UDSF Node Locking for Stateless 5G Core Network Scalability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications networks lack defined methods and services for Unstructured Data Storage Function (UDSF) in Fifth Generation (5G) Core Networks, which hinders stateless operations and dynamic instantiation of Network Functions (NFs) as per the Cloud Native Architecture requirements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of UDSF services in a telecommunications network involves a method where a UDSF node receives requests for data operations from network nodes, performs operations such as creating, reading, updating, or deleting data, and manages locking status and redirect information to ensure data consistency and availability across NFs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a shared data storage function (UDSF) is introduced to enable stateless operations, then network scalability and robustness are improved, but service definition and data management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data storage function from the network function instances, creating a separate UDSF entity that can be independently managed. This allows NFs to be stateless while data persists in a dedicated storage function, enabling independent scaling of compute and storage resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The UDSF acts as an intermediary between multiple NFs and the data they need to store/retrieve. Instead of each NF managing its own state, they all interact through the UDSF interface, which handles data operations, locking, and consistency, thereby simplifying NF design while maintaining data integrity.
2Reliability
If dynamic instantiation of NF instances is enabled, then network robustness and failure recovery are improved, but data consistency and locking management become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The UDSF implements feedback mechanisms through locking status indicators and redirect information returned to NFs. When data is locked, the UDSF provides feedback about the lock status and redirecting to the appropriate NF instance, enabling coordinated access control across dynamically instantiated NFs without requiring complex distributed locking protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vendor-specific data formats are supported in UDSF, then interoperability and adaptability are improved, but data format validation and conversion complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UDSF accepts and stores data in vendor-specific formats as a parameter variation, with each NF indicating its preferred format through vendor identifiers. The UDSF maintains data in the format provided by the creating NF and returns it to compatible NFs, avoiding complex format conversion while enabling vendor interoperability through format awareness and selective retrieval.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for Unstructured Data Storage Function (UDSF) services in a telecommunications network, such as a Fifth Generation (5G) Core network are provided. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for UDSF services in a telecommunications network comprises, at a UDSF node for providing UDSF services and having circuitry: receiving, from a first network node, a first request to perform a data operation involving first data associated with an identified User Equipment (UE) and an identified Network Function (NF); and sending, to the first network node, a response to the first request, the response comprising a locking status of the first data and/or redirect information.