NWDAF Service Interface for Network Function Data Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 5G communication systems face challenges in effectively providing network-related analysis services, as network functions (NFs) are limited in requesting and utilizing analysis data from the Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF), leading to dependency on specific implementations and inefficient data processing.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that enable NFs to request and utilize network-related analysis information from the NWDAF, allowing for centralized collection and analysis of data, including event subscription and analytic information request services, to enhance network management functions such as QoS and traffic control, by using a service-based interface and HTTP/JSON formats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If NFs are limited in requesting and utilizing analysis data from NWDAF, then system complexity is reduced, but network management efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork management efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network management functions by separating data collection, analysis, and utilization into distinct modules. The NWDAF is divided into multiple network functions (NFs) that can independently request and utilize analysis data, allowing parallel processing and improved efficiency without overwhelming system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a service-based interface layer between NFs and NWDAF, adding a new dimension to the architecture. This interface layer standardizes communication protocols and data formats, enabling efficient data exchange while abstracting the complexity of underlying analysis mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If NFs depend on specific implementations of NWDAF, then analysis accuracy is improved, but system adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis accuracyVSAvoidsystem adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal service-based interface that enables multiple NFs to interact with NWDAF through standardized methods. This interface supports various analysis types and data formats, allowing the system to adapt to different implementation scenarios while maintaining consistent, accurate analysis results across diverse network conditions.

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

3Ease of operation

If centralized data collection and analysis is implemented, then network management capability is improved, but data processing complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork management capabilityVSAvoiddata processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces service-based interfaces as intermediary layers between NFs and the centralized NWDAF. These interfaces handle data formatting, validation, and protocol management, simplifying the interaction for network operators while the backend processing complexity is managed within the NWDAF module itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3782395B1Method and apparatus for utilizing data collection and analysis function in wireless communication system
Publication Date: 2022.09.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3782395B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3782395B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3782395B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a method of adding a type of network-related analysis information provided by a network data analytics function (NWDAF), including: receiving, by the NWDAF, an analytic information addition request requesting addition of new network-related analytic information, and transmitting, from the NWDAF, a response message including information about whether the new network-related analytic information has been added, in response to the analytic information addition request, wherein the network-related analytic information is obtained by analyzing information collected from at least one entity in a network and the analytic information addition request includes information about a definition of the new network-related analytic information.