWDAF instances to collect data samples and prepare training datasets. Other NWDAF instances can then utilize these prepared datasets for model training and inference, reducing redundant processing while maintaining broad data availability across the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Quantity of substance

If data is collected offline for model training, then extensive datasets can be gathered, but real-time analytics capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedataset sizeVSAvoidreal-time analytics speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by collecting and preparing data samples offline before model training. The NWDAF collects data samples from the network in advance, processes them into training datasets, and stores them for future use. This preliminary data preparation enables the model to be trained on extensive datasets without compromising real-time analytics capability, as the trained model can then rapidly process new data during inference phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12408065B2Entities and methods for enabling control of a usage of collected data in multiple analytics phases in communication networks
Publication Date: 2025.09.02 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US12408065B2 patent drawing
  • US12408065B2 patent drawing
  • US12408065B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A first entity for a communication network is provided. The first entity is configured to receive a feature mapping indication from a second entity of the communication network. The feature mapping indication comprises characteristics of a relationship between a set of data samples and properties of data in the data samples of the set of data samples for an analytics model at an analytics stage, wherein the feature mapping indication comprises a request for a feature mapping data structure. The feature mapping data structure includes a second set of data samples based on the relationship between the set of data samples and the properties of the data in the data samples of the set of data samples for use with the analytics model at the analytics stage for an analytics consumer.