5G Sbi-Binding Header for Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current approaches to load balancing in 5G networks using Service Communication Proxy (SCP) are limited in scope and challenging to implement effectively, particularly in achieving reliable load balancing and redundancy processing.
Innovation Solution
The use of HTTP custom headers, specifically the 3gpp-Sbi-Binding header, to communicate binding indications for load balancing and redundancy processing between Network Function (NF) instances in a 5G network, allowing for efficient distribution of traffic and backup failure handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current approaches to load balancing using SCP are implemented, then some load balancing functionality is provided, but the scope is limited and implementation is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an HTTP custom header (3gpp-Sbi-Binding) as an intermediary mechanism to carry binding indications between NF instances. This header serves as a standardized carrier that enables load balancing and redundancy processing without requiring complex SCP configurations, thus expanding scope while reducing implementation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes HTTP header parameters (binding indications) to encode load balancing and redundancy information. By changing the parameter structure of HTTP communications to include these binding indications, the system achieves enhanced load balancing capabilities through a simple, standardized mechanism rather than complex system-level changes
2Reliability
If binding indications are communicated via HTTP custom headers, then load balancing and redundancy processing become simpler and more reliable, but additional header processing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The 3gpp-Sbi-Binding header serves multiple functions simultaneously: it carries binding indications for load balancing, enables redundancy processing, and provides a standardized communication mechanism. This multi-functionality achieves reliable load balancing without requiring separate processing mechanisms for each function, thus not increasing overall complexity
Data Source
AI summary
In a Fifth Generation (5G) network having an enhanced SBA (eSBA) architecture, a message with a header used to signal binding information (e.g. HTTP custom header for 3gpp-Sbi-Binding) may be received at a recipient NF (service) instance in a direct communication or via a service communication proxy (SCP) in an indirect communication. A binding indication comprising an address of an NF (service) instance may be obtained from the header. One or more alternative binding indications comprising one or more alternative addresses of one or more alternative NF (service) instances may also be obtained from the header. The one or more alternative NF (service) instances may be equivalent NFs (services) of the same NF (Service) Set as the NF (service) instance. The address may be used for communication of messages to the NF (service) instance, and the one or more alternative addresses may be used for load balancing or backup failure.