Proxy Access Token Handling for Multi-Consumer NF Service Subscription
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for communication service providers to effectively control and optimize complex networks of communication systems, particularly in environments utilizing closed-loop automation and machine learning within self-organizing networks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a proxy function apparatus that manages access tokens for network function service producers and consumers, enabling subscription to services and optimizing network interactions through mechanisms that determine and request access tokens based on network capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a proxy function manages access tokens for multiple network function service consumers, then network control and optimization capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy function as an intermediary entity between network function service consumers and the network repository function. This mediator manages access tokens on behalf of multiple consumers, consolidating the complexity of token management in a single entity rather than requiring each consumer to independently manage tokens. The proxy function receives subscription requests from multiple consumers, obtains appropriate access tokens from the network repository, and forwards requests to service producers, thereby improving network control capability while containing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The proxy function is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse network function service consumer requests through a unified interface. It can manage access tokens for multiple different consumers, subscribe to various services, and interact with different service producers using the same token management mechanism. This universal approach allows the system to control and optimize complex networks of communication systems while using a single, standardized proxy function design.
2Productivity
If access tokens indicate multiple entities, then subscription efficiency for multiple consumers is improved, but security management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a mechanism where access tokens can indicate multiple entities (the proxy function and one or more network function service consumers) simultaneously. Instead of creating separate tokens for each consumer-proxy pair, the system merges multiple entity identities into a single access token. This consolidation improves subscription efficiency by reducing the number of token acquisition operations needed while the network repository function maintains security by validating that the merged token represents authorized entities.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an apparatus, method and computer program for a proxy function that causes the apparatus to: receive, from a network repository function, profile information relating to a network function service producer: determine from the profile information whether the network function service producer is able to use an access token for subscribing to a service that indicates a plurality of entities; select a mechanism for requesting an access token for subscribing to a service in dependence on the determination; and request, from the network repository function, a first access token for subscribing to a service on behalf of a first network function service consumer based on the selected mechanism.