Proxy Node NF Topology Distribution for 5G Message Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G telecommunications networks, existing architectures face inefficiencies in routing messages among proxy nodes when the destination NF is not in the same network, leading to unnecessary bandwidth usage and service delays due to the inability to directly forward messages to the correct proxy node, especially during roaming scenarios.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where proxy nodes, such as SCPs and SEPPs, exchange NF topology information by designating a leader SCP to receive and distribute NF topology updates to worker proxy nodes, enabling them to route messages directly to the correct proxy node serving the destination NF.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If proxy nodes send messages to all SCPs in the network to locate the correct home SCP, then the correct home SCP can be reached, but network bandwidth is wasted and service delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemessage delivery reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by having SCPs register their served NFs with the NRF in advance, and by having consumer NFs pre-subscribe to receive NF topology information. This allows the AMF to directly obtain the correct home SCP information without needing to broadcast messages to all SCPs, thus avoiding bandwidth waste while ensuring reliable message delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The NRF acts as an intermediary that maintains the NF topology information database and provides this information to consumer NFs and AMFs. Instead of direct broadcasting to all SCPs, the NRF mediates the information exchange, enabling the AMF to obtain accurate routing information without consuming excessive bandwidth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If proxy nodes send messages to all SCPs in the network to locate the correct home SCP, then the correct home SCP can be reached, but service delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemessage delivery reliabilityVSAvoidservice delivery delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by having consumer NFs subscribe to receive NF topology information in advance, and by having the NRF pre-store mapping relationships between NFs and their serving SCPs. This allows the AMF to immediately obtain correct routing information when needed, eliminating the time-consuming process of broadcasting to all SCPs and reducing service delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where consumer NFs continuously receive updates on NF topology information from the NRF. This feedback loop ensures that the AMF always has the most current routing information available, enabling immediate message delivery without time-consuming discovery processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If NF topology information is not distributed among proxy nodes, then the architecture remains simple, but routing efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearchitecture complexityVSAvoidmessage routing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The NRF performs multiple functions: it acts as a database storing NF topology information, as an information distributor providing this data to consumer NFs and AMFs, and as a mediator coordinating communication between different network elements. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require complex distributed architecture, improving routing efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The NRF serves as a central intermediary that manages and distributes NF topology information. Instead of requiring direct peer-to-peer communication and information sharing between all proxy nodes (which would increase complexity), the NRF mediates this process, improving routing efficiency while maintaining relatively simple architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11018971B2Methods, systems, and computer readable media for distributing network function (NF) topology information among proxy nodes and for using the NF topology information for inter-proxy node message routing

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 ORACLE INT CORP

AI summary

A method for distributing network function (NF) topology information among proxy nodes and for using the NF topology information for inter-proxy node message routing includes configuring a first proxy node as a leader service communications proxy (SCP). The method further includes configuring a plurality of second proxy nodes as worker proxy nodes. The method further includes registering the worker proxy nodes with the leader SCP. The method further includes subscribing, by the worker proxy nodes and with the leader SCP, to receive NF topology information from the leader SCP. The method further includes, at the leader SCP, receiving NF topology information from the worker proxy nodes and communicating the NF topology information to the worker proxy nodes subscribed to receive the NF topology information. The method further includes, at the worker proxy nodes, using the NF topology information to route messages to proxy nodes serving destination NFs.