Integrated Communication System Service Agent Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 5G communication systems face limitations in supporting cloud-native technology and service-based architecture, leading to inflexible and scalable core networks that struggle with service search and selection in dynamic environments.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a network function in an integrated communication system, which includes a processor and memory, executes programs to receive service requests, connect to service agents, and update telemetry data, utilizing a service agent and service controller to facilitate seamless service routing and registration between network functions, eliminating the need for centralized service repositories and proxies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized service repository and proxy architecture is used in 5G core networks, then service management is centralized and controlled, but the system becomes inflexible and difficult to scale in dynamic environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized service repository architecture into distributed service agent components deployed across multiple network functions. Each service agent independently manages local service information, eliminating the single-point bottleneck while maintaining service management control through standardized interaction protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic service agent instances that can be instantiated, deployed, and terminated on-demand across network functions based on service requirements. This dynamic architecture allows the system to adapt flexibly to changing service demands while maintaining reliable service management through the service controller's coordination capabilities.
2Productivity
If service agents are distributed across multiple network functions, then service discovery and selection become more efficient, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal service agent interface that can be deployed across different network function types (AMF, SMF, UPF, etc.). This standardized service agent design enables consistent service discovery and selection mechanisms across diverse network functions, improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity through reuse of common components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a service controller as an intermediary that coordinates between distributed service agents and the service management system. This mediator simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing complex coordination logic while allowing service agents to remain relatively simple, thus improving service discovery efficiency without overwhelming system complexity.
3Speed
If centralized service repositories are eliminated, then bottlenecks in control plane traffic are reduced, but service information consistency becomes more challenging to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where service agents periodically report their service information state to the service controller, and the service controller propagates updates to relevant agents. This feedback loop maintains service information consistency across the distributed architecture while avoiding centralized bottlenecks, as updates are propagated efficiently through the existing service interaction channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary registration and validation actions where service agents register their capabilities and service information with the service controller before becoming active. This preliminary action ensures consistency is established upfront, reducing the need for continuous synchronization and maintaining information integrity without slowing down control plane traffic.
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a network function of the integrated communication system which performs connection between NFs through receiving a request of a service and information about a service agent to provide the service from a business logic of the network function, and receiving a connection object for connecting to the service agent and connecting to a service agent in another network function by using the connection object.