Network Node Selecting VNF Instances via Session Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
The evolution of 5G networks towards virtualized network functions (VNFs) poses challenges in discovering and selecting stateful, semi-stateless, and stateless VNF instances, which are instantiated in different data centers with varying configurations and maturity levels.
Innovation Solution
A method is provided where a network node selects a group of network function instances based on session information and membership criteria, and forwards requests to appropriate VNF instances within the selected group, ensuring efficient handling of user equipment sessions across different VNF configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtualized network function instances are deployed across different data centers with varying configurations, then network flexibility and resource utilization are improved, but the complexity of discovering and selecting appropriate VNF instances increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network repository function (NRF) as an intermediary that maintains a repository of VNF instance information including their capabilities, locations, and operational status. The NRF acts as a central coordination point that simplifies the discovery and selection process by providing a standardized interface for querying and registering VNF instances, thereby reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from direct peer-to-peer discovery across heterogeneous data centers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal service-based interface that allows different types of VNF instances with varying configurations to be discovered and selected through a common mechanism. The NRF repository uses standardized data structures and query interfaces that can handle multiple VNF types, deployment locations, and configuration variations uniformly, enabling the system to manage diverse VNF instances without requiring separate discovery mechanisms for each type
2Reliability
If session information is maintained for stateful VNF instances, then service continuity is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring VNF state increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where VNF instances report their operational status, capacity, and session information to the NRF repository. The NRF maintains updated information about which VNF instances are stateful and their current session states. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically detect VNF state changes and adjust session routing accordingly, making state detection manageable through standardized reporting interfaces rather than requiring complex direct monitoring of each VNF instance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-registering VNF instances with the NRF before they are needed for session handling. The NRF maintains a ready repository of VNF instance capabilities and states, so when a session needs to be established or transferred, the system can quickly query the NRF for appropriate VNF instances without having to discover or detect their state at that moment. This preliminary registration and information maintenance simplifies real-time state detection
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for supporting network functions. In some example embodiments, there may be provided a method that includes selecting, by a network node, a network function instance and/or a group of network function instances, the selecting based on information indicating membership of the network function instance in the group of network functions instances and the information including session information for a request associated with a session of a user equipment, the session information indicating whether the network function instance and/or the group of network function instances is assigned to the user equipment; and forwarding, by the network node, the request to the selected network function instance and/or the selected group. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.