Satellite Ground Capability Exposure Intermediary for Heterogeneous Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in supporting complete capability exposure functions and interfaces in networks of fixed, mobile, and satellite convergence, particularly due to weaker computing, storage, and connection capabilities of satellite nodes, and the difficulty in unifying capability exposure systems across different operator networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for network capability exposure are introduced, which involve a satellite-based capability exposure function entity obtaining and publishing network capabilities and connection capabilities, and interacting with a ground-based capability exposure function entity to achieve bidirectional capability invoking, authentication, and charging mechanisms, thus supporting a heterogeneous capability exposure system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complete capability exposure function and interface are implemented in satellite-based networks, then network capability exposure completeness is improved, but device complexity and resource consumption increase beyond satellite node capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The capability exposure system is segmented into ground-based and satellite-based parts. The ground-based network hosts the complete capability exposure function entity with full interfaces, while satellite-based networks have simplified exposure functions that publish only their specific capabilities. This segmentation allows each part to operate within its resource constraints while achieving overall system completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground-based capability exposure function entity acts as an intermediary that aggregates capabilities from multiple satellite-based exposure entities and provides unified capability exposure services to third-party applications. This mediator approach allows satellite nodes to avoid implementing complex complete exposure functions while still enabling comprehensive capability exposure through the ground-based intermediary.
2Adaptability or versatility
If capability exposure systems of satellite-based and ground-based networks are unified, then system interoperability is improved, but resource constraints of satellite networks are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the network are assigned different quality levels of capability exposure functions. Ground-based networks implement complete exposure functions with full interfaces, while satellite-based networks implement simplified exposure functions with reduced interfaces. This local quality differentiation allows interoperability without requiring all nodes to consume excessive resources.
Solution Approach 2:
Satellite-based exposure entities perform partial capability exposure by publishing only their specific network capabilities through simplified interfaces. The complete capability exposure is achieved collectively through the combination of multiple partial exposures from different satellite and ground entities, rather than requiring each satellite node to perform excessive actions.
3Quantity of substance
If simplified capability exposure interfaces are used in satellite networks, then resource consumption is reduced, but capability exposure completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple simplified capability exposures from satellite-based entities are merged with ground-based capability exposures to form a complete unified capability exposure system. The ground-based capability exposure function entity aggregates capabilities from multiple sources, combining partial exposures into a complete set of network capabilities available to third-party applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground-based capability exposure function entity serves multiple functions: it acts as a capability publisher for ground networks, aggregates capabilities from multiple satellite-based exposure entities, provides unified capability exposure services to third-party applications, and enables interoperability between satellite and ground networks. This multi-functional approach compensates for the limitations of simplified satellite interfaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a network capability opening method and apparatus, and a network device, relating to the technical field of communication. The method comprises: acquiring a first network capability and a connection capability of a satellite-related device, wherein the satellite-related device comprises at least one of a satellite access network, a satellite-based service platform and a satellite-based core network; and issuing the first network capability and the connection capability to a ground-based capability opening function entity, and obtaining a second network capability of a satellite-unrelated device issued by the ground-based capability opening function entity, wherein the satellite-unrelated device comprises at least one of a mobile access network, a fixed access network, a ground-based core network and a ground-based service platform.