Roaming Data Association via Identifier Linking in 5G NWDAF

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 5G communication networks, there is a challenge in effectively collecting data from terminals during roaming scenarios, as existing technologies struggle to determine whether data analysis requests should be directed to a visited or home Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) network element.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves a first data analytics network element receiving data from both visited and home network elements, using identifiers to associate and combine data from multiple network elements, enabling data analysis results to be obtained through big data analysis, even during roaming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If data collection is performed from multiple network elements during roaming, then data completeness is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata completenessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data collection process by identifying different network elements (visited NWDAF, home NWDAF, visited network elements, home network elements) that can independently provide data during roaming. Each network element operates autonomously to collect and provide data locally, avoiding the need for a centralized complex collection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an identifier-based association mechanism as an intermediary that links data from multiple network elements. This identifier acts as a mediator that enables seamless integration of data from visited and home network elements without requiring direct complex interactions between all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If data association using identifiers is implemented, then data accuracy is improved, but processing overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidprocessing overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining identifier association rules and data collection parameters before roaming occurs. Network elements are pre-configured with identifier formats and association logic, enabling rapid data linkage during roaming without real-time complex processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If roaming data collection is enabled, then service continuity is improved, but network load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidnetwork load
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by enabling each network element (visited NWDAF, home NWDAF) to independently collect and process data locally during roaming. This distributed approach ensures service continuity in each location without concentrating all data processing in one place, thereby reducing overall network load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3937520B1Roaming data processing method, apparatus and system
Publication Date: 2024.05.08 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3937520B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3937520B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3937520B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Embodiments of this application relate to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a roaming data processing method and apparatus, and a system. The method is used to effectively collect data of a terminal in a roaming scenario. The method includes: A first data analytics network element receives, from a visited first network element, data of a terminal on the first network element, where the data includes first information and a first identifier, the first information is used to indicate that the terminal is roaming, and the first information includes any one or more of the following information corresponding to the terminal: a home PLMN identifier, a visited PLMN identifier, home area information, and visited area information. The first data analytics network element receives, from a second network element, data of the terminal on the second network element, where the data of the terminal on the second network element includes the first identifier. The first data analytics network element associates, based on the first identifier, the data of the terminal on the first network element with the data of the terminal on the second network element, to obtain data of the terminal during roaming.