Proxy Interworking Between SBA and P2P Network Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network functions within different architectures, such as SBA and P2P, face difficulties in communicating with each other, leading to increased network complexity and impaired interworking between 5G Core and Evolved Packet Core.
Innovation Solution
A proxy device and method are introduced to facilitate communication between network functions in different architectures by receiving requests, obtaining responses on behalf of the requester, and sending further responses, without altering the configuration or behavior of the network functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network functions in different architectures (SBA and P2P) communicate directly, then interworking capability is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy network function that acts as an intermediary between SBA and P2P architectures. This proxy receives requests from one architecture, translates them into the appropriate protocol format, and forwards them to the target network function in the other architecture. This mediator approach enables interworking while maintaining architectural integrity and avoiding direct complex interactions between different architecture types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If proxy functionality is added to enable communication between architectures, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy network function is designed with multi-functionality to handle various architecture types and protocol formats. It can translate between SBA service-based interfaces and P2P point-to-point interfaces, supporting multiple network function types and service scenarios. This universal design approach consolidates complexity into a single multi-capable component rather than requiring separate translation mechanisms for each architecture pair.
3Ease of operation
If direct communication between different architectures is implemented, then service discovery capability is improved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy network function creates virtual representations of network functions from one architecture when accessed from another architecture. It maintains service information and interface characteristics of the target network function, allowing service discovery mechanisms to operate uniformly across different architectures. This copying approach enables consistent service discovery without requiring architecture-specific configuration changes.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure proposes a proxy method, comprising receiving a request for a service in a first architecture from a requester network function (NF) in a second architecture, obtaining a response of the service from a serving NF on behalf of the requester NF, and sending a further response to the requester NF based on the response of the service. The proxy method may be implemented on a NF or a function entity within a NF.