Service Communication Proxy NF Selection Using Timeslot Performance Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
5G telecommunications networks face traffic hotspots due to static priority-based producer NF selection, leading to network congestion and delayed service requests, as existing methods do not consider time-of-day performance characteristics.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method at the Service Communication Proxy (SCP) to track and override producer NF selection priorities based on performance characteristics like load, latency, and success rate across different timeslots, using a database to select the most suitable NF for service requests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If static priority-based producer NF selection is used, then NF selection simplicity is maintained, but traffic hotspots and network congestion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic NF selection by introducing time-of-day-based performance tracking and adaptive priority adjustment. The system transitions from static priority values to dynamic selection that considers current timeslot performance characteristics, allowing the NF selection process to adapt to changing traffic patterns and load conditions throughout the day.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the SCP tracks producer NF performance characteristics (load, latency, success rate) across different timeslots and uses this feedback to override static priorities. The system continuously monitors performance metrics and adjusts NF selection based on real-time conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents traffic hotspots.
2Device complexity
If static priority values are used for NF selection, then selection process complexity is reduced, but traffic distribution optimization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-tracking and storing performance characteristics of producer NFs across multiple timeslots before actual NF selection is needed. The SCP maintains a database of historical performance data (load, latency, success rate) organized by timeslot, so that when selection is required, the system can quickly query and use this pre-analyzed information to make optimized decisions without complex real-time calculations.
3Reliability
If time-of-day based NF selection is implemented, then traffic hotspot avoidance is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the day into discrete timeslots and tracking performance characteristics separately for each timeslot. Instead of implementing a single complex real-time optimization system, the SCP segments time into manageable intervals (e.g., hourly or half-hourly slots) and maintains separate performance data for each segment, simplifying the tracking and selection process while still achieving time-of-day optimization.
4Productivity
If producer NF priorities are overridden based on performance tracking, then traffic distribution is optimized, but NF selection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the SCP as an intermediary layer between the NRF (which provides static priorities) and the consumer NFs. The SCP acts as a mediator that receives static priority information from the NRF, overlays dynamic performance-based adjustments, and makes the final selection decision. This intermediary approach allows the system to incorporate both static priority guidelines and dynamic performance optimization without completely discarding either approach, maintaining reliability while achieving optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for optimizing network traffic distribution using timeslot-based tracked producer network function (NF) performance during producer NF selection is performed at a service communication proxy (SCP) including at least one processor. The method includes tracking a performance characteristic of producer NFs across different timeslots. The method further includes receiving, from a consumer NF, a service based interface (SBI) service request. The method further includes identifying eligible producer NFs capable of handling the SBI service request. The method further includes selecting, from the eligible producer NFs, in a manner that at least partially overrides priorities of the eligible producer NFs, and based on the tracked performance characteristic across the different timeslots, a producer NF to handle the SBI service request. The method further includes forwarding the SBI service request to the producer NF.