QoD Subscription Synchronization Between PCF and NEF
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of synchronization between the Policy Control Function (PCF) and Network Exposure Function (NEF) during quality on demand processing leads to inconsistent subscription records, causing network performance issues and connection problems due to stale subscriptions in the NEF.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a quality on demand synchronization system that ensures the NEF deletes subscriptions regardless of the reachability of the Application Function (AF), and optionally using a subscription expiration time to maintain synchronization with the PCF.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the NEF waits for AF reachability to delete subscriptions, then communication reliability is maintained, but synchronization between PCF and NEF deteriorates causing stale subscriptions
Solution Approach 1:
The NEF performs subscription deletion as a preliminary action upon receiving termination messages, regardless of whether the AF is reachable. This proactive deletion prevents the synchronization issue between PCF and NEF by ensuring subscriptions are removed from NEF before any potential communication failures with AF could cause inconsistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the NEF monitors termination messages from both PCF and AF, and automatically adjusts its subscription records based on these messages. This feedback loop ensures that the NEF maintains synchronized subscription information with the PCF by continuously updating its state based on incoming termination notifications.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the NEF deletes subscriptions immediately upon receiving termination messages, then synchronization with PCF is maintained, but communication protocols become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The NEF is designed to handle multiple types of termination messages (from PCF and from AF) through a unified subscription deletion process. This multi-functional approach allows the same deletion logic to handle different message sources, reducing overall system complexity despite the immediate deletion requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The NEF autonomously manages its own subscription records by automatically deleting them upon receiving termination messages, without requiring external coordination or complex inter-function communication protocols. This self-service capability simplifies the overall system architecture by making the NEF independent in its subscription management.
3Reliability
If the NEF retains old subscriptions, then communication reliability is maintained, but network resource utilization deteriorates due to IP address reuse conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The NEF discards old subscription records immediately upon receiving termination messages, freeing up associated network resources such as IP addresses. This discarding action enables the network to recover and reuse these resources for new subscriptions, improving overall network resource utilization while maintaining communication reliability through proper termination message handling.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems provided herein provide for quality on demand synchronization between a policy control function (PCF) and network exposure function (NEF) during quality on demand processing. The method includes receiving, at a network exposure function (NEF), a termination message from a policy control function (PCF) or from an application function (AF) for terminating a subscription uplifting a quality of service (QoS) profile for a wireless device and processing the termination message. The method further includes deleting the subscription from the NEF upon processing the termination message.