Service Request Handling via Service Communication Proxy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for handling service requests in a network, particularly in 5GC environments, are hindered by the lack of service awareness in Service Communication Proxy (SCP) nodes, leading to incomplete application of service requests to all intended wireless devices.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first NF node initiates a service request to an SCP node, which is configured to operate between the NF node and multiple NF nodes of service producers. The service request includes an indication for it to be applied to all wireless devices served by the NF nodes, enabling the SCP to select appropriate NF nodes for full application of the service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If SCP nodes operate without service awareness, then device complexity is reduced and operation is simplified, but service requests are not fully applied to all intended wireless devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the SCP node receives service request information from the NF node and uses this information to selectively forward requests to appropriate NF nodes. This intermediary approach allows the SCP to maintain simplicity while achieving reliable service request application to all intended wireless devices through coordinated interaction with the NF node.
2Productivity
If service requests are sent directly from service consumer to service producer, then communication efficiency is improved, but service awareness and targeted delivery to all wireless devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The SCP node serves as an intermediary that receives service requests from service consumer NF nodes and selectively forwards them to service provider NF nodes. This intermediary mechanism preserves service awareness information while maintaining communication efficiency, as the SCP makes intelligent routing decisions based on the service request content and wireless device associations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by enabling the SCP node to make localized routing decisions based on the specific service request information and the association between wireless devices and NF nodes. Each service request is handled with tailored routing logic that ensures delivery to the correct NF nodes, maintaining both efficiency and service awareness.
3Measurement precision
If SCP nodes perform discovery and selection processes, then service request accuracy is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the NF node include service request information and wireless device association details before the SCP node needs to make routing decisions. This pre-provided information eliminates the need for the SCP to perform complex discovery and selection processes in real-time, while still achieving accurate service request targeting to the correct NF nodes.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method for handling a service request in a network. The method is performed by a first network function (NF) node of a service consumer. The first NF node initiates transmission (202) of a service request towards a first service communication proxy (SCP) node that is configured to operate as an SCP between the first NF node and a plurality of second NF nodes of one or more service producers. The service request is for a service requested by the first NF node. The service request comprises an indication that the service request is to be transmitted to one or more second NF nodes of the plurality of second NF nodes for the service request to be applied to all wireless devices served by the plurality of second NF nodes.