5G Core VN Group Automation for Shared Data Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing procedures for creating and managing 5G Virtual Network (VN) groups in a 5G Core Network (5GC) are not automated, leading to significant administrative burdens on network operators due to manual provisioning and configuration of shared data identifiers.
Innovation Solution
A unified data management function (UDM) and subscriber data repository (UDR) are used to automate the process of generating and distributing shared data identifiers for 5G VN groups, allowing for efficient orchestration and configuration of shared data based on group parameters and size information, reducing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual provisioning and configuration of shared data identifiers is used for 5G VN groups, then network operators can manage group data, but significant administrative burdens and operational expenses arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the UDM and UDR automatically generate shared data identifiers, provision them to group members, and update group data without manual operator intervention. The UDM determines when shared data should be used based on group parameters and automatically orchestrates the provisioning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-generating shared data identifiers and pre-configuring the data storage structure in the UDR before group members need the data. The UDM proactively determines shared data requirements based on group parameters and prepares the provisioning infrastructure in advance.
2Productivity
If shared data identifiers are manually provisioned to each group member, then data can be shared among VN group members, but resource usage efficiency decreases due to redundant manual configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the provisioning operations for all group members into a single automated process. The UDM generates one shared data identifier and provisions it to multiple group members simultaneously through automatic orchestration, eliminating the need for separate manual provisioning operations for each member.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter-driven automation where the UDM determines shared data requirements based on group parameters (such as group size, data type, and service requirements). The automation level and provisioning strategy change dynamically based on these parameters, optimizing resource usage efficiency.
3Extent of automation
If automated generation and distribution of shared data identifiers is implemented, then operational expenses are reduced, but system complexity increases due to additional network functions and procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The UDM and UDR perform multiple functions: the UDM not only manages subscriber data but also determines shared data requirements, generates provisioning decisions, and orchestrates the entire identifier distribution process. The UDR stores both individual subscriber data and shared group data, serving multiple data management purposes through a unified architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The UDM acts as an intermediary between the group creation request and the UDR data storage. It receives group parameters, determines shared data requirements, generates the shared data identifier, and coordinates the provisioning to group members, simplifying the overall system by centralizing the decision-making logic in an existing network function.
Data Source
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AI summary
The application relates to a method carried out at a management entity configured to manage subscriber data of a plurality of subscribers in a cellular network, the method comprising the steps of determining (S6), based at least one group parameter, that a shared data identifier should be used for a virtual network group of subscribers, wherein members of the group of subscribers are among the plurality of subscribers and share at least one common parameter identified by the shared data identifier, and initiating (S13-S16) a generation of the shared data identifier to be used for the group of subscribers, and associating (S17–S22) the shared data identifier with each member of the group of subscribers.