NWDAF-LMF Interface for Location Analytics in 5GS Slices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack a standardized interface for the Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) to extract metrics from the Location Management Function (LMF) in Fifth Generation (5GS) networks, which are crucial for network slices dependent on location information, such as Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) and Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN).
Innovation Solution
Implementing an interface between NWDAF and LMF to enable the collection and distribution of LMF-related Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and analytics, regardless of the LMF's deployment location in the 5GS, whether in the core network or RAN, through standardized event exposure messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standardized interface is implemented between NWDAF and LMF, then analytics capability for location-based services is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized interface as an intermediary mechanism between NWDAF and LMF. This interface acts as a mediator that enables analytics data exchange without requiring deep integration between the two functions, thus improving analytics capability while managing system complexity through abstraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized interface is designed to be universal and multi-functional, supporting various analytics scenarios (URLLC, TSN, and other location-based services) through a single interface definition. This approach improves analytics capability across multiple services without proportionally increasing complexity for each individual use case.
2Measurement precision
If LMF data is integrated into NWDAF analytics, then accuracy of location-based services is improved, but information processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analytics data flow by defining specific information elements (IEs) that carry LMF-related KPIs and analytics data. This segmentation allows NWDAF to process only the necessary location-related information from LMF without handling all LMF data, thus improving accuracy while managing processing complexity through selective data extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized interface enables extraction of specific LMF analytics data (such as positioning accuracy, location-based KPIs) from LMF and delivery to NWDAF. This extraction approach allows NWDAF to obtain only the necessary location information for improving service accuracy without being overwhelmed by comprehensive LMF data processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods described herein provide an interface for a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) to extract event data from a Location Management Function (LMF) located in a core network or radio access network (RAN). An NWDAF receives, from a network device, an information request for a location-assistance service. The NWDAF sends to the LMF a data request based on the information request, and receives, from the LMF, event data responsive to the data request. The NWDAF generates an analytics report based on the event data.