NWDAF Resource Change Analytics for CP/UP Network Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network analytics functions in 3GPP systems lack accurate resource information about Control Plane (CP) and User Plane (UP) entities, leading to incorrect analytics due to changes in network resource allocation made by Operation, Administration, and Management (OAM), which are not effectively communicated to the Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF).
Innovation Solution
A device and method to enhance the NWDAF by directly or indirectly receiving information from the OAM about resource changes, including physical and virtual resources, and their links, using a resource interest template or subscription to a repository like the Network Repository Function (NRF), to ensure accurate analytics generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the OAM performs changes in the CP/UP entities (such as relocation of NFs, scaling, changing hosting resources), then the network management flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the analytics accuracy provided by NWDAF deteriorates because the OAM changes are not communicated to the analytics function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the OAM entity notifies the NWDAF about changes in CP/UP entities. The OAM generates notifications containing information about relocated NFs, scaled services, or changed hosting resources, and sends these notifications to the NWDAF. This feedback loop ensures the analytics function remains synchronized with the actual network state, resolving the contradiction between management flexibility and analytics accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication interface between the OAM and NWDAF. This interface uses standardized information elements (such as NF instance ID, service instance ID, hosting resource information) that act as a common language, allowing the OAM to convey management changes to the NWDAF without direct coupling between the systems. This intermediary mechanism enables accurate analytics while preserving management independence.
2Device complexity
If the NWDAF performs analytics without receiving resource information from OAM, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of analytics deteriorates due to lack of accurate resource allocation information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary notification mechanism where the OAM actively pushes resource change information to the NWDAF. This approach avoids the need for the NWDAF to continuously query multiple sources or maintain complex state tracking logic. The intermediary notification system delivers accurate resource information reliably while keeping the NWDAF implementation relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the OAM generate and send notifications about resource changes before the NWDAF would otherwise detect them through its own monitoring. This proactive approach ensures the analytics function receives accurate information in advance, improving reliability without requiring the NWDAF to implement complex detection mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If the OAM exposes detailed resource information to the NWDAF, then the analytics accuracy is improved, but the loss of information security and system coupling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of information detail to different entities. The OAM exposes detailed resource information (such as specific hosting resource identifiers, link information) only to the NWDAF which has authorized access, while keeping this information hidden from other network entities. This selective information disclosure maintains security while enabling accurate analytics where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the notification interface as an intermediary that controls information flow. The OAM sends resource information through this controlled interface only to authorized analytics functions, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining data accuracy for legitimate analytics purposes. The intermediary mechanism enforces information security policies while enabling necessary data sharing.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a device for providing Control Plane (CP) and/or User Plane (UP) analytics. The device is configured to obtain information related to a resource and/or a change of a resource related to CP and/or UP; perform an analysis based on the obtained information; and generate data based on the analysis. This invention also provides a management plane entity, in particular an OAM. The management plane entity is configured to provide information related to a resource, wherein the resource is related to a Control Plane (CP) and/or User Plane (UP) to the device for providing analytics.