Roaming Capability Invocation Without Centralized I-NEF
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of a centralized Intermediate-NEF between visited and home networks during terminal roaming incurs high costs due to the need for additional devices and interaction interfaces in 5G networks.
Innovation Solution
A method is provided where a visited network exposure function (V-NEF) determines its capability to process a capability invocation request, and if capable, performs interactive communication with home network elements; otherwise, the home NEF communicates directly with these elements, eliminating the need for a centralized I-NEF.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized Intermediate-NEF is deployed between visited and home networks to enable roaming communication, then roaming capability invocation is achieved, but device deployment costs and interface complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the I-NEF from the mandatory architecture and makes it optional. The V-NEF is equipped with direct communication capabilities with home network elements (UDM, PCF, AMF, SMF), allowing capability invocation without the intermediate I-NEF component in many scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The V-NEF performs self-capability assessment to determine whether it can directly process capability invocation requests. When the V-NEF determines it has the necessary capabilities, it handles requests autonomously without requiring home NEF mediation, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If a centralized I-NEF is deployed to enable roaming communication, then network capability invocation is achieved, but deployment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mandatory I-NEF deployment requirement, extracting this costly intermediate component from the architecture. The V-NEF is designed with direct access capabilities to home network elements, eliminating the need for expensive intermediate deployment in most scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a lightweight capability assessment mechanism at the V-NEF that determines on-demand whether direct processing is possible. This avoids the permanent, expensive infrastructure of a centralized I-NEF while maintaining functionality when needed.
3Device complexity
If the V-NEF directly communicates with home network elements, then interaction interface complexity is reduced, but capability compatibility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The V-NEF performs preliminary capability self-assessment before processing capability invocation requests. This advance check ensures the V-NEF only handles requests it is compatible with, maintaining reliability while enabling direct communication interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the home NEF as a conditional intermediary that steps in only when the V-NEF's self-assessment indicates incompatibility. This selective mediation maintains capability compatibility while preserving the benefits of simplified direct interfaces for compatible scenarios.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for roaming communication, a communication network device, a system, and a storage medium, and belongs to the technical field of communications. The method comprises: in response to a terminal being in a roaming state, receiving, by a visited network exposure function (V-NEF), a capability invocation request initiated by a home application function (H-AF); determining whether the V-NEF is capable of processing the capability invocation request; if yes, performing, by the V-NEF, interactive communication with a home network element function to complete capability invocation, wherein the home network element function comprises at least one of a unified data management (UDM) function or a policy control function (PCF); and if no, performing, by a home NEF, interactive communication with the home network element function to complete the capability invocation.