UPF-to-NWDAF Direct Interface for Low-Latency Analytics Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 5G network standards do not provide a direct transfer path for User Plane Function (UPF) to directly communicate information needed for analysis to the Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF), leading to increased latency and overload in interfaces due to indirect communication via the Session Management Function (SMF).
Innovation Solution
A data processing node device, such as a UPF, is equipped with a Service Based Interface (SBI) communication unit to directly transfer specific information to an NWDAF through predefined analysis information IDs, allowing direct communication and transfer of information in various forms based on subscription, request, and response schemes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UPF transfers information to NWDAF via SMF (indirect communication), then communication compatibility is maintained, but interface overload and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication path by introducing a direct interface (N19 interface) between UPF and NWDAF, separating the analytics data transfer from the control plane (SMF). This allows analytics information to be transferred independently without congesting the control plane interface, thus resolving the interface overload problem while maintaining compatibility through standardized interface definitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new intermediary component - the N19 interface - that mediates between UPF and NWDAF. This intermediary provides a dedicated communication channel for analytics data, preventing the mixing of control signaling and analytics data transfer, thereby reducing latency and interface overload while maintaining system compatibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If UPF transfers information to NWDAF via SMF (indirect communication), then existing protocol compatibility is maintained, but transfer latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication architecture by creating a dedicated N19 interface for analytics data transfer, separating it from the control plane signaling path through SMF. This segmentation eliminates unnecessary intermediate hops and processing delays, directly reducing transfer latency while maintaining protocol compatibility through standardized interface specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes the N19 interface and associated protocols in advance, preparing the direct communication path before analytics data transfer is needed. This preliminary setup ensures that when analytics data needs to be transferred, the direct path is already established and optimized, minimizing latency without requiring protocol negotiations during actual data transfer.
3Productivity
If direct communication interface between UPF and NWDAF is established, then transfer efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the N19 interface with universal, multi-functional capabilities that can handle various types of analytics data (packet traces, flow information, QoS metrics, etc.) through a single standardized interface. This universality improves transfer efficiency for all analytics data types while avoiding the need for multiple specialized interfaces, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter-based configuration for the N19 interface, where transfer efficiency is optimized by adjusting parameters such as data sampling rates, filtering criteria, and QoS priorities. These parameter changes allow the interface to adapt to different analytics requirements without fundamental structural changes, improving efficiency while controlling complexity through configurable parameters rather than hard-coded complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a detailed technology that defines/embodies a transfer system (a direct transfer path, an information system, and the like) in which a UPF transfers (provides) information (data) for analysis to an NWDAF.