User Equipment Analytics via Application-Layer Signaling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current network data analytics functions (NWDAF) in 5G mobile communication systems are limited to use in Operation and Maintenance (OAM) and 5G Network Functions (NFs), and cannot be utilized in terminals and access networks, limiting their applicability and effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus are provided to enable user equipment (UE) to receive analytics directly from a Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) through an Application Function (AF) using signaling at the application layer, allowing UE to access and utilize network data analytics for decision-making processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If analytics are provided only through OAM and 5G NFs, then network management and control functions are fulfilled, but accessibility by terminals and access networks is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of analyticsVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an Application Function (AF) as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between existing network analytics infrastructure and user equipment. The AF receives analytics from NWDAF and delivers them to UE through application layer interfaces, enabling terminal access without directly modifying core network architecture or creating complex new pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If analytics are delivered through application layer signaling, then accessibility to terminals is enabled, but additional signaling overhead is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal accessibilityVSAvoidsignaling overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages existing application layer signaling infrastructure (such as HTTP protocols and AF-UE interfaces) for multiple purposes: both for delivering analytics to terminals and for maintaining standard communication functions. This multi-functional use of existing signaling pathways minimizes additional overhead while enabling new capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Extent of automation

If NWDAF analytics are extended to UE, then intelligent decision-making at terminal is enabled, but network function coordination complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated decision-making capabilityVSAvoidnetwork function coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the analytics delivery function into distinct segments: NWDAF continues to generate analytics independently, AF handles selection and forwarding of analytics to appropriate UEs, and UE performs local processing. This segmentation allows each component to operate autonomously within its domain, reducing coordination complexity while enabling automated decision-making at the terminal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12452138B2Apparatus and method for providing analytics to user equipment

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 ELECTRONICS & TELECOMM RES INST

AI summary

A method and apparatus for providing analytics to UE through steps of receiving a UE ID of UE and an analytics ID requested by the UE and transmitting analytics corresponding to the analytics ID to the UE are provided.